Thomas B. Andrews
Died, at Independence, Ohio, February 28th, 1889, Thomas B. Andrews, aged 81 years, 9 months and 11 days. He had been an active and consistent member of the Methodist church for over 60 years, for the aid of which he gave both of his time and money. The funeral was held at the M.P. church last Sabbath, conducted by Rev. Austin Philpot, of Bellville. His remains were laid to rest in the cemetery near the village, by the brothers of the I.O.O.F., of which he had been an active member for 45 years, being the oldest member of No. 19, of Mansfield, of which there was over 90 present at the funeral, also brothers from Fredericktown, Bellville, Lexington, Lucas and Sturges Lodge, of Newville. Many members of the Patrons of Husbandry, of which he had been an earnest and active worker since its organization, were present. The funeral was the largest ever in this vicinity, fully 1,000 being present. He leaves a wife, who had been his companion for over 60 years, also 8 daughters, 1 son, 68 grand-children and 49 great-grand-children. Father Andrews was a man of many virtues; vices he had none, he will be missed in our community, he was always ready to aid the needy. Let us, who survive him, emulate his virtues and his frailties, if any, forget. Thomas B. Andrews was born May 17, 1807, in Stark county, Ohio. In the fall of 1833 he moved to Richland county to remain permanently and in 1882 he rented his farm and moved to the village of Independence, where he resided at the time of his death. His wife is still living. They celebrated their sixtieth wedding anniversary the 22nd of January last. He gave the lot on which the present Methodist Protestant building stands and aided largely in its building and gave both of his time and means for its maintenance. He joined the I.O.O.F. in 1844. He filled the stations of V.G. and N.G. without missing a meeting in one year, traveling from home to Mansfield on horse back to keep his engagements. He was also a member of the encampment, an Odd Fellow from principle and next ot his family and church he loved the order best. He was also a member of the Patrons of Husbandry, was active and energetic in its advancement and for the promotion of agriculture. He laid out the village of Independence, taking a lot for pay. He was the first postmaster, having the office in his house, when the mail was carried on horseback. In politics he was a Democrat of the old school. He filled various offices of trust and was commissioner of the county two terms also filled the office of J.P. of this township for 21 years. Submitted by Lynnea.
From RICHLAND SHIELD & BANNER, 09 March 1889, p. 5
Thomas B. Andrews, Butler's first postmaster, was a justice of the peace for many years and served two terms as county commissioner, from 1845. His brother, John E. Andrews, a soldier in the Civil War, was the father of Emerson Andrews, of Buckingham Street, and Miss Luella Andrews, now a clerk at Maxwell's.
From Bellville Messenger: 04 June 1903, Vol. 11, No. 12