Descended from Colonial stock and inheriting the best traits of his forefathers, who carved the path of civilization into the wilderness that confronted the settlers of New England and tested the mettle of that hardy company, Jonathan Andrews, of Woonsocket, has worthily followed the traditions of industry and progress that were handed down to him. He holds a secure place in the esteem of his fellow-citizens, as has been amply illustrated by his selection for important public office, in which he has served with commendable activity in the interests of the people. He has shown himself to be devoted to the best interests of the community and has long been popular in political, fraternal and social circles.
He was born in Woonsocket, Rhode Island, February 19, 1876, and is a son of Jonathan and Harriet (Mason) Andrews, both born in Woonsocket and both deceased. His father was engaged as a woolen manufacturer. His direct ancestor was Jonathan Andrews, who fought in the American Revolution as a member of Colonel Jackson’s 16th Massachusetts Regiment. He was born in 1758 and died in 1829. His descendant and namesake received his education in the public schools of Woonsocket and at Bryant and Stratton’s Business College in Providence. His first business engagement was with a cotton manufacturing house, where he remained for two years. He then went to New York City, where he was employed in the wholesale meat packing business for fifteen years, when he returned to Woonsocket. Here he entered the political arena and in 1916 was elected to a seat in the State House of Representatives, where he served through that and the following year and a part of 1918, when he was elected sheriff of Providence County; he has served in that office since February 19, 1918. He is a Republican in politics and in religion a Quaker, attending the meetinghouse of the Society of Friends. His favorite recreation is hunting. He is a member of the Society of Sons of the American Revolution, Providence Chapter; Adytum Lodge, No. 640, Free and Accepted Masons, of Brooklyn, New York; Woonsocket Chapter, Royal Arch Masons; Woonsocket Council, Royal and Select Masters; Woonsocket Commandery, Knights Templar; Palestine Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine; and Woonsocket Lodge, No. 850, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.
Jonathan Andrews married, in 1918, Cora Darling, a native of Woonsocket.
Source: Carroll, Charles. Rhode Island: Three Centuries of Democracy, vol 3 of 4. New York: Lewis historical Pub. Co., 1932.