Transcript

of

Thomas Andrew [Obituary]

Trans. Devon. Assoc. vol. XXXV, (1903), pp. 33-34.

by

J. Brooking-Rowe (Ed.).

Prepared by Michael Steer

The obituary was read at the Association’s July 1903 Sidmouth meeting. A handsome portrait by an unknown artist, of Mr Andrew, who was the maternal grandfather of Ms Dorothy Holman is held by the Topsham Museum. It was bequeathed by Ms Holman to the Friends of Exeter Museums and Art Gallery, 1983; then transferred to Exeter City Council, 1993. A portrait is available at ArtUK. Mr Andrew’s fullsome obituary, from a copy of a rare and much sought-after journal can be downloaded from the Internet Archive. Google has sponsored the digitisation of books from several libraries. These books, on which copyright has expired, are available for free educational and research use, both as individual books and as full collections to aid researchers.

The late Thomas Andrew became a member of the Association in 1875, and for many years attended the meetings and interested himself in its welfare. From time to time he contributed valuable papers, but recently press of business and age prevented him from assisting in the work of the Society. Many of the older members were glad to see him at the Exeter Meeting of 1901.

Mr. Andrew was born 11th December, 1831, and was a Cornishman by birth, being the eldest son of Thomas Andrew, of Redruth. He was educated by Dr. Rickard, late of Owens College, Manchester. Early in life he came to Exeter to take the chief clerkship of the County Court. Soon afterwards His Honour Judge Tyrrell appointed him High Bailiff, in succession to the late Mr. Collins, and he also acquired a large practice as an accountant, especially in insolvency matters. On the passing of the Bankruptcy Act, 1883, Mr. Chamberlain offered him the Official Receivership of the Exeter district, which he held up to the time of his death. Mr. Andrew served the city in many civic capacities, and his career in this respect was surpassed by few citizens. He represented the old Trinity Ward in the City Council. Whilst he was a member of the Council in 1881 he was elected Mayor, and was requested to accept the office for a second year, but he declined. He became an alderman in 1883, and continued in that office until 1900. Among other offices Mr. Andrew held during a remarkably busy life were those of trustee of Municipal Charities, secretary of the Devon and Exeter Auxiliary Bible Society, and governor of the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital; but perhaps the work he did as an educationalist will longest live in the memory of the citizens, and have the most far-reaching consequences. Many citizens well recall how he and the Rev. H. Bramley, probably about the year 1871, visited the old dame-schools in the city and drew up a plan for the establishment of proper infant schools in various parts, as well as his labours in the establishment generally of the Board School system. Through his efforts mainly it is that the Royal Albert Memorial College has attained its present high position, for it was he who managed to secure the land for the first extension of the memorial building, after futile efforts extending over a lengthened period, and he worthily completed his endeavours in this direction by collecting the funds required to croct the west wing, in which are cont4iined the library and art gallery. Since then two additions have been made. Owing to the state of his health, Mr. Andrew retired from the chairmanship of the School Board in 1901. The Board passed a very gratifying resolution of recognition of his valuable services in the cause of education, and presented him with a handsome illuminated album. For some two years before his death Mr. Andrew had been in indifferent health. He died suddenly on the morning of the 14th September, 1902, and was buried at the Higher Cemetery, Exeter.