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Like his father and brothers, Andrew made a good
life for his family. Each of his children, male and female,
received an outstanding education.
The one story about Andrew that has survived
through time concerns his adopted nephew, the Honorable
Alexander Thomson.
In a later time in history, a biographer of the
Honorable Alexander Thomson described his Uncle Andrew
as a hard worker and a strict task master. Be that as it may, it
was Andrew who recognized Alexander’s love of book
learning and his lack of enthusiasm to work the land.
Andrew arranged for Alexander to live with Rev. Grier, a
prominent Presbyterian minister in Northumberland,
Pennsylvania where he would have greater opportunities to
study the classics and languages. After three years,
Alexander returned to nearby Bedford County to take up the
post of principal of the academy and to study law with Judge
Riddle. Alexander’s auspicious career in state and federal
legislatures and the federal judiciary has been well
documented and does not need to be repeated here.
Isabella is the silent partner in Andrew’s soft walk
through history. As Isabella is not mentioned in Andrew’s
will it is assumed she predeceased him. Andrew left an
unusual will. His son William is made executor and given
three years to work every part of the holdings. At the end of
three years he is to sell all real estate and inventory and