Except for some brief biographical materials, 1920, and undated, the collection consists entirely of Andrew’s diaries, 1866-1920. His diaries document farm work, the weather, family visits, funerals, deaths, births, farm workers, health, and purchases and sales of goods, cattle, and crops. There is also a work diary, 1897, probably by a farm worker of Andrew’s.
Biography:
Andrew Jackson was born on May 30, 1837, the eldest of nine children born to John and Hannah Jackson. Andrew was the second white child born in Unadilla Township, Livingston County, Michigan. His parents came to Unadilla from New York (State). They bought a farm, which was later divided into parcels for five of their children: Andrew, John, James, Mrs. Hick, and Mrs. John Taylor. (Copies of plat maps in the Biographical Materials show the farm’s location.) In 1973, Frank Burgess, Andrew’s grandson, owned the farm.
On December 10, 1868, Andrew married Mary Jane Dutton. Together, they had five children: Frank Andrew (May 24-October 11, 1870); Minnie Adell, later Mrs. J.R. Burgess, (October 2, 1872-September 23, 1952); Mary Josephine (Josie), later Mrs. Fred A. Howlett, (November 4, 1874-May 6, 1972); Edith Aline (July 2-November 2, 1879); and Bernice Mae, later Mrs. V.R. Gardner, (May 20, 1884-[Alive in 1973]).
Andrew and Mary Jane were baptized by immersion on July 9, 1871 and joined the Presbyterian Church in Plainfield, Michigan. Andrew died on December 24, 1920 and was survived by his wife and daughters.
Mary Josephine married Fred A. Howlett on December 19, 1896. They were given a home in Gregory (Livingston County, Michigan) by Andrew. Andrew’s diaries were held there until Josie’s death in May 1972. Her children, Mrs. Mary Howlett Barnett; Howard Howlett; and daughter-in-law, Mrs. Doris (Frank) Howlett, donated the diaries via Josie’s niece, Mrs. Barbara Howlett Lichtenfelt. (This information is from the collection and donor form.)
