Correspondence, 1861-1932

The content of the John E. Andrus Papers collection spans many subjects and years. The earliest documents are found in the first folder and are from his final years at school. The folder otherwise consists of general letters written and received by Andrus throughout his life. A few are about his time at school, but most are in reference to his later occupations, including his teaching position and tenure as Mayor of Yonkers. A particularly touching letter is in response to a note of bereavement from a friend or acquaintance. Andrus's response thanks this person, and describes his deep sadness at the loss of his wife in poignant prose. Another personal letter is to his daughter, Ida, expressing his desire to help with her (unstated) illness in whatever way he can. A final letter in the collection is to then-President of McConaughy of Wesleyan, announcing his resignation from the position of trustee at Wesleyan due to his declining health.

The second folder contains a single document, a selection from an alumnus newsletter in 1930. This newsletter announces Andrus' recent distinction as oldest living alumnus, and includes a rather touching and fascinating letter from Andrus to the University community. In this letter, Andrus recounts a rather amusing story about his journey from New York to Wesleyan in the late 1850s and expresses his hopes for Wesleyan students and alumni.

The third folder consists of a collection of general notes and writings, including papers related to do the Union Line Railroad and the United States Treasury. There is also an unlabeled and rather unusual, poetic document that discusses what Andrus (presumably) would bequeath to seven grandchildren. Additionally, there is a long handwritten speech, presumably given to a group of Wesleyan Alumni sometime after the turn of the century.

The final folder includes a collection of academic essays written by Andrus, presumably in his time at school, on a range of subjects from science to religion.