Andrews, William H. (William Henry), 1842-1919

Delegate to U. S. Congress from New Mexico.

William Henry "Bull" Andrews was born in Youngsville, Pa., on January 14, 1842. He was a member of the Pennsylvania State Sentate and House of Representatives. When the voters "retired him from office" in 1902, Andrews moved to Sierra County, N.M. He later moved to Albuquerque. Andrews became an astute and dominant politician in New Mexico. He was influential in obtaining statehood for New Mexico. Andrews organized and promoted the Pennsylvania Development Co., builders of the New Mexico Central Railroad. While in office, he was blamed for a $300,000 shortage in a Pennsylvania bank, money allegedly used to finance the Santa Fe Central Railway. He died in Pennsylvania on January 16, 1919.

William Henry "Bull" Andrews was born in Youngsville, Pennsylvania, on January 14, 1842. He was educated in public schools in Pennsylvania. He was a member of the Pennsylvania State Senate from 1895-1898, and a member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives from 1889-1890 and 1891-1902. From 1889-1890, he was chair of the Pennsylvania Republican State Central Committee. When the voters "retired him from office" in 1902, Andrews moved to Sierra County, New Mexico. He later moved to Albuquerque.

Andrews became an astute and dominant politician in New Mexico. A year after arriving, he was elected to the New Mexico Territorial Council. He was elected to Congress in 1905 (narrowly defeating Octaviano Larrazolo), and reelected twice, serving in the 59th, 60th and 61st Congress, 1905-1911. Andrews was influential in obtaining statehood for New Mexico. He expected to be rewarded by election to the U.S. Senate, however, an alliance between Thomas Catron and Albert Fall thwarted Andrews' efforts.

Andrews organized and promoted the Pennsylvania Development Co., builders of the New Mexico Central Railroad. While in office, he was blamed for a $300,000 shortage in a Pennsylvania bank, money allegedly used to finance the Santa Fe Central Railway.

William Henry "Bull" Andrews died in Pennsylvania on January 16, 1919, virtually penniless. He spent a fortune in politics, always hopeful that he would get a seat in the U.S. Senate.