Editor’s Note: In conjunction with the Chenango County Civil War Commemoration Project Team, The Evening Sun will present a monthly series chronicling items of local interest during the war between the states, compiled and written by a number of local history enthusiasts.

By Nancy Bromley

Greene Historical Society

“I take this opportunity to write you a few lines ---”

Thus began Private Henry Andrews correspondence during the Civil War, home to his wife Elizabeth (Franklin) Andrews. Who was Henry Andrews and where did he live?

Henry was born November 14, 1834 in Coventry, the eldest son of Anson and Sylva (Yale) Andrews. The family farm was located on Sprague Road, “Wilkins Settlement” in Coventryville. There were three brothers and three sisters; two of his siblings died at an early age.

Henry married Elizabeth (Franklin) Brown on March 17, 1858 in Oxford. Elizabeth was the widow of William D. Brown. In December of 1858, Henry purchased a tract of land on Beebe Road in Coventryville where the newlyweds began farming.