Government

Town Government:

The Town of Andover was settled in 1642 and incorporated May 6, 1646.

Originally, Andover encompassed what is today North Andover and much of Lawrence.
1845: Lawrence was formed from portions of Andover and Methuen


• Also reference Lawrence's History Center for historical information past this date
  A link has been provided to their website at the bottom of the Subject Matter Index References page



1855: North and South Andovers formally separated.


• Also reference North Andover's Historical Society for historical information past this date
  A link has been provided to their general information via the ENHA website at the bottom of the Subject Matter Index References page

• Ancient Town Records, 1656 - 1708:
  Andover town meetings, land grants, etc.
  Published by the Town of Andover
  (AHS Library)

• Andover Town Meetings:
  As Interpreted by Forbes Rockwell 1709-1778, and 1787-1798
  By Rockwell, Forbes
  (AHS Library 974.451 ATM)

• Andover Town Meeting Warrants & Records
  (AHS Library)

• Report on Town Ways, 1712/13, 1729/30, 1753
  Written by South Parish Assessors
  (AHS Library MSS556)

• Andover's 250th Anniversary Celebration: Published in 1896, this massive journal of the 250th Celebration includes information about the speeches, activities, guest lists, committees and every major detail of the major 250th town anniversary celebration.
  NOTE: There's also a companion booklet which details the businesses of the major contributors
  Published by the Town of Andover
  (AHS Library - Available for Loan)



Andover Historical Society Newsletter Articles:
Andover's 1896 Police Force - written by George Glennie - Vol. 04, No. 2
Town Hall was an Administrative and Social Center - written by Bernice Haggerty - Vol. 09, No. 1
Protecting Andover Property and Lives: 1829—1870 (Firefighting) - written by Patricia Coppeta - Vol. 09, No. 3
Annual Meeting and Exhibition: “Main Street Scene, 1850 - 1950” - written by Charlotte Smith - Vol. 14. No. 1
Andover Rededicates Old Town Hall 4/28, 5/6 & 5/7 - written by Norman Gammon and Charlotte Smith - Vol. 14, No. 1
Rededication of Town Hall was a Historic Success - written by Charlotte Smith - Vol. 14. No. 2
Our Local Government has Changed Since the 1830's - written by Barbara Thibault and Others - Vol. 17. No. 4
Early Welfare System Reminder Still & Exists in Andover (Almshouse) - written by Joan Patrakis - Vol. 18, No. 2
Andover’s Town Meeting Has Survived 340 Years of Change - written by Joan Patrakis - Vol. 20, No. 1
Voelckers Designed Andover's Town House in 1858 - written by Roger C. Reed - Vol. 21, No. 4
Horses Helped Firefighters - written by Anna Radocchia - Vol. 23, No.4
Fire Alarm Was Versatile Communications Link - written by Joan Patrakis - Vol. 28, No.3

County Government:

• Essex Memorial for 1836: Essex County History & Reports of Communities
  Published by Essex County
  (AHS Library 974.45 ESN)

• Vital Records of Andover Massachusetts to the end of the year 1849
  Vol. I - Births, Vol. II - Marriages and Deaths
  Note: Topsfield published local records as part of a state-wide project
  Published by the Topsfield Historical Society 1912
  (AHS Library)

Andover Historical Society Newsletter Articles:
Vital Statistics Can Be Colorful - written by Joan Patrakis - Vol. 7, No. 2
Vital Records Speak Volumes - written by Joan Patrakis - Vol. 27 No. 2

Federal Government:

• U.S. Census of Andover for 1880, 1900, 1920
  (AHS Library)

Andover Historical Society Newsletter Articles:
1817 New Orleans Map Shows Louisiana Purchase - written by Geneva Killorin - Vol. 04, No. 1
Andover's Strange Role in Ratifying The Constitution - written by Susan Harris - Vol. 13. No. 1
1828 Presidential Election: Jacksonian Political Revolt - written by Marilyn Burns - Vol. 13, No. 3
Whigs Rallied in Andover in 1843 - written by Warren Lewis - Vol. 17. No. 3
Andover's Ethnic Heritage: A Census Research Report - written by Gratia Mahony - Vol. 18, No. 3
Andoverite May Have Inspired Uncle Sam's Popular Depiction - written by Joan Patrakis - Vol. 23 No. 2

The following Members of the U.S. Congress lived in Andover.

The following U.S. Congressmen attended Phillips Academy in Andover:

The following U.S. Congressman attended Franklin Academy when North Andover was still a part of Andover:

The following U.S. Representatives attended Phillips Academy in Andover:

The following U.S. Senator attended Phillips Academy in Andover:

The following U.S. Presidents attended Phillips Academy in Andover:

More information: