John Arthur Andrews (sometimes called Anarchist Andrews[1]) was born on 27 October 1865 in Bendigo, Victoria, Australia, the son of Eliza Mary Ann Andrews (nee Barnett) and John Andrews.[2]
He was educated at Scotch College in Melbourne, Victoria.[2]
His first job was as a public servant in the Department of Mines.[2] After nearly five years in the department, he was dismissed for insubordination in December 1886.[2] He next turned to journalism, writing for Melbourne's Punch and Herald, and for Sydney's Bulletin.[2]
He was a passionate advocate of anarchy.[2][3] In 1894 he published A Handbook of Anarchy, and spent time in gaol in New South Wales (about eight months) for charges including 'seditious libel'.[2][4] In Melbourne, he was a member of the Melbourne Anarchist Club.[2]