Andrew H. Cordiner is at the head of one of the well managed and successful commercial enterprises of Laramie, where since 1898 he has engaged in the drug business, conducting his interests at the present time under the style of the A. H. Cordiner Drug Company. p_s_hoyt.htm     He was born in Laramie, October 22, 1875, and is a son of the late William Cordiner, a native of Scotland, who came to America in 1866 and the same year took up his abode in Laramie after living for some months in Boston and for one year in Aurora, Illinois. He was a plumber by trade and was the first to engage in that business in Laramie, where he continued to make his home until his death, which occurred on the 24th of March, 1913, when he was seventy-five years of age. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Elizabeth Michie, is also a native of the land of hills and heather and with her husband and three children came to America. She still survives and makes her home in Laramie. Her family altogether numbered ten children, five of whom are yet living, namely: James, who was born in Scotland and is a plumber by trade, following that business in Laramie; John R., who was born in Laramie and is assistant postmaster; Andrew H., of this review; D. C. Cordiner, who is a captain of the coast artillery and in France and was graduated from the Annapolis Naval Academy in 1908; and Lucy, who is a teacher in the University of Minnesota. p_s_hoyt.htm     Andrew H. Cordiner was educated in the public and high schools of Laramie and in the University of Wyoming and following his graduation he became connected with the drug firm known as the Eggleston & Desmond Drug Company. With that firm he learned the business and passed the state examination in 1901. He continued with the Eggleston & Desmond Drug Company for four years and then purchased an interest in the business. The followine year he became half owner of the business in connection with Mr. Eggleston and upon the latter's death in 1910 purchased the entire business, which has been incorporated under the style of the A. H. Cordiner Drug Company. This is the leading drug store of the kind in Laramie and in addition to the main house he conducts a branch store under the style of the Laramie Drug Company, of which he is the secretary and treasurer, with Mrs. A. H. Cordiner as the president. He has indeed made for himself a most creditable position in commercial circles, working his way steadily upward until he now stands in a position of leadership in connection with the drug trade of the state, having a splendidly appointed establishment in which he carries an extensive line of drugs and druggists’ sundries. His stores are most attractive in appearance because of the neat and tasteful arrangement and by reason of the equipment of the stores, and his business methods commend him to the patronage of the public.
    On the 6th of September, 1900, at Salt Lake City, Utah, Mr. Cordiner was married to Miss Marion J. Brownlee, a native of Gault, Canada, and a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. George Brownlee, who were representatives of an old Scotch family and have now passed away. Mr. and Mrs. Cordiner have become parents of four children: Hamilton, who was born in Laramie, November 4, 1901; Frank B., who was born January 5, 1903; William Cranston, born March 14, 1904; and Marion Grace, born September 20, 1910.
    Mr. Cordiner exercises his right of franchise in support of the measures of the republican party. He has served as a member of the school board of Laramie for nine years and was director for one year. The cause of education finds in him a stalwart champion, for he does everything in his power to advance the interests of the schools and raise the standards of public instruction, recognizing that the public school system is one of the bulwarks of the nation. Fraternally he is well known, holding membership with the Masons, the Knights of Pythias, the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and the Woodmen of the World. He formerly served as state president of the Elks and is a past district deputy. His religious faith is indicated by his membership in St. Matthews Episcopal church, in which he is serving as senior warden. He belongs to the Chamber of Commerce and cooperates in all well defined plans and purposes for the upbuilding of the city. In a word, he allies his interests with the material, intellectual, social and moral progress of the community and his aid along these lines has been farreaching and resultant. Moreover, there is an inspirational element in his life record, for it shows what can be accomplished through individual effort and laudable ambition guided by sound judgment.