Andrew Drummond was born in 1811 in Scotland and received his education at the University of Edinburgh. In 1833, he came to Canada at the invitation of his uncle, Robert Drummond, who was involved in extensive work on the Rideau Canal. After the death of Robert Drummond, Andrew held positions at the Bank of Canada in Kingston starting in 1834 and later at the Bank of Montreal in 1846. He published several articles, primarily focusing on botany and geology.

His son Charles played a significant role in promoting the Hudson's Bay Railway. Another son, Frank, was associated with the Northwest Navigation Company, while George attempted to establish a company to promote a new version of a typewriter he invented.