Lewis Drake
Lewis Drake, now serving as clerk of Center township, is not
only a popular and able official but also one of the most
progressive and successful farmers Allamakee, his native county.
He owns two hundred acres of land on section 23 and upon this
farm he was born March 9, 1871. His father, John Drake, was a
native of Canada but was reared in New York state, where he
remained until he was twenty-four years of age. From New York he
went to Michigan, working in the lumber camps in the winter and
in the sawmills in summer and continuing thus until 1868, when he
came to Allamakee county. Here he purchased one hundred and sixty
acres of slightly improved land, erected thereon good buildings
and engaged in general farming until his death, which occurred
March 17, 1908, when he was seventy-three years of age. He was a
republican in his political beliefs and active in local politics,
holding various important township offices and acting as township
clerk at the time of his demise. He married, in Michigan, Miss
Sarah J. Curley, who was born in Canada but reared in the
Wolverine state. They became the parents of five children: Frank,
engaged in the real-estate business in Minneapolis, Minnesota;
Lewis, of this review; Jennie, who died at the age of
twenty-four; C. C., a traveling salesman with headquarters in
Sedalia, Missouri; and Clarence, who died in childhood. The
mother passed away February 5, 1904. She was a member of the
Presbyterian church.
Lewis Drake acquired his education in the district schools of
Center township and grew to manhood upon his father’s farm,
learning at an early age the various details connected with the
operation of the homestead. After his father’s death he
purchased the interests of the other heirs and is now sole
proprietor of the home place, which is called Lyndale and which
is today one of the finest farms in this locality. Since the
death of his father Mr. Drake has been serving as township clerk
and has proven eminently well qualified for the office,
discharging his duties in a conscientious, able and progressive
way.
Mr. Drake married Miss Grace M. Phipps, a native of Allamakee
county and a daughter of M. T. Phipps, a prominent farmer of La
Fayette township. They are the parents of a daughter, Myrtle E.,
and a son, John Lewis. Mr. Drake hives his political allegiance
to the republican party and in matters of citizenship is
progressive and public-spirited, taking an active interest in
everything pertaining to the general growth and development. He
has spent his entire life in cultural interests, combined with
his many excellent personal characteristics, have gained him an
enviable reputation in the regard of those with whom he is
associated.
-source: Past & Present of Allamakee County; by
Ellery M. Hancock; S. J. Clarke Pub. Co.; 1913
-transcribed by Diana Diedrich
Return to 1913 biographies index