My Genealogy Hound

EDWIN DRAKE. Ordinarily the early settlers of this county came from eastern New York, New England or across the great waters, but quite the reverse is to be recorded of Mr. Drake. Edwin Drake is a son of William and Keziah (Clay) Drake, who gave him birth March 12, 1827. Grandfather Drake was born in Ohio, near Ashtabula, followed farming and died a large land owner, and, for the times, a wealthy man. William Drake was born in Ashtabula, county, Ohio, in 1796. He heard of the fertility of Chautauqua’s soil, and came here and settled in Portland, now Westfield town. He married Keziah Clay, of Vermont, and by her had several children.

His health failed him and while yet a young man, he was called to the unknown world in 1831, aged thirty-five years. From his arrival in the county until his death he had been engaged in clearing a farm and tilling the soil.

Edwin Drake was left without a father when but four years old. He had a mother though whose heart was stout and whose determination and will was strong, and to this may be attributed Mr. Drake’s present standing. A good mother is of more value to a young man when starting in life, than a pocket full of gold. He was reared on the farm and has never forsaken it. To-day he has a good place on the main road one and a half miles from Westfield. Like many of his neighbors in north-western Chautauqua, he devotes considerable attention to grape growing, which is the source of a good portion of their income.

Edwin Drake married Eliza Law in 1858. She was a daughter of Thomas Law, a native of Ireland, but living in Westfield town. They have two children living: William and George. Their only daughter, Malinda, died November 21, 1890, aged twenty-eight years.

Edwin Drake is a democrat of unswerving loyalty and conducts his farm in a way that commands the admiration of his neighbors.