Bio: Judge Richard C. Drew, Webster Par., Louisiana
Source:Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Northwest Louisiana
The Southern Publishing Company, Chicago & Nashville, 1890
Submitted by: Gwen Moran-Hernandez
Date: April 2000



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===Judge Richard C. Drew, attorney, Minden, Ark.  Judge Drew is one of 
those men, too few in number, who fully recognize the truth so often 
urged by the sages of the law, that, of all men, the reading and 
thought of a lawyer should be the most extended.  Systematic reading 
gives a more comprehensive grasp to the mind, variety and richness to 
thought, and a clearer perception of the motive of men and the 
principles of things, indeed of the very spirit of laws.  This he has 
found most essential in the prosecution of his professional practice.  
Judge Drew is a native of Webster Par., Louisiana., born on April 17, 1849, 
and is the son of Judge R. M. and Sarah (Cleveland) Drew, natives of 
Kentucky and South Carolina, respectively.  The father moved to 
Louisiana when a young man, and was married her to Miss Cleveland, 
who was reared in this State.  The Cleveland's were among the pioneers 
of the Creole State.  Judge R. M. Drew received a thorough education 
in his native State (Kentucky), read law and was admitted to the bar 
there.  He was a prominent lawyer of North Louisiana for a number of 
years, and was in the front rank in his profession.  He served as judge
of the parish, and also in the Legislature of this State as senator, 
being a member of that honorable body at the time of his death in 1851.
His widow survived him until 1880.  R. C. Drew, the subject of this 
sketch, attained his growth in this parish, received a good education 
at the Homer College, and after completing his studies there he began 
reading law under A. B. George, now judge of this judicial district.  
He was admitted to the bar at Monroe in 1872, and began the practice 
of his profession in Minden.  He was parish attorney for Webster parish 
four years, and in 1876 he was elected parish judge of Webster Par., Louisianabeing re-elected at the end of his term, and serving four years in 
that capacity.  In 1879 he was elected district judge of this judicial 
district, re-elected to this important position in 1884, and has 
served as district judge here fifteen consecutive years.  Judge R. M. 
Drew, Judge H. A. Drew and our subject served as judges of this 
territory for forty-five years.  After the expiration of his term of 
office Judge R. C. Drew continued the practice of his profession at 
Minden.  He is an able lawyer, one of the best in North Louisiana, 
and he still takes a deep interest in the political questions of the 
day.  He has served in numerous conventions.  Judge Drew was married 
in Bossier Parish, November 15, 1880, to Miss Katie Caldwell, a native
of Louisiana, but who was reared in this State.  She was educated and 
a graduate of a female college at Paris, Tex.  Judge and Mrs. Drew 
have three children viz.: Richard C., Katie C. and Harman G.  The 
Judge is a Master Mason, and has served as master of his lodge and 
other official positions.  It is said that success is the best test 
of merit in this life, and Judge R. C. Drew is in every way a success-
ful man.  There is not a resident in the city who has a large speaking 
acquaintance than he, and all of his acquaintances respect and are 
willing to serve him.  Mrs. Drew is a member of the Presbyterian 
Church, and is a most estimable lady.