Ionia County MI Archives Obituaries.....Drake, James Benson January 5, 1915
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Nan Wheaton wheaton1624@yahoo.com March 12, 2017, 12:53 pm

Daily Sentinel - Wednesday, Jan. 13, 1915

                             JAMES B. DRAKE
             Served in Civil War and Lived an Honorable Life.

James B. Drake died at his home at 3 o'clock Tuesday afternoon. Until a year 
ago he was a resident of Easton township, being one of the prominent 
residents there. He was the only son of Philemon and Caroline (Miller) Drake 
and was born May 4, 1844. His age thus being 70 years, 8 months and 1 day. 
He grew to manhood on his father's farm and obtained his education in the 
common schools. 

When but 18 years old in August, 1862 he entered the Union army being 
enrolled in Co. D, 138th N.Y. infantry. After a short time the command was 
merged into the 9th N.Y. Heavy Artillery under the command of Col. W. H. 
Seward, Jr., son of the renowned Secretary Seward. Mr. Drake took part in 
the siege of Petersburg, battle of Cold Harbor and numerous skirmishes of 
greater or less importance. 

While in the army he contracted a chronic infirmity with which he suffered 
until his demise. His war record was that of an earnest, enthusiastic 
patriot, valorous in action, cheerful under privation and ready in 
obedience. 

When discharged from the army Mr. Drake returned to his native state from 
whence he came to Michigan in 1878. Deciding upon Ionia county as the scene 
of his future operations he made a home in Otisco township but moved to 
Easton township in the spring of 1885.

With industrious habits and around labors he has won a merited place of 
honor in the community. Mr. Drake served three successive terms as 
supervisor of Easton township, giving satisfaction to his constituency 
regardless of party affiliations. In all business transactions he has been 
honorable and just and enjoyed the confidence of all whom he has had 
dealings. 

Twenty years ago he united with the Easton M. E. church. Until the 
infirmities of advancing years made it impossible to attend the services of 
the Lords house he had been found on the Lord's day attending Divine 
worship. His faith has never wavered but grew brighter with the waning 
years. The wife who has shared the home of Mr. Drake gave him her hand in 
New York on the 17th of August 1869. She bore the maiden name of Mar. C. 
Drake. The union has been blessed with the birth of three children, Carrie 
L. , Nellie W. and Gertrude. These with their mother and numerous others are 
glad today that such a life has been lived but are sad that such a life has 
been taken away from them. 

Additional Comments:
Buried: 7 January, 1915
Easton cemetery #229


Ctf: b. May 4, 1844 N.Y. - son of Philmore Drake & Caroline (Miller)

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