A farmer by talent and inclination and a man of unusually clear business judgment, George Washington Drake, now deceased, of Brushy Mound township, gained recognition as one of the thoroughly successful men on Macoupin county. Through unremitting industry he won a competence and by his fair dealing and interest in the welfare of others gained many friends, who will ever cherish his memory as of one deserving of profound respect and veneration. Born in Plainfield, New Jersey, February 22, 1850, he was a son of Edward and Mary C. (Walden) Drake, both of whom were born and reared in New Jersey. The father came west with his family in 1856 and located on a farm in Tazewell county, Illinois, where he died nineteen years ago. the mother continued living in the same county with her sons, David and Collins, until her death at an advanced age in 1908. In the family of Mr. and Mrs. Drake were twelve children, four of who are now living: Thomas, who was wounded while serving valiantly for the Union in the Civil war and now makes his home at St. Louis, Missouri; Judson and David, both of who reside at Delavan, Illinois; and Emma, who married Percival Place, of California. The deceased children of Mr. and Mrs. Drake are: Hanna Allen, George Washington, Jonathan, Daniel and Collins; and three who died in infancy. Daniel was a missionary of the Baptist church and made three trips to India.

   Mr. Drake, whose name stands at the head of this sketch, came to Illinois with his parents when he was six years old and in the common schools received his early education. He continued on the home farm until thirty-eight years of age, working for his parents and also at various times for neighboring farmers. He bought forty acres of land adjoining his fathers farm, which he cultivated until after his marriage, but he then disposed of this place and came to Macoupin county and acquired forty acres, which he purchased near Barnett, forty acres more being added by his father-in-law. In November, 1889, he moved to the eighty acres on section 12, Brushy Mound township, and lived there for six years. He then took up his residence with his family on the Brown farm in Shaws Point township, but six years later returned to Brushy Mound township and purchased two hundred and forty acres on section 36. which became the family homestead. After the death of Mr. Drake his widow rented out a portion of the farm but since 1905 her sons have had charge and have been very successful in their work. They carry on general farming and stock-raising, feeding the grain which they raise to a good grade of stock. They have used sound judgment and are highly competent as agriculturists and stock-raisers.

    On the 21st of March, 1888, Mr. Drake was married to Miss Mary Elizabeth Carrico, the eldest daughter of Nathaniel and Milbury J. (Mitchell) Carrico, a record of whom appears elsewhere in this work. Four children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Drake: Nathaniel Edward, who attended the Gillespie high school two years and is now at home; George Carrico, also at home, who was graduated from the Gillespie high school in 1911, and is now teaching at the Hart school of Honey Point township; Leslie Virgil, who attended the high school at Gillespie one year and is now at home; and Foster Brown, who is attending district school No. 106 of Gillespie township, and is also at home.

    Mr. Drake died in the prime of his life and activity March 6, 1904, having attained the age of fifty-four years. In his death the community realized that it had lost one of its most valued citizens. He was an advocate of the principles of the republican party and served as member of the school boards of districts 100 and 106, Brushy Mound township, being in the fifth year of his service at the time of his demise. For thirty-eight years he was a member of the Baptist church of Delavan, Illinois, his widow being a member of Honey Creek Baptist church of Gillespie township. The three older sons are also identified with this organization. Mr. Drake was connected with the Mutual Protective League of Litchfield, Illinois. As the head of a promising family he was proud of his wife and children and willing at all times to make personal sacrifices for their comfort or happiness. Mrs. Drake is still living on the old homestead and can claim many friends in a county where she and her family have been long and favorably known.