The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1853-05-26

well as the progress Of medical science and the
medical schools exhibited his acquaintance
with the subject, his fine memory, and his eyi-
dent enthusiasm in dwelling upon the charac-
ters and labors of his companions Of by-gono
years.
The Commercial Hospital at this place owes
more to him than to any one besides. He was
the most indeiatigable Of its originators press
ed its importance upon tho Legislature, and
persevered in his efforts until be saw it char
tered and established. He introduced the
Temperance enterprise in the West, by dely-
ering in 1927 Discourse on the subject advo-
eating total abstinence from ardent spirits as
a beverage, on the same grounds that Doctor
Beccher had taken at the East. This lecture
was delivered in the Court House on the after
noon Of a warm day in summer, and attracted
much attention ut the time, his views being
considered novel, rs it was then the general
custom among all classes of society to drink
ain moderation" IL was printed in pamphlet
form, and the writer of this sketch. then boy,
well remembers the sensation produced by the
lecture, and its being common topic Of con-
versatiOn From that period to his DEATH Dr.
Drake continued one of the most earnest ad-
vcoates of total abstinence principles, both in
his instructions and his personal example
While Professor in Pennsylvania University,
KY, DIR. Drake became acquainted with Henry
Clay, and in the canvass of 1924 he warmly
advocated with his pen the election Of the
great Kcntuckian to the Presidency. He was
one of the few personal friends to whom Mr..
Clay conided his intention of voting for Mr.
Adams, in case the choice between him and
General Jackson was thrown into the House
of Representatives. He WIS a Wing in his
political views but was not politician, being
too much absorbed in other and more congo
NAL pursuits to mcddle in party politics
The first Episcopal Church in Cincinnati
was organized at the house of DR.. Drake, in
1878; and with that religious body he ever
after sympathized, though he did not become
communicate until 1910. From that time
till his death he was a most efficient member
of the church. taking deep interest and
prominent part in its various agencies of prac-
teal benevolence He was Evangelical, and a
decided Low Churchman in his religious views,
and wrote very ably in defence of them in the
Episcopal Recorder of Philadelphia Towards
other churches he was liberal, and always CO.
operated cordially with Christians of every
name in the promotion of any benevolent en-
terprise.
In domestic life the strength of his affection
and all the finest traits of the heart were
strongly exhibited In sos he married Har-
riet Lsson, necc of Gen Mansfield one of
the early settlers in Ohio. With her he lived
nearly twenty years exhibiting towards her n
strength Of devotion seldom equalled-neyer
exceeded. From her death he lived widower.
ever Borrowing over her memory Three of
his children, now with families, were the OBJ
ects of his constant solictude. With his two
L. L. A
ard left thcm with the example of life full
of usefulness and hope beyond it full of
immortality"
DR.. Drake was a man of great activity of
mind there are very few men that have been
more So He could neUer be idle for day.
When not engaged in practice, he was prepar-
ing or delivering his lectures, or writing for
the press, or engaged in forwarding some new
enterprise, Never could he be contented to
Gle up" and rest from labor in the decline of
life. 1t was this ceaseleSS activity leading him
to too close and drduous study that brough on
a disease of the BRAIN and terminated his life
He was equally ct home with the pen or in the
desk, and alike laborious in investigation and
in preparing his compositions for the public
His early associations with the woods and fields
led him to love the study of Nature, and to cul-
tivate taste for the natural sciences He was
yet more student of Man, and his wants both
social and physical and, being anything but
q mere theorizer, he was eminentiy practical in
his views, and, however he may have erred in
judgment at times, his aims were for the good
of his fellow men. In intention he WAS true
hearted philanthropist.
Such, in few words was the character of
this distinguished physician, naturalist, writer,
and orator, of original mind and varied attain
ments and untiring devotion in the path of duty.
In him, Cincinnati has lost one of her most
substantial and large-hoarted bcnefactors. The
loss Of such q man has no reparaton but in
the hope that, guided and enlightened 10y his
example, many among the young Of the pres
ent generation may emulate his virtues, and
tread the same path of self devotion to all tn,
best interests of mankind. For ourselves, W,
can only lament the star that is set on thil
hemisphere, to rise no more. And yet, of tha
star may we not say, his
Morning high and higher shines,
| To pure and perfect DAY"
Cincinnati Nay IL, 1853. r.