St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1892-02-16

- - - l. FNSSN I'll II. DurlnS
the seventy
eight years of existence he had been en-
ergetic in every business undertaking.
and his business experience began be-
fore he had reached his twenty-firSt
birthday.
Although Mr.. Drake had enjoyed gen.
eral good health and had little use for
physicians until 1890, an attack of heart
disease during the fall of that year
caused him TO spend the winter IN Flor
ida, where his condition for time was
quite alarming, and bis son, Harry L.
Drake, went to his beside. He recov.
cred from that attack and returned
home iii the spring of 1891, saying that
he felt almost like his former self. The
mild climate Of California seemed de-
sirable for this winter, and Mr.. and Mrs.
Drake went to Coronado beach in De-
cember last, accompanied by Mr.. and
Mrs. A. Ii. Wilder. They remained
at Hotel Coronado, just across the
bay from San Diego, Cal. Mr..
Drake seemed to enjoy fair condition
of health. but the fears of a relapse
were realized on the 14th inst, when
telegram received by Alexander NJ.
Drake from his mother said that the
fathers condition was serious. AleXan
der NJ. Drake left for California on the
first train Sunday evening. A later tel
egram said Mr.. brakes condition was
very critical, and the next message was
from DIR. Morton saying that he had
died at 40 O'Clock that evening. The
announcement here yesterday caused
Profound sorrow
among the business men and many 9th
ers. Mr.. Brakes ability and integrity
were known, and many expressed the
ich hot l,1,t irriat hoy n
few years more of active life in st.
Paul.
In Ohio and Minnesota, in fact, all
over the country, he had had success
full career among business men, in the
legal ranks and among leading states
men. but his proudest achievement was
the building of the first railroad in this
state and in extending it so that the st.
Paul & Sioux City. railway be-
came great and valuable fact
or in the development of Mime
sofa. During his experience here he
devoted most of his energy very aSsidu-
Ously to the successful realization of
thau railway projeetryet he never failed
to treat all the visitors at his Office with.
courtesy. Many evidences of The chart
ties that he dispensed quietly all
through his life have come to lightssince
his retirement a few years ago from
active business - ilt>& RS y 80
In The sale of the Sioux City road to
the Omaha line he displayed the best
known evidence of his business acumen
and legal talent. He had gone to New
York in 1878 with Horace Thompson,
then president of the First National
Bank of st. Paul, with view of buying
the property since known as the
'Omaha" and consolidating It with the
sSSiony Citxr Mr. fEhnnncon vrac to
be president of the new company. Hor-
ace Thompson died while the -negotIa-
tions were pending, and being unwiil-
ing TO shoulder the entire management
MIR. Drake turned the tables, sold the
Sioux City road to the Eastern capital
lists. taking stock in the Omaha" for
part of the purchase plice. and preserv-
ing to the Sioux City Land company the
rights to the land grant III which, of
course, Mr.. Drake acquired a heavy
property interest.
His attention then became centered
more upon acre property, his city real
estate, mills and live stock. He took
life more easily, and while doing so he
Garnered His Properties,
so that his estate is valued by some
well-infOrmed men at S., 600, 600. In 1882
he built, on Third street. the Drake
block. a handsome seven-story monu-
ment to his name and enterprise. This
was partially burned in December, 1888.
but was rebuilt at once. The largest
wholesale building in the city be-
longs to his estate, and he
built and gave away fine
wholesale structure on Fourth street.
mansion in size and adornment. and he
presented his daughters with handsome
residences as wedding presents.
His son, Alexander M. Drake, has
long been his private secretary. He
will probably meet his mother, who has
started for this city with the remains.
They will probably meet in New Mex
leo, and reach here Saturday. No
definite arrangements have yet been
made for the funeral services here.
The nearest relatives are: Mrs. E. F.
Drake and the children. in the following
order: Mrs. Charles S. Rogers, Harry
S. Tompkins, Mrs. w. II. Lightner.
Most of the children are married to st.
Paul people, and the entire family holds
a very high position in the estimation
of the community. The nephews, James
Ii. Drake and Hal c. Drake also hold
leading positions in business here.
They speak in the highest terms of
their uncle's considerable methods. Mr..
and Mrs. G. FL. Bigelow, who are at
Thomasville, Fla, on account of Mr..
Bigelow's health, were telegraphed to.
They are the parents of Mrs. Harry Il.
Drake. A. b. Stickney, who is in New
York, was also advised by wire.
The deceased was a regular attendant
of the First Brptist church, of which he
was mainstay. although not a member
of any church organization. His rela-
tiycs speak in high praise of his exem-
plary habits and say no profanity, no
obscenity fell from his lips, and his son
said: He never said cross words to
MOTHER" A telegram to the family
from Arian Iselin, leading New York
banker, yesterday said:
I'VE offer you our sincere sympathy in the
loss you have met with in the death OF your
father"
Among those living who were closest
to Mr.. Drake are: A. Fl. Wilder, ex-
Gov. Alex Ramsey, Gov. William Il.
Merriam, Gen. j. w. Bishop and III. C.
Upham. Among the Sioux City, road
representatives. who have Joined the
silent majority are: Horace Thompson.
Col. John l.. Merriam, J. c. Boyden and
Mr.. Hamilton.
Merriam,s Testimony.
Gov William r Marian, oon,nont