Theodore Drake is one of the younger representatives of the farming interest of Miami county, his birth having occurred on the 23d of January, 1872, on the old Drake homestead, in Washington township. His grandfather, Daniel Drake, was a native of New Jersey, and after his marriage there emigrated westward to Ohio, where in connection with his brother he entered a tract of land in Washington township. Here he built a home in the midst of the forest, and began the development of a farm. His first wife died and he afterward married Susan Hillard. Throughout an active business career his time and attention were devoted to his farming interests, and he continued upon the old homestead until his demise. He was a member of the Baptist church, and in his political faith was a Democrat. His children were: John, of Washington township, who has been twice married, his second union being with Phoebe Stewart; Eliza, wife of Mitchell Morrow, of Washington township; Theodore, of Washington township, who wedded Annie Du Bois; Callie, wife of Frank Licklider, of Piqua; Thomas, who married Jennie Knouff and died in Washington township.

George H. Drake, the youngest child in the family of Daniel Drake, was born and reared upon his father's farm and educated in the usual manner of the times, pursuing his education in the public schools. He was highly respected by all who knew him, for his sterling worth and fidelity to principle commanded the respect of every one with whom he was associated in either business or social relations. He wedded Mary E., daughter of George Buckles, of Miami county, and to them were born three children: Theodore R.; Thomas Frank and Harley D., both of Staunton township. The father held membership in the Baptist church, and exercised his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the Democracy. He died September 15, 1890, respected by all who knew him, and his widow is still living in Miami county.

Theodore Drake was only three months old when his parents removed from the old family homestead in Washington township to a farm in Newberry township. There he was reared to manhood, pursuing his elementary education in the Rike school, after which he entered the Covington High School, and had almost completed the four years' course when he was obliged to return home on account of the death of his father. He was reared in the usual manner of farmer lads, and throughout his life has carried on agricultural pursuits. On the death of his father the management of the home farm devolved upon him. The place comprises one hundred and fifty-eight and a half acres of land, all of which is under a high state of cultivation. The fields are well tilled, and everything about the place is neat and thrifty in appearance, indicating the careful supervision of a progressive owner.

On the 10th of October, 1893, Mr. Drake was united in marriage to Miss Florence Spellman, of Covington, a daughter of Lewis Spellman. She was born in Fletcher, Miami county, July 9, 1873, and when she was about a year old her parents removed to Covington, where she grew to womanhood and completed her education by graduation in the high school. She became a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian church on the 23d of January, 1887. She died December 27, 1899, and her Christian experience was touching and wonderful. In her last hours she had visions of her mother and her husband's father beckoning her to the eternal home. Her life was quiet and unassuming, and her death was a Christian triumph. She left three children - George Lewis, Irene May and Gladys Adelia. Mr. Drake voted with the Democracy, keeps well informed on the issues of the day and uses all in his power to promote the growth and success of his party. He is a consistent and faithful member of the Cumberland Presbyterian church, of Covington, in which he at present holds the office of deacon.