Miami Union

March 28, 1912

DRAKE, WILLIS - Christiansburg--Willis Drake died at his home here Sunday afternoon about 1 o'clock. His death was sudden though he had been up as usual until Saturday night, he complained of a pain between the hips. Sunday morning about 10 o'clock he became unconscious and never regained consciousness. Mr. Drake was about 68 years of age and lived practically all his life near and in Addison. He was a veteran of the Civil war, a member of the Addison I. O. O. F. lodge and the Christian church there. He leaves a wife and seven children, four daughters and three sons. The funeral was held Tuesday afternoon from the Addison Christian church at 2 o'clock conducted by the Addison G. A. R. post.

Miami Union

April 4, 1912

DRAKE, WILLIS H. - Willis H. Drake, a son of Jacob and Ruth Drake, was born February 21, 1844, died March 24, 1912. He was born in Miami county, near Alcony, on the old Drake homestead there and on the adjoining farm, engaged in agricultural pursuits, lived until his removal to Christiansburg, February 1910. In response to his country's call on August 21, 1861, at the age of 17, he enlisted in Co. A. 44th Regiment, O. V. I. and served until January 4, 1864, when he was transferred to Co. A. 8th Ohio Vol. Cavalry, and rendered valiant services until mustered out at Camp Chase, Ohio, June 15, 1865, a veteran, by order of the War Department. He was a member of the Marion A. Ross Post of the G. A. R. On October 3, 1911, was commissioned as Aid-de-camp on the staff of Commander of the Department of Ohio. On July 16, 1867, he was united in marriage to Catharine M. Leffel, and to them were born nine children, Willie, who died in infancy, Frank, Charles, Samuel, Urdeen, Pearl, Grace, Mertyl and Elizabeth, who with the wife, one sister, Mrs. Mary Lamme, one brother and one half-brother, a number of grandchildren and a host of friends remain to mourn his departure. In the year 1861 he was united with the Addison M. E. church under the pastorate of Rev. Mosgrove. He was a member of the Casstown lodge, I. O. O. F. Mr. Drake for a number of years was afflicted with rheumatism and heart trouble, and at times a great sufferer, but which he endured with great patience, yet withal by his jovial disposition cast a ray of sunshine and happiness into the lives of those about him, and by his kind and indulgent practice has strengthened the marital and parental ties that can never be forgotten.
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