Representative of the Scriver Lumber Company, at Charter Oak, is a native of Warren County, New Jersey, born August 29, 1844, son of Martin and Sophia S. (McGinley) Drake. His parents were natives of New Jersey and were of Scotch and English extraction--perhaps a slight mixture of German on his father’s side. When Theodore was 10 years of age, his family moved to Dodge County, Wisconsin, where he was reared on a farm, and where his parents died. October 4, 1864, at the age of 18 years, he enlisted in Company B, Third Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, and was mustered out July 25, 1865, at Louiseville, Kentucky. He participated in several skirmishes and was in the battle of Nashville, Tennessee, and at Johnston’s surrender at Raleigh, North Carolina. After the war he returned home and remained there until he was twenty-six, when he married and settled on a farm. He remained on the farm until 1876, with the exception of four years, two years being in the marble business and two years soldiering and on the sick list after his service, having contracted disease while on duty. In the spring of 1876 he came to Iowa, located at Denison, and for two years was engaged in the stock business. Then, in connection with his dealing in stock, he began fruit-growing and gardening, having purchased ten acres of land just outside the corporation limits. This place he still owns. In 1881-82 he was engaged in the creamery business at Denison. After that he turned his attention to the lumber business. being with C.P. Stocking for a time, and then entering the employ of Scriver & Co. He operated a yard at Dow City for this company until July 23, 1887, and on the 25th of July he opened the yards at Charter Oak, where he has since been employed. He has built two residences in Charter Oak, one of which he rents, and he also has a residence which he rents in Denison. Besides this property he also owns several valuable lots in Charter Oak. Mr. Drake is a public-spirited and enterprising man and since he came here has been thoroughly identified with the best interests of the place. He is a Republican in politics, and has been a member of the School Board of Charter Oak since the organization of the indepentent district. He has been a member of the John A. Logan Post, G.A.R., Denison, since its organization, and is also associated with the I.O.O.F., No, 105, and K. of P.; also a member of the A.O.U.W. of Iowa. Mr. Drake was married May 28, 1872, at Waukegan, Illinois, to Miss Jennie M. McQuivey, who was born in Jefferson County, Wisconsin, January 10, 1852, and is of Scotch descent, and eldest daughter of C.F. McQuivey and M.J. Mcquivey. They have four children: Frances M., Nellie M., Carrie L., and Charlie P. All are at home except the eldest, who is engaged in teaching in this county. The family are members of the Baptist Church. Mr. and Mrs. Drake were reared on adjoining farms in Clyman Township, Dodge County, Wisconsin.