Drake University - Quax Yearbook (Des Moines, IA)

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The most important part of General Drake's life is yet to be mentioned. lt was his philanthropy. His life was early given to his Divine Master, and he felt that true service to Him involved the consecration of his talents to God and humanity. He was largely blessed with the talent to make money, and it was a glad privilege for him to make it the agency of preaching and teaching, and of helping in every good cause that was brought to his knowledge. No deserving appeal from any source was turned away. His largest gifts, however, were directed toward the advancement of Christianity through the building of churches. the support of evangelists and missionaries, and the fostering of Christian educa- tion. General Drake's gifts were the largest of any man the Church of Christ has produced up to the present time. No church has been built in Iowa during the past twenty-five years that did not receive a substantial gift from him if the matter was called to his attention. He gave large sums to be expended under the direction of all the various missionary boards, and to the State Board for the evangelization of his own state. He made the initial gifts that secured schools for the education of native missionaries in Japan, China, and India. The beautiful library building at Centerville is one of many substantial expressions of his loyalty to the town which had been his home for forty-one years, and his interest in the highest welfare of its people for all time to come. But his crowning work of philanthropy was the founding and fostering of Drake University. The grand total of his gifts to it was 3B252,0Z6.4-6-almost a quarter of a million dollars. These gifts have been distributed through the years at critical times, where most needed, beginning with the 320,000 pledge that made the school possible at the start. It was part of his policy to stimulate others to give, for he felt that the larger the number thus committed to its inter- ests, the greater would be its assurance of success. He often said that he didn't want any one to feel that the university belonged to him, but to the church, and for this reason he thought his gifts should bear only a certain proportion to the whole. lt would have been his great pleasure to give more lavishly if others had met his frequent propositions to give dollar for dollar for all that they would raise. Indeed, in his last years, he was pained that these eager challenges were not more freely taken up, as he realized that his end was drawing near, and was so solicitous that he might see the beloved institution firmly established. ln the last three years his haste could not wait. The Auditorium in 1900 was his sole gift, as was also the building for the Musical Conservatory in 1905. The Medical building of 1905 was assured by his large initial gift, as is the case with the Law and Bible College buildings to be erected this year. When the Board of Trustees was first organized he was chosen President, and held the office continuously till his death. The prosperity which constantly attended the school from the beginning was fraught with perils, for its resources were painfully inadequate for the demands of the army of young people that flocked to its halls, and the pressure to exceed the income in an effort to meet the responsibility thus created was insistent, requiring the utmost sagacity and ll

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I At the outbreak of the Civil War in 1861 he was engaged in merchandising at Unionville, Iowa. With his characteristic energy and promptness he organized a company of volunteers at the first call, and was elected and commissioned its captain. Joining Col. Edwards' command, he was commissioned major, and ren- dered conspicuous service in the border warfare in northern Missouri. In 1862 he was commissioned lieutenant colonel of the newly organized 56th Iowa Infantry. I-Iis sagacity, courage and resourcefulness caused him to be detailed for numerous independent commands. The history of the war perhaps records no more brilliant actions than his defense of Elkin's Ford. Arkansas. April 10, 18641, and his defense of a supply train at what was known as the battle of Mark's Mills on the 25th of the same month. While Colonel Drake, in com- mand of a brigade of 1,500 men, was convoying a train of several hundred wagons, he was attacked by a force of 6,000 cavalry. The battle raged for five or six hours. Seven desperate charges of the enemy were repulsed. While Drake was forming his men for a charge he was struck in the left thigh by a Bel- gian bullet. Most of his men were captured. Major Byers' Iowa in War Times gives a thrilling account of the battle. Drake's wound was pronounced mortal and he was not held a prisoner. I-le was sent home, and after six months' nursing returned on crutches to rejoin his command. The field and general officers united in recommending him for promo- tion, On account of special gallantry and hard and efficient service. I-Ie was brevetted brigadier general of U. S. Volunteers and assigned to duty commensu- rate with his rank. I-Ie commanded a brigade in Arkansas, and later held the post at Duvall's Bluff till he was mustered out in September, 1865, The next period of his life shows him with the same courage, sagacity. and prophetic insight. devoting his fine powers to the development of the material resources of the new country. I-Ie recognized the building of railroads as the best possible agency for this, and built no less than five lines of road, thus devel- oping vast sections of the choicest parts of the country, and bringing prosperity to thousands of his fellow countrymen. As a railroad president and director of men, it has been said that he never had a strike or labor difficulty. The people of southern Iowa, who had profited by his enterprises, and most appreciated his work, felt that his career ought to be crowned with the highest honor they could bestow, and so proposed his name for the office of governor of the state. The proposal was greeted with general enthusiasm, and in 18941 he was elected by an almost unprecedented majority to this high office. I-Iis administration has been characterized as a business administration, in which the same principles that had brought him such eminent success in the business world were applied to public affairs. A severe fall and the reopening of his army wound imperiled his life, com- pelling him to relinquish the honor of the customary second term and decline to be a candidate for re-election. During the remaining six years of his life he was very frail. I-Ie disposed of most of his railroad interests, but continued to give much of his attention to business. I0

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wisdom to keep the proper mean which would give the greatest possible consider- ation to these calls, without wrecking the institution. In every emergency Gen- eral Drake was the one to whom all turned, and his clear judgment, coupled with his large experience in affairs, guided it safely through every crisis. General Drake often spoke of the University as the best investment he ever made. He loved it with all the tenderness of a father. He was always given an ovation when he appeared before the students. In all his chapel speeches, the keynote was Christian Character, and thousands of students will carry through life the impress of his earnest plea for this lofty ideal. General Drake's greatness was of the quiet, unobtrusive type. and behind the daring spirit of the pioneer, the dashing courage of the soldier. and the sagacity and nerve of the captain of industry, was the Christian's kindliness of spirit and serenity of soul. The following extract from a personal letter, written by one who had been nearest to him in the home, and who knew him best. throws a flood of light on his inner life: He was taught to respect his father and mother, and all elderly people. He truly loved his brothers and sisters: was always obedient and kind. The Christian home had its influence over him. He united with the church at the age of sixteen. He was never known to speak unkindly of any deserving one, or to let the poor and needy go unattended. ' The University in the onward years will send forth many men and women with talent and potency for good, enhanced by the institution which General Drake's generous life made possible. and such an exemplar in the consecration of talent, ought to mean much in the lives of service which they shall give to the world. Such service will be the most fitting tribute to his memory. i CHARLES O. DENNY. 12