John W. Drake

John W. Drake was Mayor of the City of Windsor from 1903 to 1904.

Drake served several terms as an alderman before he was elected Mayor. In 1905, after his John W. Drakefirst term as Mayor, Drake addressed rumours that he would not run against Ernest Wigle in the election, stating that he had every intention of entering the race for Mayor. Drake stated that he would avoid making unfeasible promises to the people of Windsor, as he argued Wigle had. However, Drake retired from politics in 1905.

Drake was born in Devonshire, England. After moving with his mother to America at age 16, Drake lived in New York prior to arriving in Windsor. Drake opened a furniture business on Sandwich Street; newspapers at the time credited Drake as being the owner of the longest continuously running business in Windsor. Beyond his career in politics, Drake was a war veteran and a member of the Veterans’ Association and the Sons of England. In 1910, Drake received several threatening letters in which the writer demanded $200 in cash and threatened his life if he did not comply.

In 1916, at the age of 71, Drake passed away of a heart attack.

Sources:

Another letter is received. (28 Jan 1910). The Evening Record. p. 1.

Drake says yes. (13 Dec 1905). The Evening Record. p.1.

Ex-mayor Drake succumbs after brief illness. (16 Dec 1916). The Evening Record. p.1.

Letter threatens his life. (27 Jan 1910). The Evening Record. p. 1.

Rescues Irishman from prison cell. (5 Aug 1911). The Evening Record. p.1.