Francis M. Drake
American soldier, businessman and politician
About Francis M. Drake
Lived 1830 – 1903 (aged 72). Francis M. Drake was an American military officer, lawyer, businessperson, brigadegeneral, governor and jurist.
Francis Marion Drake (December 30, 1830 – November 20, 1903) was an American merchant, lawyer, banker and politician. He fought in the American Civil War and later became the 16th governor of Iowa. He is the namesake of Drake University.
Early life Drake was born on December 30, 1830, in Rushville, Illinois, one of 14 children of John Adams Drake and Harriet Jane O'Neal. In 1836, his family moved to Fort Madison, Iowa until 1846. In 1846, they moved to Davis County, where John established the town of Drakesville, Iowa.
Legacy He founded and endowed Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa. It was named after him, and he served as president of the board of trustees. He also contributed to Iowa College and Wesleyan College and gave to churches and missionary societies of many creeds. He died in Centerville, Iowa, in 1903 of diabetes, and is buried in Centerville's Oakland Cemetery.
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Important facts
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Frequently asked questions
Who was Francis M. Drake?
American soldier, businessman and politician (1830-1903)
When was Francis M. Drake born?
Francis M. Drake was born on 30 December 1830 in Rushville.
When did Francis M. Drake die?
Francis M. Drake died on 20 November 1903 in Centerville.
What was Francis M. Drake's occupation?
Francis M. Drake was a military officer, lawyer, businessperson, brigadegeneral, governor and jurist.
What nationality was Francis M. Drake?
Francis M. Drake was American.
Sources & further reading
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Francis M. Drake. https://biography.guide/francis-m-drake/
MLA: "Francis M. Drake." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/francis-m-drake/.
Chicago: "Francis M. Drake." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/francis-m-drake/.
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