James M. Drake

James Madison Drake (March 25, 1837, to November 28, 1913) was an American newspaper publisher who fought in the American Civil War. Drake received the country's highest award for bravery during combat, the Medal of Honor, for his action during the Battle of Port Walthall Junction in Virginia on May 6, 1864. He was honored with the award on March 3, 1873.

Biography Drake was born in the Washington Valley near Washington Rock in Somerset County, New Jersey, on March 25, 1837.

In 1853, he began publishing the Trenton, New Jersey Mercer Standard, which continued until 1854; in 1857, he launched the Evening News, and in 1860, he launched Wide Awake. where he managed the production of the Daily Monitor from 1868 to 1881, the Elizabeth Sunday Leader from 1882 to 1887, and the Elizabeth Daily Leader from 1887 to 1900.

Drake died on November 28, 1913, and his remains are interred at the Evergreen Cemetery in Hillside, New Jersey.

Medal of Honor citation