JACOB, (Jacob6, Jacob5, Jacob4, Job3, Job2, John1) b. Jan., 1773, in Columbia Co., N.Y.; m. 1797, Nancy Keeler of Susquehanna, Pa. She d. Oct. 25, 1857, in her 83d yr. Jacob Drake followed the work of his father as a Baptist minister, and was ordained in 1803. He moved to Ohio about 1807, and was instrumental in organizing several churches in Franklin and Delaware Counties.
It was said at the time of his death that he had baptized in more of the different streams in Ohio, than any man then living. In 1814, he built the Court House in Delaware, O., and in 1819, in company with Rev. Mr. Hughes, Presbyterian, he commenced the publication of the Delaware Gazette, the first newspaper in Delaware Co. In 1922, Mr. Elmer Widgton, whose father was a nephew of Rev. Jacob Drake, and whom he remembered well as "Uncle Drake," was able to recall several stories about him. He said that Uncle Drake built the house where he lived on Washington St., corner of Liberty, Delaware, O., and that "Aunt Nancy" carried the bricks in her apron....
Jacob Drake died in Delaware, O., Oct. 5, 1854, aged 82 yrs. He and his wife Nancy were buried in the Old Cemetery on the College Campus, but were removed later to Oak Grove Cemetery. Jacob Drake's will was signed July 4, 1854, and witnessed by Frank Hays, Allen Darrow, and Sarah Darrow.
