Drew, Rev. Elbert C. 1874-1901

DREW, WHIPPLE

Posted By: Marilyn Holmes (email)
Date: 12/6/2011 at 09:41:50

The Grinnell (IA) Herald; July 12, 1901

ELBERT C. DREW

Rev. Elbert C. Drew was born near Gilman, Marshall county, Iowa, March 9, 1874, and died in Saguache, Colo., June 20, 1901, aged 27 years, 3 months and 11 days.

When he was thirteen years of age his parents moved to Grinnell where he received his early education. During his seventeenth year he was converted and joined the First Baptist church of Grinnell.

He entered college at Pella, the Central University of Iowa, with the intention of preparing himself for the ministry, but on account of ill health he was not able to pursue his studies. While attending college he had charge of the Vincennes church, Vincennes, Iowa, and also the Baptist church at St. Francisville, Mo. He left college for a year to take charge of the Baptist church at Basco. Ill., where he was ordained a Baptist minister in December, 1894. In the fall of 1895 he took up his college course, but after a few months was again compelled to leave on account of ill health. He then settled in Kahoka, Mo.

On September 28, 1897, in Plymouth, Ill., he was married to Twila Whipple, who, with one child, survives him.

For several years his health has been poor, but about two years ago he became seriously ill and went to Saguache, Colo., thinking a change of climate might benefit him. He improved for a time and was able to carry on his work, but for eight months before he died he was bedridden and a constant sufferer. Father, mother, six sisters and three brothers are left to mourn their loss.

Mr. Drew was a man of strong convictions on all gospel subjects, and of a warm heart and generous nature. He was held in high esteem by all who knew him. After years of suffering borne with christian fortitude, patience and hope, surrounded by his wife, sister and friends, he fell asleep June 20, 1901, passing from earth to heaven. His body was taken to Plymouth, Ill., and laid to rest in the Round Prairie cemetery. The funeral was conducted by the Rev. Mr. Storar.