Cecilia Jane "Celia" Drake

Choteau Acantha (MT), 9 Sept 1920

Death Claims Mrs. Drake

Last Thursday night at her home occurred the death of Mrs. Celia Drake, pioneer resident of Choteau, following a brief illness from pneumonia.

Mrs. Drake was born Jan. 13, 1840, so that she was eighty years of age at the time of her death. Her education was gained in Iowa, she having graduated in 1880 from the Upper Iowa University at Fayette, Iowa, a member of the second graduating class from that institution. Dr. Drake, her husband, who died in Choteau 22 years ago, graduated with the first class from the same school, a year before, and it was at Fayette the couple first met. They were married Oct. 1863. Dr. Drake served with the Union army the last year of the Civil war and following its close, he and Mrs. Drake moved to Chicago. They later moved to Jamestown, N.D., and lived there until 1889 when they came to Montana and settled in Butte. They lived there for four years, and it was there the Dr. contracted the trouble which later resulted in his death. In 1890, the family came to Choteau and their home has been here ever since.

Mrs. Drake was an extremely active woman, in spite of her advanced age, up until the moment of taking ill, and her life may be counted as being a most useful one. Widely known and loved by all who knew her, her taking away will leave a place in Choteau which will be difficult to fill.

She is survived by two sons, William F. Drake of Memphis, Tenn., and Clarence A. Drake of Conrad, Mont., and one daughter, Mrs. H.F. McLean of Fernie, B.C., the two latter having been with her at the time of her death.

The funeral was conducted at the residence last Saturday afternoon, Rev. Elliott and members of the Eastern Star officiating. Interment was made in Choteau cemetery.
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Spouse: Simeon H. Drake