Chittenden

DREW, Luman Augustus

Men of Vermont: Illustrated Biographical History of Vermonters & Sons of 
Vermont. Ullery. Brattleboro: Transcript Publishing Company, 1894, p 112

Luman Augustus DREW, of Burlington, was born 27 October 1832 in Burlington 
[Chittenden County, Vermont], son of John Y. and Almira (ATWATER) DREW. 
Educated in the public schools of Burlington, and for a year pursued his 
studies at Bakersfield Academy [Franklin County]. When he became of age he 
was associated with his father in a wholesale and retail market in the town, 
which business is still continued under the firm name of L. A. & A. A. Drew. 
He then took a contract in the construction of the Burlington & Lamoille 
Railroad.

In connection with his brother he is much engaged in breeding horses, chiefly 
of the Ethan Allen stock, having sent forth many "flyers" from their 
establishment, who have made a record in the 2:30 class. Was a promoter of 
and large stockholder in the Vermont Horse Company; later took a lively 
interest in the Vermont Horse Breeders Association; was chief marshal at the 
first meeting of the latter body; was appointed by the commissioners 
superintendent of the Vermont state building at the World's Fair at Chicago 
in 1893; performed those duties with much credit to himself and to the 
general satisfaction of the whole state, as the many handsome newspaper 
notices testify; before the city of Burlington was chartered, was chosen 
constable; then was elected chief of police, and later sheriff of Chittenden 
County for thirteen years, when he resigned both offices; in 1887 was 
appointed by Gov. ORMSBEE one of the board of cattle commissioners; three 
years after acted as doorkeeper in House of Representatives; and in 1890 he 
became associated with H. N. PARKHURST of Barre in the granite business under 
the firm name of Drew, Parkhurst & Company.

Mr. DREW has always taken a lively interest in fireman's organizations; in 
early boyhood was an active member of the Boxer Engine Company, of 
Burlington; now an honorary member of the Ethan Allen Club; was largely 
instrumental in sending and going with the Barnes Hose Company to Chicago in 
1877 to participate in the national fireman's tournament in which they won 
the first prize of $500 in gold, and also brought back a silver trophy belt 
which was presented to the city of Burlington, the company reserving the 
right to display it at any time upon parade by depositing $200 with the city 
treasurer for its safe return.

On 18 April 1860 Mr. [Luman Augustus] DREW espoused Matilda R., daughter of 
Phineas and Persis (NICHOLS) PARKHURST, of Barre [Washington County, 
Vermont], by whom he has one daughter, Carrie L. Mr. DREW has held many 
positions in the Green Mountain Lodge, Independent Order of Odd Fellows; is a 
Mason of the 32nd degree and Knight Templar; was a charter member of the 
first council Ancient & Accepted Scottish Rite Masons established in Vermont; 
and belongs to the Burlington Republican Club. Methodist in his religious 
belief. At the time of the St. Albans raid he was quartermaster in the 
military regiment of the state and took an active part in the pursuit of the 
raiders.

Submitted by Cathy Kubly