George Franklin Drew

George Franklin Drew (August 6, 1827 – September 26, 1900) was the 12th Governor of the U.S. state of Florida.

George Franklin Drew
12th Governor of Florida
In office January 2, 1877 – January 4, 1881
Lieutenant	Noble A. Hull
Preceded by	Marcellus Stearns
Succeeded by	William D. Bloxham
Personal details
Born	August 6, 1827 Alton, New Hampshire
Died	September 26, 1900 (aged 73) Jacksonville, Florida
Political party	Democratic
Spouse(s)	Amelia Dickens Drew

Born in Alton, New Hampshire, he moved to the south, opening a machine shop in Columbus, Georgia in 1847. In 1865, he opened the largest sawmill in Florida in Ellaville. Elected at the end of Reconstruction on January 2, 1877, he set about to increase the economy of Florida while cutting expenses and reducing taxes. Another notable action during his governorship was the establishment of a convict lease system in the state.

He left office on January 4, 1881, returning to the lumber business. Later in life, he would settle in Jacksonville serving as the president of the city's trade board. Drew died on September 26, 1900 in Jacksonville.[1]

References

1. "George Franklin Drew - Florida Department of State". dos.myflorida.com. Retrieved 2020-07-12.

External links

• Official Governor's portrait and biography from the State of Florida
• Last Letter of Governor George Franklin Drew From the State Library & Archives of Florida.
• George Franklin Drew at Find a Grave

Party political offices
Preceded by William D. Bloxham	Democratic nominee for Governor of Florida 1876	Succeeded by William D. Bloxham
Political offices
Preceded by Marcellus L. Stearns	Governor of Florida January 2, 1877 – January 4, 1881	Succeeded by William D. Bloxham