David P. Drook
The oldest building contractor in Grant County is D.P. Drook, whose home is at Mier, in Richland Township. Mr. Drook began business as a contractor in 1879, and a detailed list of his work would include a large number of the gravel roads and other important public enterprises. He has built a great many highways in both Grant and surrounding counties.
For the past twenty years his home and headquarters have been in Mier. In 1897 he built from Anderson to Alexandria the interurban railroad, a line which has the distinction of connecting the first two cities by electric interurban in America. This road was begun and finished in the same year, 1897. Mr. Drook also operates a large mercantile enterprise at Mier.
David P. Drook was born in Richland Township of Grant County, February 14, 1854, a son of Jacob and Nancy (Taylor) Drook. His mother died in 1875 and the father is still living. There are fourteen children in the family, seven of whom are yet living: James M., John, Sam, Jacob, Saloma, wife of Eli Ward, Cynthia, widow of Jack Davis of Swayzee and David P.
David P. Drook was reared in Richland Township, had a district school education and early learned the value and necessity of hard work. At an early age, on September 2, 1872, he married Ruth Barnes, a daughter of Cyrus and Matilda Barnes. Four children were born to their union, namely: Forest E., of Marion, Indiana; Rhoda, of Indianapolis; Dolphia, and Edna, of Indianapolis. The mother of these children died September 24, 1891. In September, 1894, Mr. Drook married Hattie Rethford. Her death occurred August 30, 1909, and she left three children, Paul C., Delores and Catherine. In 1911, Mr. Drook married Julia Forsythe, of Gas City.
They are active members of the Methodist Protestant Church, and fraternally Mr. Drook is affiliated with the Knights of Pythias at Converse. He is a Democrat in politics, and has taken much part in public affairs.
Submitted by: Gina Reasoner