George Franklin Drew

George Franklin Drew ( born August 6 1827 in Alton, Belknap County, New Hampshire; † September 26, 1900 in Jacksonville, Florida ) was an American politician and from 1877 to 1881 the 12th Governor of the State of Florida.

Early years and political rise

At the age of twelve years, George Drew was taken from his parents for financial reasons from school. Then he had to collaborate on the family farm. In 1847 he moved to Columbus, Georgia. There he ran a machine trade. Soon he began a career in the lumber business. After the Civil War he founded in Ellaville in Florida one of the largest sawmills of the state. He expanded his wood shop constantly and brought it finally to eleven sawmills. Since 1870, he was politically active in Florida. As a member of the Democratic Party, he was District Administrator ( Commissioner) in Madison County. In 1872, he competed unsuccessfully for a seat in the House of Representatives from Florida. For the gubernatorial elections of 1876 he was nominated by his party as a candidate.

Governor of Florida

After the successful election Drew took up his new post on January 2, 1877. Around the same time ended the Reconstruction. After the withdrawal of the army Florida was a regular state again. Governor Drew drove a tough austerity and at the same time lowered the taxes. Among them were suffering particularly the education system and the prisons, whose budgets were cut. In 1877 the system of awarding of convicts against money was introduced to private entrepreneurs in Florida. The proceeds were paid into the State budget. At the same time, the governor tried to encourage immigration to Florida.

After the end of his term on January 4, 1881, Drew turned back to his lumber business. Later he became president of the Chamber of Commerce of Jacksonville. George Drew died in September 1900. He was married to Amelia Dickens, with whom he had four children.