W. H. Drought
W. H. DROUGHT, grocer and produce shipper, Bucyrus, son of William and Margaret (Gilispie) Drought was born in Franklin Co., Vt., March 19, 1827 and received a thorough knowledge of the common branches in the public schools of the old "Green Mountain State." When about 20 years of age, he removed to Illinois and was for about ten years employed at several of the railroads in the Western States. He worked on the I C. R. R. for nearly eighteen months: also three months in Missouri. After this he obtained a situation as roadmaster on the N. M. R. R., and also occupied the same position for some eighteen months on the O. & M. R. R. Then for three years, he was a passenger conductor on the road between Chicago and La Fayette, Ind. He resigned this position to accept the office of master of transportation on the P. Ft. W. & C. R. R. having charge, between Crestline anal Chicago and continued with this corporation for some two years. In 1860, he located in Bucyrus with his family and in December of that year purchased the provision store of Messrs. McGraw & Fowler, who were located at No. 7 Quinby Block. Mr. Drought has continued the business at this same stand for twenty years. In after years, he purchased that section of the block. Several years since, he embarked in the business of shipping produce for the Eastern market and has carried on an extensive business chiefly in butter, eggs and poultry. The subject of this sketch was married May 26, 1857 to Miss Nannie E. Flack, Washington Co., Penn. They were the parents of five children, three boys and two girls: James H., Anna B., Ella, Charles Edmund and Wilber F. Their daughters are living but the three sons are dead. James H., the eldest died of consumption, Aug. 20, 1876, in the 18 year of his age, while in the West seeking his health. Charles Edmund died Nov. 13, 1874, aged 5 years and 3 months and Wilber F. died May 28, 1876 in the 7th month of his age. Mr. Drought is a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Bucyrus, and since February 1868, he has been a Ruling Elder in that religious society. He was also a charter member of Howard Lodge of the Knights of Honor, and Crawford Council of the Royal Arcanum.
From History of Crawford County and Ohio, Baskin & Battey, Historical Publishers, Chicago, 1881