- Date:
- 1875
- Original Format:
- Carte de Visite
- Item#:
- MES16354
- Photographer:
- William R. Howell (New York)
Daniel Drew (1797-1879)
Born in New York, Drew became a cattle drover and made a fortune. In 1834 he went into the steamboat business and began a bitter and unscrupulous competition with Cornelius Vanderbilt. In 1844 Drew founded a Wall Street firm, becoming the first notorious speculator. His dishonesty and corruption were revealed to the public in the battle for control of the Erie railroad that became known as the "Erie War" (1866-68). Drew eventually lost his fortune and died a despised and illiterate man. During his life, he founded several Methodist churches and schools, including Drew Theological Seminary.