From the February 9(?), 1907 issue of the Old Colony Memorial. Provided through the courtesy of Kingston Archivist Carrie A. Elliott.
Christopher Prince Drew, Kingston's oldest resident, died Thursday evening. His end coming peacefully, following a short illness, and after a long and active life. He was born in this town June 27, 1815, the son of Seth and Molly (Washburn) Drew, and was one of nine children, of whom only one sister, Mrs. Hannah Cook Kelley survives. He leaves two daughters, Mrs. Jennie F. McLauthlin, librarian of the Frederic C. Adams public library, and Miss Mary W. Drew. The funeral will be held at his late residence tomorrow at 2:30 p.m. Mr. Drew will always be associated with the name -- C. Drew & Co. -- manufacturers of augers and ship chandlery here. He was instrumental in forming the co-partnership, which at the outset included his father and the late Thomas Bailey. This was in 1837 or 1838, and after the subject of this sketch has learned the trade of an auger maker. Their factory has always been in the same location on the north side of Stony Brook, and here from a small beginning,, a large business has been built up. In 1843 Seth Drew, Jr, became a sharesman. Mr. Thomas Bailey died in 1869. Mr. Seth Drew, Sr. died in January 1854, and the late Job Drew became a partner soon after. After the latter's death the business was conducted by the brothers, C.P. and Seth Drew until 1878, when Charles H. Drew was admitted to the firm. In 1882 L.R. Ford purchased Mr. C.P. Drew's interest. The latter and Mr. C.H. Drew are the present members of the firm. Mr. Seth Drew, Jr. having died a few years ago. Previous to 1854, all goods were marked "C. DREW." Since then "C. Drew & Co." The owners never considered the initial "P" essential to the business.