David W. Drake

David W. Drake
BornNovember 23, 1834
Stephens City, Virginia
DiedOctober 25, 1909
Staunton, Virginia
Allegiance Confederate States of America
Service / branch Confederate States Army
Years of service1861-1862
RankChief Musician, Sergeant major
UnitCompany Band, 5th Virginia Infantry
Company L, 5th Virginia Infantry
Company E, 1st Virginia Infantry
Battles / warsAmerican Civil War
Spouse(s)Kate M. Slaughter

David William Drake (November 23, 1834 – October 25, 1909) was a farmer, musician and the founder of the Stonewall Brigade Band.[1] He began the band with Edwin Cushing, and recruited A. J. Turner as the band's first director.[2] Drake moved to Staunton, Virginia in 1854. He married Kate Murat Slaughter, of Rappahannock County, on April 15, 1868.[3] The band became part of the 5th Virginia Infantry Regiment. He played a bugle, and was in the West Augusta Guard (Company L) before the band, and later in the 1st Virginia Cavalry. Jeb Stuart commended his volunteering to perform hazardous scouting duties across the Rappahannock River.[4]

References

  1. ^ Laura Peters. "Staunton community band marks 160 years". Fredericksburg.com.
  2. ^ "THE BANDS OF THE CONFEDERACY: AN EXAMINATION OF THE MUSICAL AND MILITARY CONTRIBUTIONS OF THE BANDS AND MUSICIANS OF THE CONFEDERATE STATES OF AMERICA" (PDF). Digital.library.unt.edu. Retrieved December 22, 2020.
  3. ^ [1] [dead link‍]
  4. ^ Brice, Stonewall Brigade Band, p. 176

David W. Drake at Find a Grave