Levant J. Drake, bridge-builder and Postmaster, Little Cooley, was born in Allegany Co, NY, March 23, 1823; son of James and Sallie (Marvin) Drake, natives respectively of Seneca and Otsego Cos, NY; and who moved to this county from Genesee Co, settling in Athens Twp in 1831. They were parents of the following children: Alonzo; Melissa, afterward Mrs. Chapin and now deceased; Levant J.; Dorluskie, now Mrs. Archibald; Loduskie, now Mrs. Minniss; Legrand M.; Jerome; Amanda, now Mrs. Graham; and Philo. Mr. Drake took an active interest in public affairs, filling many of the township offices; he died in February, 1876, his widow following him in October of the same year. They were upright pioneer people and rendered valuable service in the development of Athens Township. Our subject married Oct. 19, 1854, Adelia Fuller, born in 1835, in Lorain Co, OH, daughter of Josiah E. (deceased) and Mary Fuller. By this union were born Alta, now Mrs. Harter, Alton P.; Amanda E, died February 1882, aged twenty-one; Willie H.; Lyle L., deceased; Jessie, deceased; Birnez, deceased; Inez; and Ethel. Mr. Drake built the first permanent hotel at Little Cooley, opening it in 1857. It has been one of the most popular houses in western Pennsylvania. In 1883, he leased the hotel and retired from business. In 1861 Mr. Drake was appointed Postmaster at Little Cooley, which position he has filled almost ever since. He is a man of strict integrity, upright in his dealings and has filled nearly all the township offices. In politics is a Republican.P. 779, Athens Twp, Crawford Co, PA