In the late 1800s, there were a few (not many) ladies in business -- it was a man's world. In my research of the history of Fowlerville, I have come across women, such as Mrs. C.T. Powers, a local milliner. The following biographical information, found in an 1891 publication of portraits and biographies, the widow of E.D. Drew was showcased. It follows:
Mrs. Sarah M. Drew~~The estimable lady to whom we would now call the attention of our readers is the widow of Emerald D. Drew, a New Yorker by birth, whose parents were Noah and Amy (Lyon) Drew, who as well as their son were natives of the Empire State. Noah Drew was a farmer, and many years ago came to Michigan, settling in Marion Township, Livingston County, and afterward making his home in Howell. In 1885, he went to England on business and spent some time there, and previous to his contemplated return, he died there in 1889. The mother was living in Marion Township, this county, when she received her call to the other world. Their children were Emma D., John C., Martin V., Milton, Allen, Ellen (Mrs. Hughes), Mary (Mrs. Conklin) and Job W.
Emerald D. Drew was a mechanic, and made his home at Howell, where he engaged in the business of a builder and contractor, and some years later entered upon a mercantile career. He finally sold out his interests in Howell, and in 1875 established himself in the mercantile business at Fowlerville, and thus continued until his death in 1877. He was a successful business man and built up a large and prosperous trade. His political views brought him into sympathy with the principles and movements of the Republican party, and he was a member of the Odd Fellows. He belonged to the Christian Israelite Church.
The father of Mrs. Hughes was Joseph Perry, and his wife was Sally Carr. They came West from New York in 1827, settling at Lodi, Washtenaw County, Mich., when there were only two small houses in what is now the city of Ann Arbor. Of their eight children, only two are now living -- Delia (Mrs. Hughes), and Emeline (Mrs. Camp). The others are Norman, Antha M., Weller, Grant T., Adaline, Booth, Lucy A., Burgess and Merritt.
Since the death of her husband, Mrs. Drew has continued to carry on his mercantile business. She suffered a heavy loss in the first which took place March 15, 1891, but she is undaunted in her determination to succeed in business. For its accommodation, she is now building a handsome brick block on the corner of Grand Avenue and Grand River Streets. Her beautiful home is situated on Grand Avenue. She is a lady of considerable culture, and received her higher education at Pinckney. When fifteen years old, she commenced teaching, practicing her profession in both Washtenaw and Livingston Counties. She is proficient in both German and music, and gives instruction in the latter art. Her father, whose memory she greatly reveres, was a prominent man in the Methodist Episcopal Church, and filled the office of Class-Leader. She is both socially and in a business way one of the most important ladies in Fowlerville, and has the respect and confidence of the community.
The parents of Mrs. Hughes, Joseph and Sally (Carr) Perry, moved from Genesee County, N.Y., to Saratoga Springs, same State, where they resided twelve years prior to coming to Michigan. Mrs. Drew, prior to her marriage, was a member of Star Lodge, Fowlerville, Mich.
In 1900, the following article was found in The Fowlerville Review about her son, Job W.:
Job Drew has purchased a stock of goods at Milan, Mich., and will leave next Monday for that place where he will take possession and engage in business for himself. The family have been residents of this place for several years past and will be greatly missed. They have many warm friends who will wish them abundant success.
And, Monday night a large number of members of the Baptist church and congregation and immediate neighbors gathered at the home of J.W. Drew, and proceeded to give Mrs. Drew and daughter, Erma, a warm-hearted visit and social time. Three beautiful silver pieces and other tokens were left evidencing the esteem in which they are held. Mr. Drew is engaged in business in Milan where his wife will join him this week. Mrs. Drew has been an enthusiastic, faithful worked in the curch and will be greatly missed. Erma will remain long enough to complete her year's work in school.Mr. Drew went to California in 1860 and engaged in mining operations, and later undertook an extensive farming business in which he was quite successful. He remained there seven years, returning to the East in 1867, and two years later he established himself in a home of his own by choosing as his wife Miss Sarah M. Hughes, of Howell, daughter of John D. and Delia M. (Perry) Hughes. Mrs. Hughes was a native of New Jersey, and his wife was born in New York. They came West previous to their marriage and were united in the bonds of matrimony in Washtenaw County, where they settled on a farm. Later they came to Livingston County, and took charge of a farm two and one-half miles east and south of Fowlerville, Handy Township. Mrs. Drew lost her father by death in 1889, but her mother is still with her, and they make their home together. The five children of Mr. and Mrs. Hughes are Sarah M. (Mrs. Drew), Arvid H., Norman R., Lucy A. (Mrs. Van Riper) and Minnie D., now deceased.
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