Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 41, Number 68, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 14 May 1909 — Went to Meet Son; Killed at the Depot. [ARTICLE]

Went to Meet Son; Killed at the Depot.

Mrs. Emaline Drake, the aged mother of Ralph Drake, a life prisoner who was pardoned by Governor Marshall and who left the prison at Michigan City Tuesday to return to his home in Columbus, was Instantly killed last night while waiting at the Pennsylvania depot for the home coming of her son. The aged woman was struck by a switch engine only a few minutes before the arrivel of the train bearing her son. Mrs. Drake was 70 years of age and quite wealthy. She had not seen her son since his conviction to prison 15 years ago. She had lived In hope of some day seeing him and when the news of his pardon reached her she was overcome with joy. Tuesday morning she received a telegram from Warden Reid to the effect that Ralph would leave the prison so that he would reach home that night. She at once made preparation to receive him. Despite her age she insisted upon going to the depot to greet him upon his arrival. The train pulled In and Ralph was disappointed at not being met by his aged parent. He went home by trolley car and was met at the door and informed of his mother’s tragic end. Drake was sentenced in 1894 for the murder of Mrs. Ida Ward, of Columbus. He received a life sentence and soon after his conviction efforts were made to secure his release. The efforts were continued until finally the board of pardons recommended to the governor that clemency be shown. He was pardoned last Saturday and his mother’s tragic death will throw a shadow over the joy of his freedom.