Drew was born in
St. Albans, Vermont on November 26, 1843, the son of William W. Drew and Harriet Katherine (Davis) Drew. Drew's parents relocated the family to
Burlington shortly after he was born, and Drew was raised and educated in Burlington. He also worked as a salesman and manager for several businesses that had customers in Vermont, including the Baldwin Refrigerator Company of
New York City and the Warren Boot & Shoe Company of
Boston. His service included time as president of the board. In 1915, Drew was the successful Republican nominee
for mayor, and he served one term, 1915 to 1917. Drew became ill during the winter of 1919–1920 and resided in two Burlington sanitariums until his death on November 21, 1920. He was buried at
Lakeview Cemetery in Burlington. ==Family==