W. Levell Draper, of Wilson, Niagara County, N.Y. Member of New York state assembly who represents Niagara County 2nd District, 1906-09.
Draper, W. Levell, M. D., was born on a farm in Carthage, Jefferson County, N.Y. , February 24, 1865, a son of Philorus and Emaline (Cowan) Draper, both born and reared in Jefferson county, where she died in May, 1872. The grandfather of W. Levell was a native of Rhode Island and was one of the first settlers of Wilna, Jefferson county, where he lived and died. He built the first log and first frame house in that section and owned about 1,000 acres of land. He was a prominent man of the place and left a large family. W. Levell Draper, was reared on a farm and educated in Ives Seminary, Antwerp, N. Y ; he began the study of medicine with Dr. F. L. Santway, of Theresa, N. Y., in the mean time teaching at Natural Bridge and Carthage. He was graduated from the Hahnemann Medical College of Chicago
in 1890, and was with Dr. J. E. Oilman of Chicago one year, when he came to Wilson where he has since had a successful practice. Dr. Draper is a member of the Western New York Homeopathic Society, and is also a member of the Masonic order, the I. O. O. F., the I. O. F., the F. M. C.and K. O. T. M. In February, 1896, he married Anna Schoelles, of Wilson, N. Y.
Dr. W. Levell Draper became mayor of the city of Niagara Falls in January 1936 with the following words to the people of the city: "I extend the season's greetings. Prospects seem bright for the coming year and I am firmly convinced that the people are going to be much happier in 1936 than they have been for some years past. I am going to do what I can to make the coming year a successful one. I realize the responsibilities I have assumed and I am praying for strength to meet them."
Born on a farm in the Lamb district of the town of Wilna, N.Y., on Feb. 24, 1865, he was the son of the late Philorus and Emeline Cowan Draper. He attended district school and lived on a farm during his boyhood learning farm work and farm life. Following early district school, he enrolled at Ives seminary at Antwerp and after his graduation he became the principal of the public school at Natural Bridge, not far from his boyhood home. He later served as principal for two years at a union school at West Carthage, which later became the West Carthage High School.
Draper began the study of medicine with Dr. F.L. Santway of Theresa and enrolled in the Hahnemann Medical College in Chicago where he received his degree of doctor of medicine in 1890. After graduation, Dr. Draper established the practice of his profession in Wilson in Niagara County. Nine years later he was also graduated from the medical department of the University of Buffalo. He continued his practice in Wilson until 1909 when he became interested in the growing of citrus fruits and pineapples in Puerto Rico and became the manager of a pineapple plantation there and retained his interest in that enterprise until his death.
During his early years in Wilson, he took an active part in the interests of the Republican Party. Dr. Draper was the president of the Village of Wilson and was also a member of the Wilson Board of Education. His political interests continued and he became a member of the Republican County Committee of Niagara County and also served as a member of the executive committee of that body for three years when he decided in 1905 to seek a seat in the New York Assembly from the county's second Assembly District. He received 4,652 votes to 3,445 cast for Tuisco Genier, a Democrat.
In 1906 he was successfully re-elected, receiving 4,751 votes to 4,099 cast for J. Allen McCollum, Democratic Party and Independence League candidate. In 1907 he defeated Henry A. McMahon, Democrat by 994 votes and in 1908 it was a smaller win with only 43 votes separating him from Philip J. Keller, his Democratic opponent. Dr. Draper's time in the state Assembly ended in Dec. 31, 1909. Philip J. Keller defeated Robert L. Rice the Republican nominee. It was through Draper's efforts as an assemblyman that the state appropriated funding for an elevator in Prospect Park which has carried thousands of tourists below Niagara Falls for a close-up view of the cataracts. During his time in the Assembly he served on the Insurance Committee, Public Health, Electricity, Gas and Water supply, Privileges and Elections and Printed and Engrossed Bills. He was appointed by James W. Wadsworth, speaker of the Assembly.
Dr. Draper also served for 14 years as Niagara County coroner, being elected in 1918, 1921, 1927 and 1933. We already knew was elected mayor of the city of Niagara Falls in 1935 with a four-year term expiring at the end of 1939.
The population of the city grew from 30,445 in 1910 to 75,398 in 1930. It was noted in the city directories of these times that 60 percent of the U. S. population and 80 percent of the population of Canada lived within a 500 mile radius of Niagara Falls which was about one night's ride. The metro cities of Norfolk, Virginia; Boston; Portland, Maine; Quebec City, Quebec; Marquette, Michigan and Chicago were listed among others. Many railroads ran into the city such as Erie, Grand Trunk, Lehigh Valley, Michigan Central and many others. Connections were available to reach the Canadian side also. Bus lines servicing the area were Greyhound line, grey Coach Lines, International Bus Line and lots more. If one wanted to come to Niagara Falls, there were plenty of options to choose from to get there.
Entertainment at the time consisted of several moving picture theaters, a country club, two private clubs and active Rotary, Kiwanis, Lions and Zonta clubs. The city maintained several municipal parks, an excellent public golf course and various athletic fields throughout the city itself.
During Mayor Draper's second year, the world began to emerge from the dark days that allowed the debacle of 1929. Business increased, jobs became more plentiful and a feeling of confidence returned. The city directory noted that, locally, a revival of the south end of the mercantile districts, after a number of years in which it appeared to be moving backward instead of forward had been one of the major local developments during his second year.
RED BOOK, pages 123 - 124
Dr. W. Levell Draper, Republican, who represents the Second Assembly district of Niagara county, was born at Carthage, Jefferson county, New York. He lived on a farm during his boyhood, becoming thus familiar with farm work and farm life. He was educated at a district school, and then at Ives Seminary at Antwerp, New York. Then he acted for one year as principal of a public school at Natural Bridge, Jefferson county, and for two
years as principal of a union school at West Carthage. He was graduated by the Hahnemann Medical College of Chicago in I800 and by the University of Buffalo in I809.
In 1800 he established his home in Wilson, Niagara county, and has lived there ever since, practicing his profession as a physician. He has a large number of acquaintances in the county. For four years he was President of the village of Wilson, and for six years past has been a member of its Board of Education. He has worked actively in the interest of the Republican party. For years he has been a member of the Republican County Committee of Niagara county. He is a. member of several fraternal societies, including the Free and
Accepted Masons, Odd Fellows and Foresters. Dr. Draper in 1905 was nominated for the Assembly, and was elected, receiving 4,652 votes to 3,445 cast for Tuisco Grenier, Democrat. Speaker Wadsworth in 1905 appointed Dr. Draper a member of the
following Assembly Committees: Insurance; Public Health.
Re-nominated in 1906, Dr. Draper received 4,571 votes to 4,000 votes cast for J. Allen McCollum, Democrat and Independence League. Speaker Wadsworth in 1907 appointed Dr. Draper a member of the following Assembly Committees: Insurance, Electricity, Gas and Water Supply, and Privileges and Elections. Renominated again. in 1907, Dr. Draper received 4,701 votes to 3,707cast for Henry A. McMahon, Democrat. In 1908 Speaker Wadsworth appointed Dr. Draper a member of the following Assembly Committees:
Chairman of Privileges and Elections, member of Electricity, Gas and member of Electricity, Gas and Water Supply, and Printed and Engrossed Bills. Renominated in 1908, Dr. Draper received 5,156 votes to 5,113 cast for Philip J. Keller, Democrat.
In 1909 Speaker Wadsworth appointed Dr. Draper a member of the following Assembly Committees: Chairman of Privileges and Elections, member of Insurance, and Electricity, Gas and Water Supply
Draper, W. Levell, M. D., was born on a farm in Carthage, Jefferson County, N.Y. , February 24, 1865, a son of Philorus and Emaline (Cowan) Draper, both born and reared in Jefferson county, where she died in May, 1872. The grandfather of W. Levell was a native of Rhode Island and was one of the first settlers of Wilna, Jefferson county, where he lived and died. He built the first log and first frame house in that section and owned about 1,000 acres of land. He was a prominent man of the place and left a large family. W. Levell Draper, was reared on a farm and educated in Ives Seminary, Antwerp, N. Y ; he began the study of medicine with Dr. F. L. Santway, of Theresa, N. Y., in the mean time teaching at Natural Bridge and Carthage. He was graduated from the Hahnemann Medical College of Chicago
in 1890, and was with Dr. J. E. Oilman of Chicago one year, when he came to Wilson where he has since had a successful practice. Dr. Draper is a member of the Western New York Homeopathic Society, and is also a member of the Masonic order, the I. O. O. F., the I. O. F., the F. M. C.and K. O. T. M. In February, 1896, he married Anna Schoelles, of Wilson, N. Y.
Dr. W. Levell Draper became mayor of the city of Niagara Falls in January 1936 with the following words to the people of the city: "I extend the season's greetings. Prospects seem bright for the coming year and I am firmly convinced that the people are going to be much happier in 1936 than they have been for some years past. I am going to do what I can to make the coming year a successful one. I realize the responsibilities I have assumed and I am praying for strength to meet them."
Born on a farm in the Lamb district of the town of Wilna, N.Y., on Feb. 24, 1865, he was the son of the late Philorus and Emeline Cowan Draper. He attended district school and lived on a farm during his boyhood learning farm work and farm life. Following early district school, he enrolled at Ives seminary at Antwerp and after his graduation he became the principal of the public school at Natural Bridge, not far from his boyhood home. He later served as principal for two years at a union school at West Carthage, which later became the West Carthage High School.
Draper began the study of medicine with Dr. F.L. Santway of Theresa and enrolled in the Hahnemann Medical College in Chicago where he received his degree of doctor of medicine in 1890. After graduation, Dr. Draper established the practice of his profession in Wilson in Niagara County. Nine years later he was also graduated from the medical department of the University of Buffalo. He continued his practice in Wilson until 1909 when he became interested in the growing of citrus fruits and pineapples in Puerto Rico and became the manager of a pineapple plantation there and retained his interest in that enterprise until his death.
During his early years in Wilson, he took an active part in the interests of the Republican Party. Dr. Draper was the president of the Village of Wilson and was also a member of the Wilson Board of Education. His political interests continued and he became a member of the Republican County Committee of Niagara County and also served as a member of the executive committee of that body for three years when he decided in 1905 to seek a seat in the New York Assembly from the county's second Assembly District. He received 4,652 votes to 3,445 cast for Tuisco Genier, a Democrat.
In 1906 he was successfully re-elected, receiving 4,751 votes to 4,099 cast for J. Allen McCollum, Democratic Party and Independence League candidate. In 1907 he defeated Henry A. McMahon, Democrat by 994 votes and in 1908 it was a smaller win with only 43 votes separating him from Philip J. Keller, his Democratic opponent. Dr. Draper's time in the state Assembly ended in Dec. 31, 1909. Philip J. Keller defeated Robert L. Rice the Republican nominee. It was through Draper's efforts as an assemblyman that the state appropriated funding for an elevator in Prospect Park which has carried thousands of tourists below Niagara Falls for a close-up view of the cataracts. During his time in the Assembly he served on the Insurance Committee, Public Health, Electricity, Gas and Water supply, Privileges and Elections and Printed and Engrossed Bills. He was appointed by James W. Wadsworth, speaker of the Assembly.
Dr. Draper also served for 14 years as Niagara County coroner, being elected in 1918, 1921, 1927 and 1933. We already knew was elected mayor of the city of Niagara Falls in 1935 with a four-year term expiring at the end of 1939.
The population of the city grew from 30,445 in 1910 to 75,398 in 1930. It was noted in the city directories of these times that 60 percent of the U. S. population and 80 percent of the population of Canada lived within a 500 mile radius of Niagara Falls which was about one night's ride. The metro cities of Norfolk, Virginia; Boston; Portland, Maine; Quebec City, Quebec; Marquette, Michigan and Chicago were listed among others. Many railroads ran into the city such as Erie, Grand Trunk, Lehigh Valley, Michigan Central and many others. Connections were available to reach the Canadian side also. Bus lines servicing the area were Greyhound line, grey Coach Lines, International Bus Line and lots more. If one wanted to come to Niagara Falls, there were plenty of options to choose from to get there.
Entertainment at the time consisted of several moving picture theaters, a country club, two private clubs and active Rotary, Kiwanis, Lions and Zonta clubs. The city maintained several municipal parks, an excellent public golf course and various athletic fields throughout the city itself.
During Mayor Draper's second year, the world began to emerge from the dark days that allowed the debacle of 1929. Business increased, jobs became more plentiful and a feeling of confidence returned. The city directory noted that, locally, a revival of the south end of the mercantile districts, after a number of years in which it appeared to be moving backward instead of forward had been one of the major local developments during his second year.
RED BOOK, pages 123 - 124
Dr. W. Levell Draper, Republican, who represents the Second Assembly district of Niagara county, was born at Carthage, Jefferson county, New York. He lived on a farm during his boyhood, becoming thus familiar with farm work and farm life. He was educated at a district school, and then at Ives Seminary at Antwerp, New York. Then he acted for one year as principal of a public school at Natural Bridge, Jefferson county, and for two
years as principal of a union school at West Carthage. He was graduated by the Hahnemann Medical College of Chicago in I800 and by the University of Buffalo in I809.
In 1800 he established his home in Wilson, Niagara county, and has lived there ever since, practicing his profession as a physician. He has a large number of acquaintances in the county. For four years he was President of the village of Wilson, and for six years past has been a member of its Board of Education. He has worked actively in the interest of the Republican party. For years he has been a member of the Republican County Committee of Niagara county. He is a. member of several fraternal societies, including the Free and
Accepted Masons, Odd Fellows and Foresters. Dr. Draper in 1905 was nominated for the Assembly, and was elected, receiving 4,652 votes to 3,445 cast for Tuisco Grenier, Democrat. Speaker Wadsworth in 1905 appointed Dr. Draper a member of the
following Assembly Committees: Insurance; Public Health.
Re-nominated in 1906, Dr. Draper received 4,571 votes to 4,000 votes cast for J. Allen McCollum, Democrat and Independence League. Speaker Wadsworth in 1907 appointed Dr. Draper a member of the following Assembly Committees: Insurance, Electricity, Gas and Water Supply, and Privileges and Elections. Renominated again. in 1907, Dr. Draper received 4,701 votes to 3,707cast for Henry A. McMahon, Democrat. In 1908 Speaker Wadsworth appointed Dr. Draper a member of the following Assembly Committees:
Chairman of Privileges and Elections, member of Electricity, Gas and member of Electricity, Gas and Water Supply, and Printed and Engrossed Bills. Renominated in 1908, Dr. Draper received 5,156 votes to 5,113 cast for Philip J. Keller, Democrat.
In 1909 Speaker Wadsworth appointed Dr. Draper a member of the following Assembly Committees: Chairman of Privileges and Elections, member of Insurance, and Electricity, Gas and Water Supply
W. Levell Draper, of Wilson, Niagara County, N.Y. Member of New York state assembly who represents Niagara County 2nd District, 1906-09.
Draper, W. Levell, M. D., was born on a farm in Carthage, Jefferson County, N.Y. , February 24, 1865, a son of Philorus and Emaline (Cowan) Draper, both born and reared in Jefferson county, where she died in May, 1872. The grandfather of W. Levell was a native of Rhode Island and was one of the first settlers of Wilna, Jefferson county, where he lived and died. He built the first log and first frame house in that section and owned about 1,000 acres of land. He was a prominent man of the place and left a large family. W. Levell Draper, was reared on a farm and educated in Ives Seminary, Antwerp, N. Y ; he began the study of medicine with Dr. F. L. Santway, of Theresa, N. Y., in the mean time teaching at Natural Bridge and Carthage. He was graduated from the Hahnemann Medical College of Chicago
in 1890, and was with Dr. J. E. Oilman of Chicago one year, when he came to Wilson where he has since had a successful practice. Dr. Draper is a member of the Western New York Homeopathic Society, and is also a member of the Masonic order, the I. O. O. F., the I. O. F., the F. M. C.and K. O. T. M. In February, 1896, he married Anna Schoelles, of Wilson, N. Y.
Dr. W. Levell Draper became mayor of the city of Niagara Falls in January 1936 with the following words to the people of the city: "I extend the season's greetings. Prospects seem bright for the coming year and I am firmly convinced that the people are going to be much happier in 1936 than they have been for some years past. I am going to do what I can to make the coming year a successful one. I realize the responsibilities I have assumed and I am praying for strength to meet them."
Born on a farm in the Lamb district of the town of Wilna, N.Y., on Feb. 24, 1865, he was the son of the late Philorus and Emeline Cowan Draper. He attended district school and lived on a farm during his boyhood learning farm work and farm life. Following early district school, he enrolled at Ives seminary at Antwerp and after his graduation he became the principal of the public school at Natural Bridge, not far from his boyhood home. He later served as principal for two years at a union school at West Carthage, which later became the West Carthage High School.
Draper began the study of medicine with Dr. F.L. Santway of Theresa and enrolled in the Hahnemann Medical College in Chicago where he received his degree of doctor of medicine in 1890. After graduation, Dr. Draper established the practice of his profession in Wilson in Niagara County. Nine years later he was also graduated from the medical department of the University of Buffalo. He continued his practice in Wilson until 1909 when he became interested in the growing of citrus fruits and pineapples in Puerto Rico and became the manager of a pineapple plantation there and retained his interest in that enterprise until his death.
During his early years in Wilson, he took an active part in the interests of the Republican Party. Dr. Draper was the president of the Village of Wilson and was also a member of the Wilson Board of Education. His political interests continued and he became a member of the Republican County Committee of Niagara County and also served as a member of the executive committee of that body for three years when he decided in 1905 to seek a seat in the New York Assembly from the county's second Assembly District. He received 4,652 votes to 3,445 cast for Tuisco Genier, a Democrat.
In 1906 he was successfully re-elected, receiving 4,751 votes to 4,099 cast for J. Allen McCollum, Democratic Party and Independence League candidate. In 1907 he defeated Henry A. McMahon, Democrat by 994 votes and in 1908 it was a smaller win with only 43 votes separating him from Philip J. Keller, his Democratic opponent. Dr. Draper's time in the state Assembly ended in Dec. 31, 1909. Philip J. Keller defeated Robert L. Rice the Republican nominee. It was through Draper's efforts as an assemblyman that the state appropriated funding for an elevator in Prospect Park which has carried thousands of tourists below Niagara Falls for a close-up view of the cataracts. During his time in the Assembly he served on the Insurance Committee, Public Health, Electricity, Gas and Water supply, Privileges and Elections and Printed and Engrossed Bills. He was appointed by James W. Wadsworth, speaker of the Assembly.
Dr. Draper also served for 14 years as Niagara County coroner, being elected in 1918, 1921, 1927 and 1933. We already knew was elected mayor of the city of Niagara Falls in 1935 with a four-year term expiring at the end of 1939.
The population of the city grew from 30,445 in 1910 to 75,398 in 1930. It was noted in the city directories of these times that 60 percent of the U. S. population and 80 percent of the population of Canada lived within a 500 mile radius of Niagara Falls which was about one night's ride. The metro cities of Norfolk, Virginia; Boston; Portland, Maine; Quebec City, Quebec; Marquette, Michigan and Chicago were listed among others. Many railroads ran into the city such as Erie, Grand Trunk, Lehigh Valley, Michigan Central and many others. Connections were available to reach the Canadian side also. Bus lines servicing the area were Greyhound line, grey Coach Lines, International Bus Line and lots more. If one wanted to come to Niagara Falls, there were plenty of options to choose from to get there.
Entertainment at the time consisted of several moving picture theaters, a country club, two private clubs and active Rotary, Kiwanis, Lions and Zonta clubs. The city maintained several municipal parks, an excellent public golf course and various athletic fields throughout the city itself.
During Mayor Draper's second year, the world began to emerge from the dark days that allowed the debacle of 1929. Business increased, jobs became more plentiful and a feeling of confidence returned. The city directory noted that, locally, a revival of the south end of the mercantile districts, after a number of years in which it appeared to be moving backward instead of forward had been one of the major local developments during his second year.
RED BOOK, pages 123 - 124
Dr. W. Levell Draper, Republican, who represents the Second Assembly district of Niagara county, was born at Carthage, Jefferson county, New York. He lived on a farm during his boyhood, becoming thus familiar with farm work and farm life. He was educated at a district school, and then at Ives Seminary at Antwerp, New York. Then he acted for one year as principal of a public school at Natural Bridge, Jefferson county, and for two
years as principal of a union school at West Carthage. He was graduated by the Hahnemann Medical College of Chicago in I800 and by the University of Buffalo in I809.
In 1800 he established his home in Wilson, Niagara county, and has lived there ever since, practicing his profession as a physician. He has a large number of acquaintances in the county. For four years he was President of the village of Wilson, and for six years past has been a member of its Board of Education. He has worked actively in the interest of the Republican party. For years he has been a member of the Republican County Committee of Niagara county. He is a. member of several fraternal societies, including the Free and
Accepted Masons, Odd Fellows and Foresters. Dr. Draper in 1905 was nominated for the Assembly, and was elected, receiving 4,652 votes to 3,445 cast for Tuisco Grenier, Democrat. Speaker Wadsworth in 1905 appointed Dr. Draper a member of the
following Assembly Committees: Insurance; Public Health.
Re-nominated in 1906, Dr. Draper received 4,571 votes to 4,000 votes cast for J. Allen McCollum, Democrat and Independence League. Speaker Wadsworth in 1907 appointed Dr. Draper a member of the following Assembly Committees: Insurance, Electricity, Gas and Water Supply, and Privileges and Elections. Renominated again. in 1907, Dr. Draper received 4,701 votes to 3,707cast for Henry A. McMahon, Democrat. In 1908 Speaker Wadsworth appointed Dr. Draper a member of the following Assembly Committees:
Chairman of Privileges and Elections, member of Electricity, Gas and member of Electricity, Gas and Water Supply, and Printed and Engrossed Bills. Renominated in 1908, Dr. Draper received 5,156 votes to 5,113 cast for Philip J. Keller, Democrat.
In 1909 Speaker Wadsworth appointed Dr. Draper a member of the following Assembly Committees: Chairman of Privileges and Elections, member of Insurance, and Electricity, Gas and Water Supply
Draper, W. Levell, M. D., was born on a farm in Carthage, Jefferson County, N.Y. , February 24, 1865, a son of Philorus and Emaline (Cowan) Draper, both born and reared in Jefferson county, where she died in May, 1872. The grandfather of W. Levell was a native of Rhode Island and was one of the first settlers of Wilna, Jefferson county, where he lived and died. He built the first log and first frame house in that section and owned about 1,000 acres of land. He was a prominent man of the place and left a large family. W. Levell Draper, was reared on a farm and educated in Ives Seminary, Antwerp, N. Y ; he began the study of medicine with Dr. F. L. Santway, of Theresa, N. Y., in the mean time teaching at Natural Bridge and Carthage. He was graduated from the Hahnemann Medical College of Chicago
in 1890, and was with Dr. J. E. Oilman of Chicago one year, when he came to Wilson where he has since had a successful practice. Dr. Draper is a member of the Western New York Homeopathic Society, and is also a member of the Masonic order, the I. O. O. F., the I. O. F., the F. M. C.and K. O. T. M. In February, 1896, he married Anna Schoelles, of Wilson, N. Y.
Dr. W. Levell Draper became mayor of the city of Niagara Falls in January 1936 with the following words to the people of the city: "I extend the season's greetings. Prospects seem bright for the coming year and I am firmly convinced that the people are going to be much happier in 1936 than they have been for some years past. I am going to do what I can to make the coming year a successful one. I realize the responsibilities I have assumed and I am praying for strength to meet them."
Born on a farm in the Lamb district of the town of Wilna, N.Y., on Feb. 24, 1865, he was the son of the late Philorus and Emeline Cowan Draper. He attended district school and lived on a farm during his boyhood learning farm work and farm life. Following early district school, he enrolled at Ives seminary at Antwerp and after his graduation he became the principal of the public school at Natural Bridge, not far from his boyhood home. He later served as principal for two years at a union school at West Carthage, which later became the West Carthage High School.
Draper began the study of medicine with Dr. F.L. Santway of Theresa and enrolled in the Hahnemann Medical College in Chicago where he received his degree of doctor of medicine in 1890. After graduation, Dr. Draper established the practice of his profession in Wilson in Niagara County. Nine years later he was also graduated from the medical department of the University of Buffalo. He continued his practice in Wilson until 1909 when he became interested in the growing of citrus fruits and pineapples in Puerto Rico and became the manager of a pineapple plantation there and retained his interest in that enterprise until his death.
During his early years in Wilson, he took an active part in the interests of the Republican Party. Dr. Draper was the president of the Village of Wilson and was also a member of the Wilson Board of Education. His political interests continued and he became a member of the Republican County Committee of Niagara County and also served as a member of the executive committee of that body for three years when he decided in 1905 to seek a seat in the New York Assembly from the county's second Assembly District. He received 4,652 votes to 3,445 cast for Tuisco Genier, a Democrat.
In 1906 he was successfully re-elected, receiving 4,751 votes to 4,099 cast for J. Allen McCollum, Democratic Party and Independence League candidate. In 1907 he defeated Henry A. McMahon, Democrat by 994 votes and in 1908 it was a smaller win with only 43 votes separating him from Philip J. Keller, his Democratic opponent. Dr. Draper's time in the state Assembly ended in Dec. 31, 1909. Philip J. Keller defeated Robert L. Rice the Republican nominee. It was through Draper's efforts as an assemblyman that the state appropriated funding for an elevator in Prospect Park which has carried thousands of tourists below Niagara Falls for a close-up view of the cataracts. During his time in the Assembly he served on the Insurance Committee, Public Health, Electricity, Gas and Water supply, Privileges and Elections and Printed and Engrossed Bills. He was appointed by James W. Wadsworth, speaker of the Assembly.
Dr. Draper also served for 14 years as Niagara County coroner, being elected in 1918, 1921, 1927 and 1933. We already knew was elected mayor of the city of Niagara Falls in 1935 with a four-year term expiring at the end of 1939.
The population of the city grew from 30,445 in 1910 to 75,398 in 1930. It was noted in the city directories of these times that 60 percent of the U. S. population and 80 percent of the population of Canada lived within a 500 mile radius of Niagara Falls which was about one night's ride. The metro cities of Norfolk, Virginia; Boston; Portland, Maine; Quebec City, Quebec; Marquette, Michigan and Chicago were listed among others. Many railroads ran into the city such as Erie, Grand Trunk, Lehigh Valley, Michigan Central and many others. Connections were available to reach the Canadian side also. Bus lines servicing the area were Greyhound line, grey Coach Lines, International Bus Line and lots more. If one wanted to come to Niagara Falls, there were plenty of options to choose from to get there.
Entertainment at the time consisted of several moving picture theaters, a country club, two private clubs and active Rotary, Kiwanis, Lions and Zonta clubs. The city maintained several municipal parks, an excellent public golf course and various athletic fields throughout the city itself.
During Mayor Draper's second year, the world began to emerge from the dark days that allowed the debacle of 1929. Business increased, jobs became more plentiful and a feeling of confidence returned. The city directory noted that, locally, a revival of the south end of the mercantile districts, after a number of years in which it appeared to be moving backward instead of forward had been one of the major local developments during his second year.
RED BOOK, pages 123 - 124
Dr. W. Levell Draper, Republican, who represents the Second Assembly district of Niagara county, was born at Carthage, Jefferson county, New York. He lived on a farm during his boyhood, becoming thus familiar with farm work and farm life. He was educated at a district school, and then at Ives Seminary at Antwerp, New York. Then he acted for one year as principal of a public school at Natural Bridge, Jefferson county, and for two
years as principal of a union school at West Carthage. He was graduated by the Hahnemann Medical College of Chicago in I800 and by the University of Buffalo in I809.
In 1800 he established his home in Wilson, Niagara county, and has lived there ever since, practicing his profession as a physician. He has a large number of acquaintances in the county. For four years he was President of the village of Wilson, and for six years past has been a member of its Board of Education. He has worked actively in the interest of the Republican party. For years he has been a member of the Republican County Committee of Niagara county. He is a. member of several fraternal societies, including the Free and
Accepted Masons, Odd Fellows and Foresters. Dr. Draper in 1905 was nominated for the Assembly, and was elected, receiving 4,652 votes to 3,445 cast for Tuisco Grenier, Democrat. Speaker Wadsworth in 1905 appointed Dr. Draper a member of the
following Assembly Committees: Insurance; Public Health.
Re-nominated in 1906, Dr. Draper received 4,571 votes to 4,000 votes cast for J. Allen McCollum, Democrat and Independence League. Speaker Wadsworth in 1907 appointed Dr. Draper a member of the following Assembly Committees: Insurance, Electricity, Gas and Water Supply, and Privileges and Elections. Renominated again. in 1907, Dr. Draper received 4,701 votes to 3,707cast for Henry A. McMahon, Democrat. In 1908 Speaker Wadsworth appointed Dr. Draper a member of the following Assembly Committees:
Chairman of Privileges and Elections, member of Electricity, Gas and member of Electricity, Gas and Water Supply, and Printed and Engrossed Bills. Renominated in 1908, Dr. Draper received 5,156 votes to 5,113 cast for Philip J. Keller, Democrat.
In 1909 Speaker Wadsworth appointed Dr. Draper a member of the following Assembly Committees: Chairman of Privileges and Elections, member of Insurance, and Electricity, Gas and Water Supply
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