Frank Neal Drane
Corsicana, Navarro County, Texas
Marker Inscription
(1862-1938) A Navarro County native, Frank Neal Drane married Florence A. Bingham in 1885 and had two children. He ran a hardware store with his father before becoming president of City National Bank. In 1901 Drane formed the Corsicana Power and Light company. A city alderman and a leader in the Third Avenue Presbyterian church, he wished to share his personal prosperity with fellow citizens. In 1938 he organized the Navarro Community Foundation with E. W. Robinson (1891-1967) as the first director. The fund has benefited wide-ranging endeavors, including Navarro College, founded in 1946.
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
A Navarro County native, Frank Neal Drane rose from his father's hardware store to become president of City National Bank and, in 1901, founder of the Corsicana Power and Light Company. A city alderman and church leader, he wanted to share his prosperity with his neighbors. In 1938 he established the Navarro Community Foundation, whose grants have since supported causes across the county, including Navarro College.
Why it matters
Drane exemplifies the civic-minded businessman whose local philanthropy built the banks, utilities, and endowments that turned frontier county seats into lasting communities.
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Related people
- · Frank Neal Drane
- · Florence A. Bingham
- · E.W. Robinson
Themes & tags
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