Rev. WILLIAM ALLEN DREW, most of whose life was passed in Maine, was born in Kingston, Mass., Dec. 11, 1798. He fitted for college in early life, but adverse circumstances compelled him to abandon his studies and go to Bath, Me., in 1813, where he was employed as a clerk for two years. He then spent four years at work on a farm in Hallowell. In 1819 he accepted an invitation to take charge of Farmington Academy, and remained in that position five years. He preached his first sermon in Farmington, Oct. 1, 1821, and was fellowshipped the same year. He remained in Farmington as teacher and preacher until 1824, when he began preaching in Belfast, and removed there Jan. 1, 1825. He remained there two years, preaching also in Camden, in Thomaston, and in other towns in the vicinity. In December, 1825, he began the publication of a religious paper called "The Christian Visitant," which was afterwards merged in "The Christian Intelligencer," published at Portland by Rev. Russell Streeter, and Mr. Drew was associated with him in the editorial work. In January, 1827, he removed to Augusta, in which place he had his home during the remainder of his life. The "Intelligencer" was removed to Gardiner at the same time, and he became its sole editor. From 1831 to 1833 he published "The Christian Preacher," a monthly journal of sermons. He established the "Gospel Banner" in 1835, and edited it with marked ability until 1857. After his connection ceased with the "Banner," he was editor of the "Rural Intelligencer" for a few years, and was at different times connected with the "Maine Cultivator," the "Augusta Courier," and perhaps some other papers. He was a contributor to the "Gospel Banner" even after the burden of years and infirmities pressed heavily upon him. He was eminently fitted for the editorship of a public journal. Mr. Drew organized the First Universalist Church in Augusta in 1833. He was ordained its pastor when the meeting-house was dedicated, Nov. 26, 1835, preached to it constantly, and performed pastoral labors until 1848. Rev. Dr. Quinby, who published a biographical sketch of him after his decease, writes:-- "As a writer and editor he had few equals. His pen was ever ready, he never tired. Many of his productions bore the marks of great research and deep thought, though evidently written in the midst of a pressure of other occupations. His theology was plain and straightforward. All could understand him. His descriptions of scenes and places were vivid, natural, and generally true to the life. He had many admirers as a controversialist. Possessing a wide range of thought, good knowledge of the Bible, a well-balanced and discerning intellect, a ready wit, and naturally exceedingly sarcastic, he was a stalwart defender of Universalism in Maine, and proved himself competent to any emergency."