Mayor 1891 - 1892
Following a request, the Mayor Ald. James Bonnar convened a public meeting in the council chambers in January 1907 to recognise the community service of William Drew to the Armidale community. He had given service to the community for the past forty years but retired that month because of ill health. For twenty years he held the post of treasurer to the Armidale P. and A. Association. At the meeting, eulogistic speeches were presented in praise of his contribution and it was moved that an illuminated address and sovereigns be presented to him at a later function.
He originally came from Maitland to Armidale and worked with his uncle, Robert Drew in a saddlery business. He conducted the saddlery business until his departure for Sydney with his wife and family. He died at his home in Sydney in 1914, aged 75 years leaving a widow as well as three sons and three daughters.
During his life in Armidale, he took an active role in the Freetrade-Protection campaign and fought for the Protectionist cause. He became the first president of the Liberal League in Armidale and worked for the Federation of the States. As a supporter of education, he served on the Public School Board and played a role in the establishment of The Armidale School Ltd.