Major John Draffen moved to Anderson County KY from Charlottesville VA. He was admitted in 1832 by motion to practice law in Anderson County as a licensed attorney and counselor-at-law.

His first wife was Mary Robertson, whose sister was the wife of Governor Letcher. John and Mary Robertson had six children. His second wife was Mary Lilliard, daughter of Christopher Lilliard and granddaughter of Captain John Lilliard who had distinguished himself in the Revolutionary War. John and Mary Lilliard had three children: Edward W. Draffen; Mrs. Lou Lyons; and Mrs. Maude Colter.

John Draffen was a Representative in the Kentucky Legislature from 1839-40, 1862-63 (succeeding Vincent Ash who had been expelled on Aug 19 1862 for joining John Hunt Morgan's "rebel band"), and 1865-67. He was State Senator 1845-49, and Anderson County Attorney during 1832-1845 (except for 1843), 1862-65, and 1872-78.