Samuel Gardner Drake

Indian biography, containing the lives of more than two hundred Indian chiefs ( 1832 ) Samuel Gardner Drake

Samuel Gardner Drake (October 11, 1798 - June 14, 1875) was an eminent American antiquarian. Drake was born in Pittsfield, New Hampshire. His father, Simeon Drake, was initially a farmer like his four brothers, but sold his homestead in 1805 to open a store in neighboring Northwood. His mother, Love Muchmore Drake (née Tucke), was the daughter of a minister. Drake was named Samuel after his mother's eldest brother, Samuel J. Tucke, and the middle name Gardner derives from Samuel J. Tucke's wife's maiden name. Drake was educated in the common schools, and from 1818 to 1825 taught in a district school. He was fond of literary pursuits, and in 1828 he went to Boston, where he established an antiquarian bookstore - the first of its kind in the United States - and devoted himself to the study of early United States history. He continued to do business as a bookseller and publisher during his life, and the most noted writers of his day availed themselves of the store of information that he had collected. He was one of the founders (1847) of the New England Historic Genealogical Society, was its president in 1858, and for many years was the editor of its quarterly Register, contributing many articles to its pages. In 1858-60 he resided in London, England. Drake died of pneumonia in Boston on June 14, 1875, aged 76