Samuel Gardner Drake


Samuel Gardner Drake was an American antiquarian.

Biography

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, 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 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.

Works

He edited: