| Samuel Gardner Drake | |
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Engraving by Stephen Alonzo Schoff. |
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| Born | October 11, 1798 Pittsfield, New Hampshire |
| Died | June 14, 1875 (aged 76) Boston, Massachusetts |
| Cause of death | Pneumonia |
| Children | Samuel Adams Drake Francis Samuel 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,[1] but sold his homestead in 1805 to open a store in neighboring Northwood.[2] His mother, Love Muchmore Drake (née Tucke) was the daughter of a minister.[3] 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.[4]
Drake was educated in the common schools, and from 1818 to 1825 taught in a district school. 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 Massachusetts history. 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.
Drake died of pneumonia on June 14, 1875, aged 76.[5]
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| Preceded by William Whiting |
President of the New England Historic Genealogical Society 1858–1859 |
Succeeded by Almon D. Hodges |