Samuel Gardner Drake

Samuel Gardner Drake, born in New Hampshire in 1798, became a prominent American antiquarian, historian, and author. After receiving a common school education and teaching for several years, he moved to Boston in 1828. There, he established the United States' first antiquarian bookstore, which became a significant resource for historical information and a hub for notable writers. Drake dedicated himself to the study of early American history, particularly the history and lives of Indigenous peoples and early colonial settlements.

Beyond his work as a bookseller and publisher, Drake was a key figure in historical societies. He was among the founders of the New England Historic Genealogical Society in 1847, served as its president in 1858, and was a long-time editor of its publication, the Register. His extensive research, often involving British archives, focused on the founders of New England and various aspects of early American life and conflicts. Drake passed away in Boston in 1875. His extensive writings and editorial work contributed significantly to the historical record of early America, with a particular emphasis on Indigenous narratives and colonial conflicts.

Samuel Gardner Drake's career was deeply rooted in the preservation and dissemination of historical knowledge. After an initial period of teaching, he founded the first antiquarian bookstore in the United States in Boston in 1828. This establishment served not only as a commercial venture but also as a vital center for research into early American history. Drake himself became a dedicated scholar, amassing a wealth of information that was sought after by contemporary writers and historians. His work as a bookseller and publisher spanned his lifetime, solidifying his reputation as a central figure in the historical community of his era.

Drake's commitment to history extended beyond his bookstore. He was a co-founder of the New England Historic Genealogical Society in 1847 and later served as its president in 1858. For many years, he also edited the society's quarterly publication, the Register, where he contributed numerous articles. His research often involved delving into British archives to uncover information pertinent to the early settlers of New England. This dedication to primary source research informed his extensive body of work, which covered a wide range of topics concerning early America, including Indigenous peoples, colonial wars, and the history of specific regions and families.

A significant portion of Samuel Gardner Drake's published works and editorial efforts centered on the history of Indigenous peoples in North America and the conflicts that arose during the colonial period. Titles such as 'Indian Biography,' 'The Book of the Indians,' 'The Old Indian Chronicle,' and 'Biography and History of the Indians of North America' highlight this focus. He also edited significant historical accounts of conflicts like King Philip's War and French and Indian War. His research into these areas, including his work on witchcraft in New England, aimed to provide a detailed chronicle of the interactions and struggles between European settlers and Native American tribes, as well as the broader social and political landscape of early colonial America.