Samuel Gale was born at Kimpton, Hants, England, on October 14, 1747. He was raised and educated in England and came to the American Colonies in 1770. He apparently had a special knowledge of surveying, since he published The Complete Surveyor in March 1772. His wife, Rebecca, daughter of Col. Samuel Wells, was born at Deerfield, Mass., on January 23rd, 1752. They were married on June 25th, 1773, and she died at Farnham on January 23rd, 1826. They had two children, a son Samuel, who married Mary Matilda Hawley, of St. Armand West, on November 6th, 1839, and a daughter Hannah, who married Whipple Wells on June 29, 1814.
During his residence in New England his attachment to the Royal cause was very definite and he could not tolerate any opinion to the contrary. Being accustomed in his homeland to seeing the yeomanry only as obedient servants, his indignation knew no bounds when he witnessed their rebellion against constituted authority. His outspoken opinion resulted in his arrest on several occasions and in April 1776, when he was finally released on parole, he realized that he was ill-prepared to participate in civil commotion, and moved with his family to Quebec. Here he was employed by the Government, later as Secretary to Governor Prescott. He was one of the leading applicants for the Township of Farnham, and on October 22nd, 1798, they obtained the grant of this Township, consisting of twenty-three thousand acres.
In 1799 Gale accompanied the Governor to England. On his return, at about fifty-five years of age, he entered into the simple but arduous life of a pioneer farmer. He died at Farnham on June 27th, 1826, and was buried on his property, along with his wife and daughter. A funeral monument was erected and is still standing, being the property of the Brome County Historical Society since 1901.
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Title based on contents of fonds.
The fonds consists of primary source information regarding Samuel Gale, including personal letters, list books and notes. The fonds contains the following series: Correspondence (1787-1840); Miscellaneous (1774-1903).
Revision: March 2022.
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The series consists of correspondence concerning Samuel Gale.
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The file consists of documents concerning the late Attorney General of New York, the Lords Commissioners of His Majesty's Treasury and Samuel Gale.
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The file consists of a copy of a letter to Mr. Steel, of the Treasury Office.
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This file contains three letters to Samuel Gale concerning land.
A copy of the July 28th letter is also available and is dated July 29, 1798.
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The file consists of a letter from Nathan Barlow expressing his wish to acquire land in Canada and relating some experiences during the Revolution, dated March 19, 1798, at Stratford, N.H., a letter from John Doty to William Henry concerning land in the Township of Clifton, dated March 26, 1798, a letter from Rev. James Tunstall to Samuel Gale seeking his advice and assistance in obtaining a land grant, dated June 14, 1798, at Montreal, a letter from Samuel Willard expressing his intention of going to Quebec as soon as his health permits, dated July 28, 1798, at Sheldon, VT., a letter from Mr. Berezly detailing observations on the conduct of certain persons endeavoring to raise clamors respecting the late regulations in the land business, dated August 9, 1798, and a letter from John Fisher to Samuel Gale inquiring what has been done respecting certain grants, dated August 16, 1798, at Montreal.
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The file consists of five letters concerning land, military affairs and goods.
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This file contains one document concerning land grants.
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The file consists of copies of a bill of exchange.
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The file consists of letters concerning roads.
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The file consists of a copy of a letter concerning Nicholas Austin.
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This file contains three letters regarding the Militia in the Eastern Townships.
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The file consists of a copy of a letter concerning LeMesurier's property.
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The file consists of a copy of a letter regarding family affairs.
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The file consists of a copy of a letter regarding property.