Gabriel Christie (British Army officer) facts for kids
Gabriel Christie (born September 16, 1722 – died January 26, 1799) was a British Army General from Scotland. After the Seven Years' War, he moved to Montreal, which is now in Canada. After the British took control of New France, he bought a lot of land. He became one of the biggest landowners in the British Province of Quebec.
Contents
Early Life and Military Start
Gabriel Christie was born in Stirling, Scotland. His father, James Christie, was a rich merchant and manufacturer. Gabriel's mother, Catherine Napier, came from an important family. Her grandfather was the famous mathematician John Napier. Gabriel went to school in Stirling, Glasgow, and England.
In 1742, Gabriel Christie joined the army as an ensign. This was like a junior officer. His uncle, Lieutenant-General Robert Napier, helped him join. His uncle was a top officer for the Duke of Cumberland.
Military Career Highlights
In 1745, Christie became a Lieutenant in the 27th (Inniskilling) Regiment of Foot. He was with his uncle at the Battle of Culloden. This was a major battle in Scotland. After the victory, young Christie was sent to deliver the news to the governor of Stirling Castle.
Later, as a Captain, he served in the 44th Regiment of Foot. In 1756, he became an assistant-deputy-Quartermaster-General in North America. This job meant he helped manage army supplies and movements. He kept this role under different commanders.
Christie fought with General Wolfe at the Siege of Quebec. This battle was a key part of the Seven Years' War. He was promoted to Brevet Major during this time. In 1762, he became a Lieutenant-Colonel. By 1769, he was the deputy-Quartermaster-General for all British forces in North America.
He later served in the West Indies. In 1781, he became a Major-General. He was also named Commander-in-Chief of the British forces in the Leeward Islands. In 1793, he was promoted to Lieutenant-General. His final promotion came in 1798. He became a full General. He was then the Commander-in-Chief of British Forces in the Canadas, based in Montreal.
Becoming a Landowner in Quebec
Gabriel Christie spent most of the American Revolution in the West Indies. But in the 1780s, after his active army role ended, he settled in Quebec. He had already started buying large amounts of land there. He wanted to become a major seigneur. This was a type of landowner in New France.
In 1764, he bought six large pieces of land called seigneuries. He bought them from French Canadian noble families. These families were returning to France after the British took over. He later sold some of these lands to buy others closer to Montreal. He bought lands like Bleury, Sabrevois, Noyan, Lacolle, and Léry. Around 1777, he added Lachenaie and Repentigny to his holdings. His final land purchase was in 1796, the seigneury of Chambly.
Christie hired people to manage his many land holdings. He lived comfortably in Montreal with his family. However, he faced some challenges. His property along the Richelieu River was damaged during the American Invasion of Canada in 1775. Also, some of his land deals led to long court battles.
Family Life
Gabriel Christie married Sarah Stevenson. She was from Albany, New York. They settled in Montreal with their son and two daughters.
Later, while in London in the 1780s, he had children with another partner, Rachel Plenderleath. They had three sons: Gabriel, George, and William. These sons were accepted into the family. They were also provided for equally in his will. Each received money and army positions. His eldest son, Napier, inherited most of his estate. He later passed it on to his half-brother, William.
Gabriel Christie lived with his family on Rue Saint-Paul in Montreal.
- General Napier Christie-Burton (1758-1835) was Gabriel's eldest son. He became a Member of Parliament. He also took over as Commander-in-Chief of British troops in Canada after his father. He married Mary Burton and added her family name to his.
- Catherine Christie (1772-1849) was one of his daughters. She married Major John Robertson in Jamaica. They had three children.
- Sarah Christie (1774-1836) was another daughter. She married Rev. James Tunstall. He was the Rector of Christ Church Cathedral in Montreal.
- William Smith Plenderleath (1780-1845) was one of his sons with Rachel Plenderleath. He inherited his father's Canadian lands from his half-brother. He agreed to take the name 'Christie' to do so.
Images for kids
-
Portrait of Gabriel Christie by Ralph Earl, around 1784
