Gabriel Christie (British Army officer)
Gabriel Christie (16 September 1722 – 26 January 1799) was a British Army General from Scotland, who settled in Montreal after the French and Indian War. He was one the largest landowners in the British Province of Quebec.
Contents |
[edit] Early life
Christie was born in Stirling, Scotland and first came to North America with the 44th Regiment of Foot during period before the Seven Years' War. As a Major, he fought with Wolfe at the Siege of Quebec.
[edit] American War of Independence
Christie did not fight in the American War of Independence since he was stationed in Barbados and Antigua during that time. But, the war certainly affected him. He had married Sarah Stevenson in Albany, New York when stationed in the area, and settled his family in Montreal. He was a major land owner and developer (called a seigneur in Canada), with property along the Richelieu River which was devastated during the American invasion of Canada. Some of his property near St. Johns was owned jointly with Moses Hazen, who during the War of Independence sided with the armies under Richard Montgomery who invaded Quebec. The two were in court for years over their failed business partnership.
[edit] Later life
Christie was promoted to Major General in 1781, Lieutenant General in 1793, and full General in 1798. He died at home in Montreal.
