Taking Care of a Stranger
The poor Italian seemed incapable of communicating with anyone. His legs were severely frostbitten. It was unlikely he’d be able to care for himself, and no one knew him. He literally had no means of support. Out of Christian charity, the Overseers of the Poor bore the cost of his long-term care.
The various people who were in charge of the poor took turns housing him, but it became obvious that something needed to be done about his legs. In March 1861, Gamby was taken to Doctor Henry Peters in Gagetown, who amputated him at the knees. During his three-month convalescence, he stayed in Gagetown at the home of John Hutchinson, the county jailer. In June 1861, he was brought back to Chipman, where he stayed with George Gallager’s family until 1863.
Court Documents
- John O'Leary, George Benison, Samuel White, Application for support for poor of Parish Chipman
- John O'Leary, George Benison, Samuel White, A/C General against Chipman [1861], 1861
- Unknown, Bill for services, Samuel White, 1861
- Unknown, John Hutchison Bill 1861, April 31, 1861
- Unknown, Bill for services, Dr. Harry Peters, June 6, 1861
- Thomas Mason, Grand Jury In inquire to Overseer For Payment for Support Of Italian Pauper, January 29, 1862
Government Documents
- Unknown, 1861, New Brunswick, Queen's County Census, Parish of Chipman, 1861
- Justin Earle, Queen's County Council Draft Minutes, Thursday 24th January 1861, January 24, 1861
- John O'Leary, George Benison, John McGrigger, The Petition of the Overseers of the Poor for the Parish of Chipman praying to be reimbursed certain expenses incurred in saving the life of and supporting an unfortunate pauper from another country., 1862