Samuel Ally (c.1804-1822):
Old Kirk Braddan Church, Saddle Rd, Douglas IM4 4LA
Samuel Ally was born a slave on the island of St Helena. He was granted his freedom by the island’s governor, Colonel Marks Wilks. Samuel’s fate was to change with the arrival of Napoleon. It was decided in London that a colonel was too lowly a rank to oversee the exile of a deposed emperor, and that a general should be appointed instead. Colonel Wilks was relieved of his post and paid compensation, returning to his estate on the Isle of Man. Samuel accompanied him.
The inscription tells of his utter devotion to Wilks, and how he became a model citizen, before dying at just eighteen years of age.
Inscription:
SAMUEL ALLY
An African and native of St Helena.
Died the 28th of May 1822 aged 18 years.
Born a slave, and exposed
In early life to the corrupt influences
Of that unhappy state, he became
A model of TRUTH and PROBITY for
The more fortunate of any country
Or condition.
This stone is erected by a grateful
Master to the memory of a faithful
servant who repaid the boon of
Liberty with unbounded attachment.
