African American whaling captains

In January 2014, Skip Finley wrote an article about captain William Martin of Edgartown in Marthas Vineyard, who is known to have made it as one of a few recorded whaling captains of African American background.¹

In the annals of maritime history, few figures stand out as remarkably as Captain William A. Martin of Edgartown. Born in 1827 on Martha’s Vineyard, Martin was one of the rare African American whaling captains—a testament to his extraordinary talent, determination, and resilience in an era fraught with racial barriers.

Martin’s lineage traces back to his great-grandmother, who was born in Guinea, Africa, and brought to Chilmark as a slave in the mid-1700s. His grandmother, Nancy Michael—affectionately known as “Black Nance”—was a beloved figure in the community. Revered by local children and adults alike, she was remembered in her 1857 obituary in the Vineyard Gazette as someone to whom “few among us who have not at some time been indebted.” Raised by Nancy after his mother, Rebecca Ann, faced personal struggles, William grew up under the guidance of a woman admired for her strength and character.

In his late teens, Martin embarked on his first sea voyage, likely aboard the Almira. Despite the prevailing norms of the time, which saw few Black individuals attaining literacy, Martin received a quality education from the Edgartown School. This education enabled him to serve as a log keeper on several early voyages—a role that required not only literacy but also meticulous attention to detail.

His competence quickly became evident. As the cooper and boatsteerer on the Waverly in 1851, Martin earned more than the first mate, a rare achievement that underscored his exceptional skills. His career progressed as he became the first mate and log keeper of the Europa, and later, joint first master on the Eunice H. Adams. By the 1870s, he had ascended to the rank of captain of the Clarice, a monumental accomplishment for an African American man in the 19th century.

Over the course of at least nine voyages before 1887, Captain Martin’s vessels harvested more than 2,658 barrels of prized sperm whale oil, along with valuable cargoes of other oils and whalebone. His final command was the Eunice H. Adams, which met with a severe storm that resulted in the ship’s damage and his injury. His success was not just a personal triumph but also a significant contribution to the whaling industry, which was a cornerstone of the economy during that period.

In 1857, Martin married Sarah G. Brown of Chappaquiddick, a woman of African American and Wampanoag heritage. Their marriage, which spanned over 50 years, was a partnership that withstood the test of time. According to the July 11, 1907 edition of the Vineyard Gazette, they celebrated their golden anniversary just months before his passing in September 1907 at the age of approximately 80.

Captain Martin’s legacy lives on in Chappaquiddick, where he is buried, and where his and Sarah’s home still stands—a silent testament to a man who navigated not just the turbulent seas, but also the societal challenges of his time.

Captain William A. Martin’s story is one of perseverance and excellence. In an occupation fraught with danger and uncertainty, he rose to the pinnacle through sheer talent and hard work. His journey from the grandson of an enslaved woman to a respected sea captain serves as an inspiring chapter in maritime history and a powerful reminder of what can be achieved against the odds.

 

1. Finley, Skip (2014): Not your average Ahab, in: Marthas Vineyard Magazine, https://mvmagazine.com/news/2014/05/01/not-your-average-ahab#comments [Last Access: 15.08.2024]. [↩]

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