During the early twentieth century, sailing vessels were the lifelines for island residents.
Below are the stories of some of them and their tragic fates. 📚
- 1923 – LA GRACIA
- 1930s – TO WINDWARD
- 1930s – FANCY ME
The Courageous Captain Sewer
The Danish sloop, Irma II carried mail, supplies, and passengers as far south as Antigua and on return, brought packages of molasses for St. Thomas merchants.
She was captained by Samuel Sewer, a beloved and “glamorous figure“.
Irma II’s Passenger Lists
In January of 1918, Captain Sewer left St. Thomas with a large number of laborers for the Dominican Republic.
Below you’ll find one of his passenger lists uncovered by David Knight Sr. and Laurette de T. Prime.
For those interested in their family history, the discovery of this rare document is a fabulous find.
*A special Thank you to David Knight Sr. and Laurette de T. Prime for sharing their research.
David has a new blog entitled, Creoles & Continentals, about St. John’s fascinating history. You can sign up to receive updates by clicking on his name.
Copyright © 2016 Valerie Sims. All Rights Reserved.
Crewmen of the Irma II
Samuel Osbourne Sewer, Crewman, Aged 20, Born May 12, 1898
William Wallace, Crewman, 35 years old
Passenger List ~ January 9, 1918
Click on these photos below for additional passenger lists.
