John Gillie, ship’s master in the age of sail, photographed in 1882, at the age of 53.
John gillie, born 1829
SEA CAPTAIN IN THE DAYS OF SAIL
John Gillie, a farmer’s son from the Scottish borders, signed up to go to sea in 1844, at the age of fifteen. He rose to become a captain and part owner of sailing ships that took cargo all over the world. His destinations included the ports of the Black Sea, Alexandria, Constantinople, Australia, Shanghai, Penang, Brazil and California. He was accompainied by his wife and children, and there were many adventures en route. After his wife’s death he re-married and enjoyed a quiet retirement enlivened by disputes within the congregation of his Presbyterian chapel.
Click below to view his life story:
Source: Contributed to Lives Retold by William Dawkins, great great grandson of John Gillie.