Folder MS0247.01.08

Scope and Contents

1915 January 12 Writes that he has collected 439 names of sea captains from 1780 to 1840 and pictures of 50 men and 50 vessels – considers publishing a book. Asks if friend Lew could send him a picture of Robert H. Dixey. Lists what he found for Lewis’ information: John Girdler (1769) and his ships, Lewis Girdler (1766) and his ships, Lewis Girdler (1793) his ships; Joseph Girdler (1763) and ships. Asks Lew to write something and get pictures of Dad or Granddad.

Scope and Contents 1916 March 16 writes “my great-grandfather was John Stevens Girdler… I have his sea-chest which is papered with pages of log book of ship America.” Needham asks what the story of John Stevens Girdler’s death is: on a voyage to Sumatra killed by natives or that he and crew were taken sick and died there. Refers to the book “Old Marblehead Sea Captains and the Ships in Which They Sailed” having no reference to this Girdler but does a John Girdler baptized 1769 who was his father. Can Lewis...