National Siblings Day: Whalers Liked to Keep it in the Family!

National Sibling Day Post

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All In the Family: Brotherhood on the Waves
National Sibling Day is April 10

In the golden age of American whaling, the industry was often a family affair. Brothers on Long Island found themselves drawn to the same legacy, sharing the hardships, adventures, and camaraderie.

THE LEE BROTHERS
Shinnecock Reservation | Southampton, NY
The five Lee brothers were all whalers: Milton, Ferdinand (who became captain), Notley, James (also known as Robert), and Garrison (also known as William). The oldest and youngest were separated by seventeen years.

They collectively sailed at least 25 times on whaling trips. Their participation highlights the significant role that those with Black & Shinnecock heritage played in the maritime industries of that era. Unfortunately, Ferdinand and William both perished on the Amethyst, which was lost in the Arctic.

(Photo: 1881 photograph of the vessel Young Phenix, which Ferdinand Lee sailed on, at dock in New Bedford with seaweed and whale oil barrels in foreground.)
THE JONES BROTHERS
Cold Spring Harbor, NY
John and Walter Jones were instrumental in establishing the Cold Spring Whaling Company in the 1830's. Facing challenges in their woolen mills due to foreign competition, the brothers diversified into whaling, capitalizing on the booming markets for whale oil and related products. Their investments led to the creation of a local fleet.

(Photos show formal oil paintings of Jonas and Walter in fine clothing, and a "Whaleman Wanted" posting calling for "experienced and Green Hands for the Cold Spring Whaling Company" who should "apply immediately to John H. Jones, agent."

THE WINTERS BROTHERS
Sag Harbor, NY
When 29-year old Captain Philander Winters sailed the Richmond up the Bering Strait and into the arctic, he was searching for one final whale when the ship encountered heavy fog and struck a reef, running aground. The crew evacuated safety and waited for another ship to come along - and the one that did carried none other than Philander’s older brother, Captain Jonas Winters, who rescued them.
Philander mentally and physically struggled to recover, becoming ill and dying a month later. This wasn’t the first wasn’t the first time Jonas had to bury a brother at sea: just a few years earlier, Jonas buried his 27-year old brother Parmenas at sea, who was working as a second mate on Jonas’ ship when he tragically fell from the main yard.

(Black and white portrait portrait photograph of Jonas Winters, wearing spectacles and a white beard with a serious expression; sketch of the Richmond stranded on rocks in the arctic with three nearby ships.)