Derby, Elias Hasket: Difference between revisions

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Elias Hasket Derby (1739-99) known as "King" Derby.
Elias Hasket Derby (1739-99) was known as "King" Derby.
Though he never went to sea himself, he was a successful merchant taking his sea vessels to new trading ports of the Phillipines, Russia
Though he never went to sea himself, he was a successful merchant, taking his sea vessels to new trading ports of the Phillipines, Russia
India, Africa and the East Indies.
India, Africa and the East Indies.
Derby's ship the Grant Turk reached Canton China in 1786, making it the third American ship to go to China.
Derby's ship the Grant Turk reached Canton China in 1786, making it the third American ship to go to China.
Known as American's first millionaire, he wasn't afraid to take chances. He used innovative ideas such as using a "supercargo" or seagoing agent,
Known as American's first millionaire, he wasn't afraid to take chances. He used innovative ideas such as using a "supercargo" or seagoing agent,
to relieve the sea captain of the commercial concerns.
to relieve the sea captain of commercial concerns of the voyage.
 
From the Revolutionary War until his death in 1799, Derby's vessels made more that 330 voyages, employing 100 sea captains for his vessels. He was  
From the Revolutionary War until his death in 1799, Derby's vessels made more that 330 voyages, employing 100 sea captains for his vessels. He was  
known to treat his sailors better than was average, providing fresh vegetables on voyages, and he never trafficked in the slave trade.
known to treat his sailors better than was average, providing fresh vegetables on voyages, and he never trafficked in the slave trade.


He built the [[Derby Mansion]] in the heart of Salem from 1795-99 from McIntire plans. It was later razed after his death.
He built the [[Derby Mansion]] in the heart of Salem (near the present Old Town Hall) from 1795-99 from McIntire plans. It was razed by his son after his death.


250th birthday celebration of Derby Aug. 1989.
250th birthday celebration of Derby Aug. 1989.

Revision as of 08:22, 11 June 2010

Elias Hasket Derby (1739-99) was known as "King" Derby. Though he never went to sea himself, he was a successful merchant, taking his sea vessels to new trading ports of the Phillipines, Russia India, Africa and the East Indies.

Derby's ship the Grant Turk reached Canton China in 1786, making it the third American ship to go to China. Known as American's first millionaire, he wasn't afraid to take chances. He used innovative ideas such as using a "supercargo" or seagoing agent, to relieve the sea captain of commercial concerns of the voyage.

From the Revolutionary War until his death in 1799, Derby's vessels made more that 330 voyages, employing 100 sea captains for his vessels. He was known to treat his sailors better than was average, providing fresh vegetables on voyages, and he never trafficked in the slave trade.

He built the Derby Mansion in the heart of Salem (near the present Old Town Hall) from 1795-99 from McIntire plans. It was razed by his son after his death.

250th birthday celebration of Derby Aug. 1989.

See Also

  • "Salem merchant became America's first millionaire" Salem Evening News, Aug. 16, 1989. p.11
  • "McIntire mansion overshadowed Old Town Hall" Salem Evening News, Aug. 15, 2001, p. A3