Identity area
Reference code
Title
Date(s)
- 1990-2010 (Creation)
Level of description
Extent and medium
31pp
Context area
Archival history
Immediate source of acquisition or transfer
Content and structure area
Scope and content
Catalogue of the Devereux family papers (1788-1888) found in the Peabody Museum [manuscript number MH-1] and the Essex Institute, Salem, Massachusetts [manuscript number 100), plus correspondence from the Essex Institute forwarding the finding aid. Born in Wexford, James Devereux (1766-1846) emigrated to America in 1780 with his uncle, shipmaster John Murphy. He became a successful merchant and shipmaster, commanding the first American vessel to sail to Japan in 1799 and building an extensive global shipping enterprise. With his wife Sally Crowninshield Devereux, he had eight surviving children. Several entered shipping or legal careers, including sons John, James Jr., and Nicholas. His daughter Abigail married merchant William Dean Waters, linking the family to another prominent shipping dynasty.