PEOPLE

People The Howlands met on their journey in 1853.

CHARLES VAN MEGEN GILLESPIE

& SARAH BENTNER GILLESPIE

Sarah was acquainted with the Gillespies, a prominent San Francisco family.

The Gillespies are thought to have brought the first Chinese immigrants to America.

Sarah Gillespie was known for her extraordinary horticultural skills.

Charles Gillespie was a searcher of records among other things,

and founded what would become Fidelity National Financial, the nation’s largest title company

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HARRY (HENRY STURGIS) DRINKER

Willie’s playmate in Hong Kong went on to live a fascinating life!

He was a talented mechanical engineer, a lawyer and the fifth president of Lehigh University.

His children had some amazing accomplishments as well.

His wife’s sister was the realist artist Cecilia Beaux who was very famous in her day.

Many of her paintings depict the Drinker family.

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JAMES PERKINS STURGIS

While in Macao, Sarah stayed at the home of Mrs. Sturgis and describes the beautiful gardens.

Most likely, Mrs. Sturgis’ husband was the late James Perkins Sturgis, who lived in Macao from 1809 to 1851.

While there he sat for his portrait with the famous artist George Chinnery.

He was known for his beautiful gardens.

James Perkins Sturgis died in 1851 on a voyage back to the United States.

James Perkins Sturgis 

by George Chinnery

GIDEON NYE

An American diplomat, writer and merchant in the East India and China trade,

known both for his art collection and his books on China.

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SAMUEL WELLS WILLIAMS

An American linguist, missionary, author and professor,

who served as official interpreter for the Perry expedition to Japan in 1853.

The Howlands met Mr. & Mrs. S.W. Williams while they were in Macao.

 

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COMMODORE MATTHEW PERRY

Commodore Matthew Perry was in Macao with his men

awaiting an answer from Japan regarding the opening of trade relations

between Japan and the United States.

A distant cousin of Sarah,

the Howlands socialized with Commodore Perry and his men

while they were in Macao.

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DR. PETER PARKER

Dr. Peter Parker was an American medical missionary and diplomat

who introduced Western medical techniques to China.

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BAYARD TAYLOR

World traveler, famous author and distinguished diplomat,

Bayard Taylor joined the Sea Serpent in Macao for the voyage home.

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