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
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.
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
