A Yankee Trader in Yap: Crayton Philo Holcomb

Hezel, Francis X. (January 1975). "A Yankee Trader in Yap: Crayton Philo Holcomb". The Journal of Pacific History. 10 (1): 3–19. doi:10.1080/00223347508572262. ISSN 1469-9605 0022-3344, 1469-9605 .

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Abstract: explores the life and adventures of Crayton Philo Holcomb, a 19th-century Yankee trader. Born in Connecticut in 1830, Holcomb led a vagabond lifestyle from an early age, leaving home at seven and embarking on a seafaring career by the age of 20. He initially worked as a whaling captain, eventually commanding his own ship after experiencing both fortune and mishaps at sea.

Holcomb’s restlessness and desire for adventure led him beyond whaling. He ventured into trade, acquiring a vessel and sailing to Tahiti, which left a significant impression on him due to its idyllic environment. Despite his ventures’ ups and downs, and his occasional longing for his home in Granby, his desire for exploration prevailed. Holcomb ultimately played a significant role in the commercial development of Yap, an island in the Western Carolines.

His letters reveal a man torn between the serenity of the Pacific islands and the familiar ties of home. He struggled between pursuing wealth and succumbing to his wandering nature. The article illustrates Holcomb’s adventurous spirit and his contributions to trade in the Pacific, providing a vivid portrayal of a 19th-century Yankee trader’s life.

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MAG: 2050009333
OpenAlex: W2050009333
CorpusID: 162403353