The O`Leary`s also owned the "Christine"
- this ship was built by a Mrs. Powell and seven sons. She was the widow
of Edmond Powell and formerly was Ann Musgrove Forester of Galloway. She
was the boss in the total control and built her from keel to pennant halyards.
She then turned her over to O`Leary, complete and ready to tackle any
of the seven seas. Now the "Richard". On the "Richards" first
voyage she was loaded with 10,000 cases of Lobsters (canned).
These crusty characters were insured
by Lloyd`s of London representative, I.B. Oakes (the Grammar School
Teacher). This was the first policy written for Lloyd`s by the 21 year
old school teacher. Imagine his worry when the "Richard" stuck on the
bar going out. He was very relieved next morning when the high tied
floated her free.
The "Bessie Markham" was valued at $12,500.00
when she went down. One of the few things saved from her was a book
of sea stories. This book was rumored to be cursed and caused death
to its owner. Three sea Captains who owned the book all died suddenly
and from very strange causes and circumstances.
The "Bessie Markham", was built in Kouchibouguac
in 1878 and was commanded by Captain Robert Stewart of Richibucto. In
1898, on a voyage from Liverpool to Philadelphia, Captain Stewart died.
Captain Rufus Curwin took command.
At Philadelphia the vessel loaded with hard coal for Saint John. From
there she was to return to Richibucto, load deals and head back to Liverpool.
Two days out of Philly, the "Bessie Markham" capsized. She
went to the bottom in less then ten minutes. The Captain and crew left
in the lifeboats. One of the sailors made a jump for the rail and clambered
back on board the ship. The Captain called for him to come back. He
turned, waved his hand and called out, "I won't be a but a minute, I’ve
forgotten my watch." Just then the ship made her final plunge and sank.
They saw the sailor run for the forecastle and jumped. He was never
seen again.
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