None of the clues as to possible dates and places of birth and death that often appear in AOWV are present in this case. A broad search in Ancestry.com, Family Search, and online newspaper sites with a guestimate as to possible birth date in the New London area did not produce any likely match. Absent further data about him, Daniel must remain a mystery.
AOWV provides limited information about Daniel as a master. He served as master for one voyage on one ship, home port New London:
FABRICA (AS1339), (schooner, 65 tons). It sailed on July 16, 1834 to the Pacific, returned in 1835. No crew list or agent is shown, and there is no reference to Dennis Wood Abstracts. AV04786.
Others sources provides almost no additional information. Decker is the source of the sailing date and the destination and adds “Possible sealer”. Colby does not list Daniel in any of his lists of New London, Mystic and Stonington masters, including those engaged in fur-sealing. Starbuck shows no ship by the name of FABRICA. Databases on Mystic Seaport Museum (New London Crew Lists, Connecticut Ship Database, Seamen’s Protection Certificate) contain no further reference to Daniel or his ship.
Sources used: see sidebar and sources cited in text.
George Shaw
American Institute for Maritime Studies
Mystic Seaport Museum
February 2025