Gardner (whaling family) facts for kids

The Gardner family was a famous group of whalers from Nantucket, Massachusetts. They were active from the 1600s to the 1800s. Some family members became well-known for discovering islands in the Pacific Ocean. The Gardners were also related by marriage to the Coffins, another important whaling family from Nantucket.

Captain Gardner and the Salem Witch Trials

In 1692, during the Salem Witch Trials, an old farmer named Giles Corey was accused of witchcraft. He refused to say if he was guilty or not guilty. Because of this, he faced a very harsh punishment. The judges did not want to use this punishment. They asked Captain Gardner of Nantucket, who was Corey's friend, to talk to him. Captain Gardner tried for two days to convince Corey to stand trial. However, it was "all in vain," meaning Corey still refused.

Edward Gardner, Explorer and Agent

Captain Edward Gardner discovered a long island in 1823. He was captaining the ship Bellona at the time. This island was about 25 miles (40 km) long. It looked very green and natural. People believe this island was Wake Island. It was later added to maps by John Arrowsmith.

Later, Captain Edward W. Gardner worked as a business agent in Apia, Samoa. In January 1863, he was traveling on a ship called the Anita. The ship was caught in a big hurricane near the Friendly Islands. The ship was found empty in May 1863. It was believed that all on board were lost. This included Captain Edward W. Gardner and his wife, Phebe Hussey Gardner.

George Worth Gardner, Whaler and Discoverer

George Worth Gardner was born in 1778. He became the captain of the whaleship Sukey in 1809. In 1811, he captained the William Penn, but this ship was captured in 1813.

George later made three whaling trips on the ship Globe. He also made two trips on the Maria. In 1818, George discovered a new whaling area. It was called the "Offshore Ground." This area was rich with sperm whales. Within two years, more than fifty whaling ships were hunting there.

During his first trip on the Maria, George discovered an island. It was in the Austral group. He named it Maria Island. This island has also been known as "Hull Island" and "Sands Island."

In 1828, a report by J.N. Reynolds gave George credit for finding several other islands. These islands were not on maps at the time. For example, he found an island at 30 degrees north latitude and 144 degrees east longitude. He also found rocks and other islands. Maria Island was noted for having fish and wood, but no fresh water. It was low and dangerous for ships. George Worth Gardner passed away in 1838.

Gideon Gardner, Ship Owner and Politician

Gideon Gardner (born May 30, 1759, died March 22, 1832) was a very successful shipmaster. He also owned many ships. He is thought to have owned the whaleship Ganges. This ship discovered an island called Gardner Island. Gideon was also elected to the United States Congress. He served from 1809 to 1811 as a member of the Democratic-Republican Party. This party was one of the first political parties in the United States.

John Gardner, Captain of the Atlantic

John Gardner also discovered islands while he was captaining the ship Atlantic. He found a first island at 8 degrees 48 minutes north latitude. A second island was found at 1 degree 7 minutes north latitude. He also found a group of islands at 2 degrees 15 minutes south latitude.

His second officer, John Weeks, saw another island. This island was about one mile long. It was surrounded by a coral reef. This island was low to the water and had many coconut trees.

Joshua Gardner, Discoverer of Nikumaroro

Joshua Gardner was a whaler in the 1800s. He is often given credit for discovering Gardner Island. This island is part of the Phoenix group in the Pacific Ocean.

In the mid-1820s, Joshua commanded the whaleship Ganges. In 1825, he discovered an island and named it "Gardner's Island." His discovery was reported in a local newspaper in Nantucket. However, sometimes Joshua Coffin is also credited with this discovery.

Later, during the United States Exploring Expedition (1838-1842), Charles Wilkes confirmed the island's existence. Today, Nikumaroro (also known as Kimins Island) is located at 4 degrees 40 minutes south latitude and 174 degrees 31 minutes west longitude.

See also

• Anna Gardner, an American who worked to end slavery and was a teacher.