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William Hussey Macy

Male 1805 - 1887  (81 years)  Submit Photo / DocumentSubmit Photo / Document


Personal Information    |    PDF

  • Name William Hussey Macy 
    Nickname Captain 
    Born 4 Oct 1805  Nantucket, Nantucket, Massachusetts Find all individuals with events at this location 
    Gender Male 
    Occupation Whaling Captain. Author of the book; "There She Blows! The Whales We Caught and How We Did It". 
    Thar She Blows!
    Thar She Blows! (11)
    While many cultures and countries engaged in whaling this page is concerned with the history of the New England whaling industry. In no way should this be seen to justify modern whaling.




    Thar She Blows!




    Commercial whaling in the United States began in the 17th century in New England. The industry peaked in 1846–1852 when the availability of petrochemicals and over-hunting made the practice increasingly impractical.




    At one time whale oil was absolutely necessary. It's main uses were for household lighting and lubrication of machinery. There were alternatives to whale oil, but they were inferior in performance and cleanliness of burn. While the oil was the primary driver there were secondary products. The baleen some whales used to strain food from the sea were a secondary harvest. They were used in applications that would be accomplished in the modern world with plastic or steel. Simply put whale hunting allowed civilization to grow and prosper.
    Died 19 May 1887  New York, New York, New York Find all individuals with events at this location 
    Headstones Submit Headstone Photo Submit Headstone Photo 
    Person ID I61883  Nagel
    Last Modified 25 Jan 2022 

    Father Josiah Macy,   b. 25 Feb 1785, Nantucket, Nantucket, Massachusetts Find all individuals with events at this location,   d. 15 May 1872, Rye, Westchester, New York Find all individuals with events at this location  (Age 87 years) 
    Relationship Birth 
    Mother Lydia Hussey,   b. 6 Nov 1786, Nantucket, Nantucket, Massachusetts Find all individuals with events at this location,   d. 23 Sep 1861, New York, New York, New York Find all individuals with events at this location  (Age 74 years) 
    Relationship Birth 
    Married 6 Feb 1805  Nantucket, Nantucket, Massachusetts Find all individuals with events at this location 
    Family ID F18787  Group Sheet  |  Family Chart