HENRY SMITH JOURNAL 1853 – 1861

A 19th-century farmer, whaling agent, and quaker

Westport, Massachusetts

Transcribed by a team of volunteers in 2025

Read the full journal here or download a PDF:

https://wpthistory.org/henry-smith-journal-1853-1861/

Summary of Henry Smith’s Journal (1853-1861)

The journal of Henry Smith, spanning from 1853 to 1861, details his daily life, business dealings, and family activities in Westport, Massachusetts. A central theme is his involvement in the whaling industry and maritime commerce, primarily as an owner and agent for several barks, including the Solon, Mattapoisett, and Governor Carver. These entries frequently mention shipping oil, outfitting vessels, hiring crew, and settling accounts with partners and sailors. Henry often travels to New Bedford, the main hub for these activities, to conduct business, market goods, and visit with his family³.

Henry’s personal life is a mix of farming and community engagement. His daily routines include a wide range of farm tasks, such as sowing crops, plowing, harvesting, and caring for livestock⁴. He frequently records the weather and its impact on his work, from snowstorms in winter to dry conditions in summer⁵. He and his family are active members of the local Friends community, regularly attending meetings and funerals at Bald Hill and other meetinghouses. The journal also documents significant family events, such as the birth of a child⁷. Travel to visit relatives in places like Dartmouth, Fall River, and Tiverton, Rhode Island, is also a common occurrence.

The journal also offers a glimpse into local life and commerce in Westport. Henry details transactions for various goods like meat, eggs, butter, and lumber. Community events, including town meetings, school meetings, auctions, and social gatherings, are regularly mentioned. The entries also reflect the broader historical context, such as a major fire in New Bedford and the political climate of the time, as seen in Henry’s presidential election vote. The journal ends with a detailed account of his daily routines, business ventures, and family life, providing a continuous narrative of his experiences during this period.

With thanks to:

Sally Aldrich

Krista Allen

Peggy Aulisio

Ben Beale

Sheri Boyle

Doris Carvalho

Amy Chaves

Leigh Brownell Currens

Catherine Duarte

Jim Faria

Richard Gifford

Kathryn Gollub

Jim Hammerman

Milena Hascovec

Lisa Huban

Lyn Keith

Andrea Lang

Sean Leach

Al Lees

Anne Lowell

Judy Lund

Barbara Marcotte

Maury May

Christine Milloff

Matt Nilles

Jenny O’Neill

Bob Pallack

Suzanne Pettey

Marian Pierre Louis

Nicole Poirier

Kimberly Poulton

Carol Regan

Betty Slade

Jim Spears

Brenda Stone

Dan Thombs

Amanda Toomey

Bob Treitman

Lee Tripp

Alice Van Buren

Robin Winters

Bambi Wishbach

Nancy White

Bob White