Fishermen Interviews of the U.S. Commission of Fish and Fisheries, 1893-1895

  • Collection DOI:
    Principal Investigator:
    William Wakeham , Richard Rathbun
  • In the late 19th century, the U.S. Fish Commission conducted numerous interviews with fishermen throughout the northeast U.S. including cod and mackerel fishermen from New York, New England and Nova Scotia. Most fishermen interviewed in the 1890s by the commission were over 50 years of age and recollected changes in the marine environment during their lifetimes. These interviews, or oral histories, are an excellent source for observations of Gulf of Maine fisheries. They provide first-hand accounts and observations of fish behavior and fishing activity on specific fishing grounds such as Stellwagen Bank. Most interviewees discuss the migratory patterns and behaviors of mackerel on the east coast. In addition, the fishermen offer descriptions of fish and catch sizes as well as theories for the decline in cod and mackerel in the 19th century. 

Interviewee Sort descending Collection Description Interviewer Date of Interview Location of Interview Affiliation
A.B. Coldwell Fishermen Interviews of the U.S. Commission of Fish and Fisheries, 1893-1895

A.B. Coldwell, Director of Customs in Lunenburg, Nova Scotia, was a prominent figure in the coastal community during the late 19th century. Born into a maritime culture, Coldwell assumed the role of Director of Customs in Lunenburg, a position of significance in a town deeply tied to the sea. His tenure in this role allowed him to witness and oversee various aspects of the local fishing and shipping industries.

William Wakeham, Richard Rathbun Lunenberg, Nova Scotia U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Archives II , New England Regional National Archives
A.B. Crosby Fishermen Interviews of the U.S. Commission of Fish and Fisheries, 1893-1895

Captain A. B. Crosby was a seasoned fisherman based in Yarmouth Bar, Yarmouth, N.S.. He was known for his extensive knowledge and experience in mackerel fishing, which typically began in mid-April and ended early in July.  Crosby's fishing method involved the use of a net, which was set up in the middle of April and taken down in May. The first catch of Crosby's net varied from year to year, with the first pursing usually taking place in mid-May.

William Wakeham, Richard Rathbun Yarmouth Bar, Nova Scotia U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Archives II , New England Regional National Archives
A.M. Smith Fishermen Interviews of the U.S. Commission of Fish and Fisheries, 1893-1895

A.M. Smith was a prominent figure in the fish business in Portland, Maine, during the late 19th century. His career in the industry spanned at least fifteen years, during which he gained significant insights into the mackerel fishery and the legislation surrounding it. Smith was not personally engaged in the fisheries but was a dealer, which gave him a unique perspective on the industry's economics and the effects of legislation on the market. Smith was known for his innovative thinking and was the first to propose a five-year close season for mackerel fishing.

Unknown Portland, ME U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Archives II , New England Regional National Archives
Ahmon Mallock Fishermen Interviews of the U.S. Commission of Fish and Fisheries, 1893-1895

This interview with Captain Ahmon Mallock of Portland, ME took place on November 23, 1893. Members of the Joint Fisheries Commission conducted the interview in an effort to gain information on the mackerel fishery.

Unknown Portland, ME U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Archives II , New England Regional National Archives
Benjamin Payson Fishermen Interviews of the U.S. Commission of Fish and Fisheries, 1893-1895

This interview with Captain Benjamin Payson of Gloucester, MA took place on November 16, 1893. William Wakeham and Hugh M. Smith conducted the interview in an effort to gain information on the mackerel fishery. At the time of the interview, Payson had 40 years of experience and was captain of the vessel S.F. Macker out of Gloucester, MA.

William Wakeham, Hugh M. Smith Gloucester, MA U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Archives II , New England Regional National Archives
Charles H. Pew Fishermen Interviews of the U.S. Commission of Fish and Fisheries, 1893-1895

Charles H. Pew of the firm John Pew & Sons in Gloucester, MA was interviewed by William Wakeham, Richard Rathbun and Hugh M. Smith of the U.S. Fish Commission. Interview contains descriptions of gear types, technology and the mackerel fishery,

William Wakeham, Richard Rathbun , Hugh M. Smith Gloucester, MA U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Archives II , New England Regional National Archives
David Tarr Fishermen Interviews of the U.S. Commission of Fish and Fisheries, 1893-1895

David Tarr, of James G. Tarr & Bro. in Gloucester, MA was interviewed by William Wakeham and Hugh M. Smith. Interview contains descriptions of the mackerel fishery.

William Wakeham, Hugh M. Smith Gloucester, MA U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Archives II , New England Regional National Archives
Eliphalet Wharf Fishermen Interviews of the U.S. Commission of Fish and Fisheries, 1893-1895

Captain Eliphalet Wharf of Gloucester, MA was interviewed by William Wakeham and Hugh M. Smith of the U.S. Fish Commission. Interview contains descriptions of the mackerel fishery and commentary on the use of seining technology.

William Wakeham, Hugh M. Smith Gloucester, MA U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Archives II , New England Regional National Archives
Frank Foster Fishermen Interviews of the U.S. Commission of Fish and Fisheries, 1893-1895

Captain Frank Foster of Gloucester, MA was interviewed by William Wakeham, Richard Rathbun and Hugh M. Smith of the U.S. Fish Commission. Interview contains descriptions of the mackerel fishery.

William Wakeham, Richard Rathbun , Hugh M. Smith Gloucester, MA U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Archives II , New England Regional National Archives
G.W. Nass Fishermen Interviews of the U.S. Commission of Fish and Fisheries, 1893-1895

Interview with Captain G.W. Nass of Lunenburg, N.S. by William Wakeham and Richard Rathbun of the U.S. Fish Commission. Interview contains descriptions of the mackerel fishery.

William Wakeham, Richard Rathbun Lunenberg, Nova Scotia U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Archives II , New England Regional National Archives