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Jeremiah Mayo, Famous Skipper

Jeremiah Mayo, born 1786 in Brewster, was typical of the many Cape Cod blue water captains who left their mark on American nautical history. Mayo was one of nine big brothers who, when laid end to end, measured fifty-five feet of solid man.

Apprenticed by his father to be a blacksmith, at sixteen Mayo had a forge of his own, but tiring of humdrum work ashore ran off to sea at 18, rose to captain, and became a well-known figure in maritime circles during the Napoleonic Wars and the War of 1812.

Retiring from the sea to a fine home and forty aces in Brewster, Mayo still found tasks to occupy his restless energies. He became a justice of the peace, a licensed auctioneer, a surveyor and draftsman, and president of the Marine Insurance Company.

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