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Historians claim that one of the reasons that Saba was settled by Europeans was the large fishing grounds located nearby, known as the Saba Bank.

Since the island measures only five square miles, the only outlet for growth has been the trek to the sea. In the Anglican Church in the Bottom one can read on wall plaques tragic notices, such as:

In loving memory of John Simmons, age 52 years. David W. Simmons, age 40 years, Richard R. Simmons, age 22 years. Isaac Simmons age 16 years. Lost at sea, September 1918. We cannot, Lord, thy purpose see; but all is well that's done by thee.

John Simmons was Captain of the schooner 'Blanford', a Danish schooner from St. Thomas. The vessel and its crew were lost coming out of Miami and bound for these islands.

Sacred to the memory of E.R. Simmons, Lost at sea, December 1916. Aged 67 years. Asleep beneath the restless waves; Great God, Thy will be done. And when the sea gives up its dead, Unite us all in one.

Captain Edmund Rudolf Simmons, borne June 30th, 1848, was lost on the maiden voyage of a schooner named the 'Albatros' which he bought in New York for Mr. Carter Ray in Anguilla. There were at least two other Sabans known to be on board who also lost their lives.

The Government archives contain many documents with the same sad tidings such as the following:

On this the twenty-first day of the month of November in the year nineteen hundred and sixteen. Before me, Engle Heyliger Simmons, Notary Public in the Island of Saba, residing in the said island, and in the presence of the two persons whose names are subscribed hereunto as witnesses.
Personally appeared,
The persons of Captain William Benjamin Hassell, and John Every, both mariners by profession, residents of this island, well known to me Notary.
Who declared,
That they were both on board a vessel in the river Demerara in the eighteenth day of July 1900 and eleven, and are individually sure and certain that the person Thomas Jones was on board the schooner "Ocean Rover" in the capacity of cook;
That the said vessel left the mentioned river on that day for Barbados and that neither vessel or any of her crew have ever been seen or heard of since.
Whereof this act
Done and passed at my office, in this island in the presence of Anton Jeuken, Corporal, and Arthur Wallace Simmons, Mariner, both residents of this island, well known to me Notary as witnesses, who together with the appearers, and me Notary have signed this act, immediately after the same was read.

Despite the many tragedies at sea, islanders still cling to their heritage of rewards reaped from the sea, and often boast to those who visit Saba of the many captains who were born on the island, and who rose to prominence in the Merchant Marine of the United States.

In 1912, out of a total male population of 774, no less than 530 were listed as seamen in a census taken on Saba. Sabans then at the tender age of 12 took a man's burden on their shoulders. They sailed first on schooners throughout the Caribbean. Then at age 16 they were handed a note and sent to Mr. Hyman (or Herman) Kaliski, a Russian Jewish merchant who befriended many of the Sabans who roamed the seas. He owned a clothing store at 27 South Street, New York. His store had a back room where most of the Saban sailors congregated. He found jobs for them, received their mail, and supplied them with clothing for more than forty years. He even loaned them money until they could find a ship.

Mr. Kaliski never allowed drinking in his place, although his store was located next door to Herman Baum's Rumshop!

In the early days of navigation boats were built on Saba, at Tent Bay and Wells Bay. Some were as much as 60 gross tons. In order to launch these large vessels, the planks were greased with the juices of cactus and other slimy plants which grow on Saba.

Quite a number of sloops, some large, other small, were built on the island. Among them the 'White Wing', the 'Talent', the 'Surprise', and the 'Ethel', owned by John Simmons.

One of the famous shipwrights of his day was Samuel Simmons. He was killed by some slaves at the 'Crosspath' coming up from Wells Bay. Samuel Simmons had built the well situated there, and was so annoyed by a slave washing clothes on the well mouth that he kicked her. This kick cost him his life.

The following is a description of one of the schooners built on Saba:

We, the undersigned John Simmons and Phoenix Simmons, shipcarpenters in this island Saba, do hereby certify and declare that we were employed by His Honor Moses Leverock to assist at the building of the schooner "Harbinger" in this island in the year 1861, and we further certify and declare that the master carpenter who conducted in the building of said schooner is now dead. Saba 22nd September 1871.

I, the undersigned Moses Leverock do hereby certify and declare that the above mentioned schooner "Harbinger" is owned jointly with me by my brother Captain John William Leverock and my nephews Moses Leverock Simmons and James Simmons and my niece Ann Simmons, in the proportion of one eighth by each of them, the remaining half self. Saba 22nd December 1871.

We, the undersigned Moses Leverock, John William Leverock, and Moses Leverock Simmons, residing in this island of Saba, do hereby certify and declare: that the schooner named "Harbinger", having one deck and two masts, measuring forty-eight sea tons and commanded by John William Leverock, belongs partly to us in the following proportions: viz. Moses Leverock one half; John William Leverock, one eighth; Moses Leverock Simmons, one eight; that the other two eights belong to James Simmons and Ann Simmons; that we are Dutch burgers, natives of this island of Saba; that the administration of all that concerns said schooner "Harbinger" is conducted in this island of Saba; and that neither by our free will nor consent shall our vessel ever be put on a war footing in opposition to the authorities of the State or of the Colonies. Saba 23rd December 1871.

The above declaration has been compared by me with the certificate of tonnage and proof of property, which documents I have found conformable to the above declaration, and it results by the examination of those pieces, that the said vessel answers to the requirements stipulated by Article 2nd of the Royal Decree of the 28th May 1871 No 18 published in the colony by decree 10/12 July 1871. Publication No. 12. The declaration found in form in the presence of the recording Secretary has been affirmed by His Honor Moses Leverock, Capt. John William Leverock and Mr. Moses Leverock Simmons, residing in this island of Saba, and confirmed before me under oath, according to the religious creed of the declarers. Saba, 23rd December 1871. Substitute Canton Judge William Mitchell. Recording Secretary H. Hassell.

The 'Harbinger' was sold in 1890 in Columbia and renamed the 'Segunda Maria'. As late as 1930 she was seen in Curacao by Capt. Randolf Dunkin, loading goods for Columbia.

In later years, coming into the twentieth century, schooners were purchased in the United States, and sailed back here to ply the Caribbean trade. Saban Vessels took care of most of the trade between St. Thomas, Barbados,, Trinidad, and Guyana. Later, with the advent of the oil refineries in Curacao and Aruba, Saban vessels carried most of the workers from other Caribbean islands to seek work there. This trade was very profitable, and owners of vessels on Saba became very wealthy.

Captain T.C. Vanterpool with his niece Mrs. Estelle Simmons. St. Thomas - 1941.

Captain Thomas Charles Vanterpool, always considered to be the wealthiest man of his time on Saba, paid Fls. 162.500,-- for the 'Ina Vanterpool'. This three-masted schooner was built by Captain Lovelock Hassell in Jamestown, Barbados. She was 105 feet long and 26 feet wide, with a gross of 191 tons, and was capable of carrying 300 tons of cargo. She was wrecked on St. Eustatius on September 15th, 1926.

Captain Vanterpool used to carry as many as 200 passengers to Curacao at a time, and was paid Fls. 2.500,-- per month by the government to transport the mail between the Dutch islands. Naturally wages were low in those days, about Fls. 35,-- to Fls. 50,-- per month for a deckhand, so that huge profits were realized by the owners of such vessels. Some of these vessels were known for their speed, and the old sea dogs on Saba still talk about the time that the 'Dreadnought', also owned by Captain Vanterpool, did the 495 nautical miles from Curacao to St. Maarten in 48 hours under sail. The 'Dreadnought' was 80 feet long, with a gross tonnage of 61.80. She was commanded by Captain Sammy Simmons.

On another occasion the 'Lena Vanterpool' saved the life of her master, the same Captain Vanterpool. As the story goes, Captain Tommy use to smuggle escaped convicts who paid their passage in gold, gathered from the rivers of French Guyana, to Trinidad. An old black woman on shore used to signal the Captain by lamplight when prisoners were ready to board. On that particular night, the old lady signaled imminent danger. Captain Tommy did not wait to pull up the anchor, but ordered it cast away when he spied a French Man-of-War rounding the point and coming in his direction. It is said that the 'Lena Vanterpool' sailed so fast that when she reached Barbados the oakum had been washed out of her seams.

At one point, when the French Man-of-War was getting too close for comfort, the Captain ordered more sail and pleaded with his ship: 'GO, Lena, go, your master is in trouble. Spread your wings and fly like an eagle'. He had ordered his crew, if the French caught up with them, to put him in a barrel and throw him overboard. After that narrow escape Captain Tommy did not bother doing the Cayenne run again.

Sabans became harbourmasters and pilots in such ports as Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas, San Pedro de Macoris in the Dominican Republic, and after World War II a Saban, residing in the United States, is reported to have been harbourmaster of Tokyo in occupied Japan.

Captain William Octavius Simmons, born November 16th, 1876, was in charge of harbour duties in the Dominican Republic when the U.S. Marines occupied that country in the early 1900's. He later moved to St. Thomas where he was Harbourmaster and pilot. Sabans demonstrated close bonds of kinship, and as they migrated to new lands, they invited their countrymen to join them. Soon Capt. Engle Simmons and his brother Capt. Jim Simmons also found employment in Santo Domingo and moved there with their Saba brides. In 1918 Capt. Will invited Capt. Engle to join his staff in St. Thomas as harbour pilot. When Capt. Will died on December 31st, 1931, Capt. Engle Simmons became Harbourmaster. Soon after this Capt. Jim Simmons became increasingly disillusioned with life as Harbourmaster in Santo Domingo under the dictatorship of Trujillo. In 1937 he took his family 'on vacation' to visit St. Thomas, and instead of returning, accepted the post there of harbour pilot. In turn, he became Harbourmaster when Capt. Engle died in 1972. Capt. Jim subsequently retired and lived in Florida for several years, but was buried on St. Thomas after his death in June 1977.

In addition to the seafaring contributions of Saba men all over the globe, it is of interest that the maritime skills of Sabans have played such a major role in the very important harbour facilities of St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands. In addition to those already listed above, in the 1800's James Anthony Hassell ('Jamesie') was a pilot in St. Thomas, and married a local girl, Rebecca Haddock. In the 1900's another pilot who joined Capt. Will's staff was Capt. Edwin R. Simmons, son of Moses Simmons ('Pa Modie') and who had served in the U.S. Navy in World War I. Capt. Edwin died of a bone tumor in 1943, believed by many to have been caused by an earlier accident when he slipped off the Jacob's Ladder in a rough sea and fell between the vessel and the pilot boat, bruising his leg.

The following is an article taken from the Sun Narrator of January 30th 1926 (St. Thomas):

ENERGETIC HARBOURMASTER DECORATES
AND EQUIPS HISTORIC SPOT OF ISLAND

Makes Department self-supporting
In these days, talking about the different departments, pro and con, we would like to say something from personal observation.
We visited the Signal Station some days past, and noticed everything so spick and span, the buildings and equipment painted and washed, especially the new coat of white around the Old Fort, that formerly looked so sombre--and masters of vessels approaching the Harbour tell us that it is a conspicuous landmark that can be seen at a considerable distance.
The Harbour Building and launches and boats--what a beautiful sight to look down the entrance to the Harbour Department with its avenue of trees and crotans like a fairy land. See the launches always so clean and tidy--ready always for service. At the office pilots and boatmen are ever on duty night and day, and this department works in such close cooperation with the U.S. Customs Authorities who are also located in the Harbour Building. This cooperation is certainly worthy of consideration.
Captain William O. Simmons and his assistants deserve credit for the cleanliness and efficiency of this Department. And although a busy man, keeping Signal Station, Harbour Building, boats and launches in good shape, attending to pilotage and other harbour matters, still Captain Simmons seems to have time to be interviewed and extend the greatest courtesy to callers.
It might be interesting to know that the Harbourmaster is his own bookkeeper, typist and cashier, and besides he does special work in the harbour when necessary, such as handling tourist ships, war-ships etc.
The Harbour Department is self-supporting, and such economy and foresight are used that the appropriations in the Budget are never exceeded.

Another article taken from the San Juan Star of Puerto Rico (Friday, July 18th, 1972):

'VIRGIN ISLAND' FAMED HARBOURMASTER DIES AT 82

ST. THOMAS (AP) -- The legendary harbourmaster of St. Thomas Captain Engle L. Simmons, died Wednesday at the Knud Hanson Memorial Hospital after a long illness. He was 82.
A native of Saba, in the Netherlands West Indies, Capt. Simmons was a renowned weather observer whose advise was sought by the Virgin Island Community and the weather bureau in San Juan, particularly during the hurricane season.
Captain Simmons obtained his master's license at the age of 20 and was the captain of several ships before settling in St. Thomas. He was appointed harbour pilot in St. Thomas until 1932, when he became Harbour Master.
For the next 25 years, he served also as weather bureau observer with such eminence that he was cited by the U.S. Weather Bureau.
On learning of Captain Simmons' death, Virgin Islands Governor Melvin Evans said: The death of Capt. Engle L. Simmons touches all of us who, proud of the present advances, still looked with fond sentiment on the past. Captain Simmons will be mourned by both relatives and friends, and just as his memory will not be erased from their hearts, his place in the history of this terrestrial spot which he chose as home will not be lost.
Evans added:
Simmons is survived by five sons, one daughter, seventeen grandchildren and one great grandchild. Services are scheduled for 3:30 p.m. at the St. John Thomas Memorial Chapel in St. Thomas.

Many Saban captains and their families moved to Barbados at the start of this century, when in 1906 the Dutch language was introduced as the official language in the island's school. They wanted their children to be educated in the English language, their mother-tongue and the only one they spoke at home. They knew by instinct that language and culture cannot be separated without causing irreparable psychological damage to young individuals. Furthermore, the school system of Barbados was known throughout all the West-Indies to be excellent.

Around 1915, as many as 300 Sabans are reported to have been living in Barbados--nearly all of them seamen. They built their homes there and remained with their families.

Saba's long affiliation with the sea brought its sons to many ports in the Caribbean and other areas where they remained. Today, however, very few islanders remember where others went, and if their descendants are still living in those places.

Numerous documents in the Government archives point to the various places to which Sabans emigrated. As an example, we include extracts from a marriage act and a bill of sale:

Today the 20th April, 1923, appeared before me, Walter Josiah Adolphus Nisbeth, in the island St. Martin N.P. [meaning the Netherlands Part]
1. Edgar Norman Tarald Hassell, 30 years of age, by vocation mariner, born at Saba and presently residing at Saint Martin N.P., son of Edgar Hassell, by vocation mariner, residing at Georgetown, Demara, and Victoria Adelaide Hassell of no vocation, residing at Saba.
and
2. Eustelle Pratedes Wathey, 26 years of age, of no vocation, born and residing at Saint Martin N.P., daughter of Albert Coenrad Wathey, by vocation merchant, residing at Saint Martin N.P., and Susan Augusta Williams, deceased, who have declared to me their intentions of marrying each other.

On this the twentieth day of the month of April in the year nineteen hundred and fifteen, before me
1. Engle Heyliger Simmons, Notary Public in the Island of Saba, residing in The Bottom etc.
Personally Appeared.
2. Mister Joseph Horton Simmons, shopkeeper by profession, in his capacity of special attorney of:
"a". Mister Chandos Augustus Simmons, mariner, residing in the island of Trinidad.
"b". Mister Walter Irwin Simmons, mariner, residing in the island of Barbados.
"c". Mister John Beaks Simmons, mariner, resident of the island of St. Kitts.
"d". Mister James Donally Simmons, mariner, resident of the city of Brooklyn, New York.
"e". Mister Peter Gosling Simmons, mariner, resident of the city of New York.

Commodore Thomas Simmons

Saba produced in a fifty year period more than 135 captains, some of whom became individually famous. The following article is taken from the Brazil Herald of Feb. 24th 1963:

RETIRING COMMODORE SIMMONS RECEIVES BRAZILIAN DECORATION

RIO DE JANEIRO -- Commodore Thomas N. Simmons, who arrives tomorrow in Rio on his last cruise aboard the Moore McCormack liner "Argentina", yesterday was awarded the Cruzeiro do Sul by the Government of Brazil. He received Brazil's highest award given to citizens of foreign countries in ceremonies held during the ship's stopover in Salvador, Bahia, from the hands of Bahia Governor Juracy Magalhaes. Commodore Simmons, friend and councellor to a myriad of international travellers, culminates 50 years on the sea on the SS. Argentina's current "Sea Safari" cruise. This 63-day trip is Commodore Simmons' last, as he has announced his retirement effective upon his return, April 17. And coincidentally another 50 years are celebrated in 1963--the 50th anniversary of Moore McCormack Lines, founded in 1913--one of America's foremost steamship owners and operators, whose fleet includes the two new passenger liners, "Argentina' and "Brazil", and 42 modern cargo liners. The innate modesty of the Commodore camouflages a colorful career. To him all the flavor and excitement of the sea is not commonplace--far from it--but so much a part of his life that he accepts the unusual as the everyday, the crisis as the normal. The highlight of his career are people he knew and knows and loves: the Duke of Windsor, Clark Gable, Bing Crosby, corporate Presidents, Cardinals, Artists, Singers. Summing up, all are Tom Simmons' exciting moments. The Commodore was born on Saba Island, in the West Indies, of Dutch forefathers of seafaring bent. Commodore Simmons' last trip takes him amidst friends in the Caribbean ports of Barbados, in Brazil, Uruguay and Argentina. Thence he and the "Argentina" sail to South and East Africa, through the Suez, to the Mediterranean and homeward via Italy, Spain and Portugal. These are familiar friendly places to Tom Simmons, faces of friends whom he relishes visiting. At many of the ports, officials, old cronies, visiting travelling companions and the Simmons people are planning commemorative ceremonies marking the 50th and retirement year of service of Commodore Thomas N. Simmons. A Grandfather a dozen times over, Commodore Simmons enjoys his holidays at his home on Long Island. But the sea is part of him, and anyone can see from his "Argentina" that he is a man of the sea.

Cruise ship "Argentina" of which Thomas Simmons of Saba was captain for many years.

A navigation school was started on Saba in 1909 by F.A. Simmons and lasted until 1922. The school building is now a private home belonging to Mrs. Adelle Zaegers, and is located next to the Oranje Park in the Bottom.

A number of young Sabans residing in New York still work on dredges, tugs and tankers. On Saba in recent years the urge to go to sea has lost much of its charm. Due to increased living conveniences and added job opportunities on the island, as well as a decreased population from the heyday of ships and captains, most island men now prefer to stay at home and take their chances here.

This glorious chapter in Saba's history cannot be erased, though, and the only autobiography of any kind known to Sabans is the manuscript 'The Life and Adventures of 21 Knot Johnson' written by Captain Ernest Alfred Johnson, when he retired on Saba in the 1940's after a long adventurous life at sea.

This page was last updated on 10/10/2004