Born at Eastham, August 16, the second of nine children of Betsey (Mayo) Penniman.
1842
At age 11, shipped as cook on a schooner bound for fishing on the Grand Banks. Wrecked near Nauset Light, crew and cargo saved. Continued as a local fisherman until 1852.
1852-1855
Boatsteerer on the whaling bark Isabella, 3 years, 2 months.
1855-1859
Mate on the whaler Minerva, 3 years, 10 months.
1859
Married Betsey Augusta Knowles of Eastham, daughter of William Freeman Knowles, Jr. and Betsey Augusta Doane Knowles.
1860-1864
Captain of the whaler Minerva, 3 years, 11 months.
1860
Son Eugene Blanchard Penniman born at Eastham, September 11, 1860.
1864-1868
Captain of the whaler Minerva, 3 years, 5 months. Narrowly avoided capture by the
Confederate raider Shenandoah in the Arctic. Mrs. Penniman and Eugene along on this voyage.
1867-1868
The Penniman house was built on Fort Hill Road in Eastham.
1868
Daughter Betsey Augusta Penniman born at Eastham, September 2, 1868.
1870
Son Edward Damon Penniman born at Eastham, March 25, 1870.
1874-1875
Captain of the whaler Cicero, I year, 7 months.
1876-1879
Captain of the whaler Europa, 3 years, 2 months. Mrs. Penniman and Edward along on this voyage.
1881-
1884
Captain of the whaler Jacob A. Howland, 3 years, l month. Mrs. Penniman and Betsey along on this voyage.
1884
Retired from the sea to the family home at Eastham at age 53, hoping for ten years of retirement as a gentleman farmer.
1913
Died at home, October 16. Buried in Evergreen Cemetery, Eastham.
Captain Edward Penniman near his family home.
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Penniman Voyages
During the 32-year period between 1852 and 1884, Captain Penniman took seven voyages that lasted an average of three years, two months each, for a total time at sea of over 22 years. Mrs. Penniman spent more than nine years at sea over a twenty year period. Captain Penniman’s vessels produced 4,237 bbls. of sperm oil, 12,096 bbls. of whale oil, and 166,871 lbs. of whalebone.
From Augusta Penniman's journal kept during a four year whaling voyage on the Minerva:
October 12th, 1864: "Sailed from New Bedford, Wednesday October 12th 1864. Taking the Pilot Boat at the wharf we proceeded down where the ship lay, she being a few miles from the city. We arrived on board about noon. It being very moderate, I spent the remainder of the day in unpacking and making arrangements for the sea voyage....A few evenings after we sailed, I was suddenly startled, by a most tremendous crash upon deck. When directedly Edward made his appearance, saying was you frighten the tool chest not being properly secured tiped over and away went its contents over deck." - Augusta Penniman
December 1st, 1864: "Today commenced my school, have one scholar, Genia B. Penniman, aged four years and two months old, recieve for my labor one hundred dollars per year (with board and clothing included.) to be paid at the end of the voyage. It is the first day of summer with us, with you the first day of winter." - Augusta Penniman
February 25th, 1865: "Saturday Wind South East, about five P.M. saw whales, lowered the boats. The [Lar]board boat took on ewhich made 90 bbls of sperm oil." - Augusta Penniman
March 21st, 1865: "Tuesday Fine calm day. lowered the boats for whales directedly after breakfast, did not return until one o'clock. I spent the day in washing, and taking care of the ship. for a crew I had four Portug[ese], one Irish, one German. we manage very well, tacked ship once upset my wash tub, and rolled around some, but finally came right side up." - Augusta Penniman
Penniman Family
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Family and Retirement
Edward and Augusta Penniman had three children: Eugene, Betsey, and Edward. Each of the three Penniman children accompanied their parents on at least one whaling trip. Each trip was over three years in duration. After a long career sailing around the world, the Captain and his wife retired to their comfortable home at Fort Hill.
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