Re: The Huguenot Society of America
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In reply to:
Re: The Huguenot Society of America
Betty Ottewell 8/29/07
Hi Betty,
Thanks very much for contacting me, I have not been active with the genealogy work for some time. Unfortunately, I never received any additional information that would either confirm or deny that the LARRABEE line is of Huguenot heritage.
But, everything I have seen and read about the LARRABEE surname (with spelling variations) is that it is of French heritage (original immigrants to America); with multiple postings that they were Huguenots (Protestants) that fled France during the many Catholic State religious wars.
As a side note to everyone, our original immigrants that settled in Old Saybrook, CT (Greenfield Larrabee), and Stephen and William of North Yarmouth, ME & Malden, MA were undoubtedly sea mariners (i.e. mention of their respective vessels). Well, I guess that love of the sea continued through the Larrabee line as ship builders and Captains-Masters.
John Larrabee of Bath, ME built multiple ships to include coincidently the "Huguenot" (935 tons) in 1849. There is a painting of the ship entitled Huguenot of Thompson's Black line-New York to Liverpool, being struck by lightning." - located in the Peabody Museum of Salem, MA.
Also, that two Larrabee's are mentioned as captain's of various ships within the book "Queens of the Western Ocean" by Cutler. Its a nice historical record about the story of America's Mail and Passenger sailing ships from 1607 - 1860 (until steam ships became dominant).
In another source there is a specific note about Captain Nathan F. Larrabee that was ship master of the "Sir Robert Peel" 1856 - that was made famous for its day. It is said that "he was a perfect sailor and gentleman, and gifted with quaint abilities at repartee. While in the wheel house of his vessel he was approached by an Englishman who said pointing to the U.S. ensign flying from the peak, - I say Captain, that flag has not braved for a thousand years the battle and breeze.No, quicky replied Larrabee, but it has licked one that has."
Thanks again for contacting me, and good luck with your research.
More Replies:
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Re: The Huguenot Society of America
ruth Dean 7/23/11