Ambition, Arrogance & Pride: Families & Rivals in 18th Century Salem

By Sandra Wagner-Wright

Three Weddings — Two Rival Families

Richard Derby, a young man of modest prospects, made his living at sea until he retired to establish a merchant house. With one exception, his sons followed in his footsteps. Hasket Derby remained in Salem learning the business.

Richard’s daughter Mary married George Crowninshield; his son Hasket married George’s sister Eliza. Against the backdrop of tensions between Great Britain and her American colonies, George and Hasket built their trading empires. After Americans gained independence in 1783, their sons sailed everywhere trade took place from the West Indies to the Baltic Sea, from Isle de France to Batavia, India, and China.

Inspired by true events, this is the story of two rival families who made their fortunes in the new United States of America.