Elias Hasket Derby Biography

Elias Hasket Derby

Having inherited his father's shipping business, he actively engaged the firm's ships in privateering during the American Revolution. He expanded the business internationally, becoming a pioneer in exploring new trade routes; his ships were among the first American vessels to reach the Baltic, India, the East Indies, and China. Ironically, he never went to sea himself, but ran the company well, developing business renowned for its geographic scope. One of his most profitable trading partners was the island of Mauritius in the Indian Ocean.