1

Yarmouth sea captains often took their wives to sea with them. They sometimes also took one or two of their children, usually the youngest. If the captain (also known as the 'master') held ownership shares in the vessel he was more likely to have his wife accompany him on his voyages. Story # 6 mentioned Capt. Evelyn Robbins and his family on a voyage from New York to Hong Kong and return.
   Photographs from several other Yarmouth families will 'tell this tale'.

2

Capt. Arthur W Hilton
1950
Yarmouth, Nova Scotia
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3

Captain Arthur Hilton (1871-1959) came from a long line of sea captains stretching back five generations in Yarmouth. He served his apprenticeship in sail and commanded the Saint John, New Brunswick, barque 'Abyssinia' and later the steamers 'Trebia' and 'Leuctra' of the Battle Fleet. This was a Saint John company (Wm. Thomson & Co.) whose vessels were named after ancient Greek and Roman battles.
   Capt. Hilton sailed the seas for many years and during this time faced many dangers, including rebellious crews. In one case, however, he was fortunate enough to avoid what likely would have been a fatal voyage. His daughter Marion told the story thus: 'When in April, 1912 Dad was expecting to be relieved for a well-earned rest he booked passage on the 'Titanic', and was looking forward to the experience of travelling on the beautiful new liner. He was greatly disappointed when the replacement sent - an alcoholic old Irish man - fell sick and was manifestly incapable of taking the ship to Buenos Aires and he had to give up his vacation and cancel his passage on the 'Titanic'. Dad never talked about this, it was mother who told us.'

4

First Steps. Capt Arthur Hilton and daughter Marion
1902
Yarmouth, Nova Scotia
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5

He and his wife Cora (Williams) Hilton had three daughters: Marion, Margaret and Phyllis. Their lives were greatly influenced by the sea - particularly Marion and Margaret who went to sea with their father.

6

Marion serving tea
1902
Yarmouth, Nova Scotia
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7

Cora Hilton when at home assisted a local photographer and became accomplished at taking photos. Photographs taken aboard the barque 'Abyssinia' were mainly hers. These include deck scenes as well as several of her first child, Marion.

8

Capt. Hilton and daughter Marion in a hammock
1902
Yarmouth, Nova Scotia
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9

A kiss
1902
Yarmouth, Nova Scotia
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10

Land Ho!
1903
Yarmouth, Nova Scotia
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11

'Excuse me, it's very warm'
1902
Yarmouth, Nova Scotia
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12

On one voyage not only did Capt. Hilton have both his wife Cora and daughter Marion onboard but also his sister-in-law Edna Williams. Family legend has it that 'she was sent to sea because she was seeing too much of the wrong man!'

13

Marion and Aunt Edna in the cabin of the 'Abyssinia'
1902
Yarmouth, Nova Scotia
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14

Aunt Edna, Marion, 'Millet' and a kitten
1903
Yarmouth, Nova Scotia
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