Capt. John Van Alstine

Since Capt. John D. Van Alstine began sailing in 1859 with Capt. Humes, father of the present Capt. Humes, of St. Catharines, there have been many changes in the inland marine world. Capt. Van Alstine was born in Prince Edward County on November 5, 1842. In 1860 he sailed in the schooner Raleigh, of Oswego. In 1862 he sailed in the schooner Darien, of Oswego, and during the seasons of 1863, '64 and '65 he was in the schooner Gold Hunter, in 1866 in the schooner Maize, of Toledo, and in 1867 he became master and sailed the schooner British Queen. Afterward, Capt. Van Alstine was mate in the schooner New Dominion, under Capt. R. Monck. He also occupied the same position in the schooner Union Jack. Then he took the position of master again, and sailed the schooner Ontario for six years, the schooner Huron for three years, and the steambarge Saxon for eleven years, and the steambarge Iona for five years. He still sails the latter vessel, and is part owner of her. During his career the Captain has had exceptional fortune. He has never lost a ship or a man. Capt. Van Alstine was married to Miss Sara Anne, daughter of Capt. Wm. Ellis, of Prince Edward County.

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