VASQUEZ, Crispine

VASQUEZ, Crispine (1845-1878) (Crispin), well-known local otter hunter with the Nidevers and Captain Kimberly. Crispine Vasquez married Nicolasa Rodriquez in 1868 at age 23. Rosaline Vasquez was their son. Crispine died 10 years later in 1878 with Captain Martin Kimberly when they were lost at sea during an otter-hunting trip to Japan.

In the News~

August 31, 1872 [SBT]: “Otter skins are coming in with astonishing rapidity from that terrific toiler of the sea, our friend Don Crispin [Vasquez]. Quien Sabe how many poor unfortunates he will slaughter before the campaign is over.”

September 18, 1872 [SBT]: “The schooner Louisa Harker, Captain C. Vasquez, arrived from a hunt last week. After a trip of one month and 22 days, the Captain brought in one hundred and nine beautiful otter skins. These skins, we are told, will average about $35 a piece, making the proceeds of the trip about $3,815.”

February 26, 1873 [SBT]: “Captain A. J. Worth, with a picked crew, will leave this port on Saturday or Sunday for the coast of Japan. The object of the schooner Sanborn going to Japan is to hunt seal and otter. The news from that coast is sufficiently encouraging to warrant Captain C[rispine] Vasquez and others in fitting the schooner for this trip. Vasquez, known as one of the best otter hunters on the coast, will go in the Sanborn, and we expect to hear cheering news of the quantities of these aquatic animals taken by the crew which leaves for foreign waters on Sunday next. They have our best wishes for their speed, safety and success. The cruise is expected to last nine months.”

October 14, 1873 [SBDP]: “The schooner J. D. Sanborn arrived at this port yesterday, after a most successful cruise off the north coast of Japan. The schooner has been engaged in the profitable business of otter hunting for the past six months. Our fellow townsmen, Crispin Vasquez and Ben Burton, came with her. We are glad to know that these gentlemen have made a fine venture. We understand that they have taken 500 skins which average $75 apiece.”

October 15, 1873 [SBSWT]: “We stated yesterday morning that the schooner Sanborn arrived in this port. It should have been the Port of San Francisco. Mr. Burton and Mr. Vasquez will be in Santa Barbara within a fortnight.”

January 15, 1874 [SBDMT]: “Arrived. Brig Sanborn, Captain Vasquez, four days from San Franacisco.”

January 23, 1874 [SBDP]: “Arrivals. January 13. Schooner J. D. Sanborn, Vasquez, from San Francisco.”

January 23, 1874 [SBDP]: “Departures. January 15. Schooner J. D. Sanborn, Vasquez, for the islands.”

January 25, 1874 [SBDMT]: “The schooner J. D. Sanborn, Captain Crispine Vasquez, has on board eleven seals for Barnum’s Museum. They will bring fifty cents per pound, and will weigh about two tons. This is a nice little venture, and we congratulate friend Pillilly. The seals were taken from the islands in our channel.”

January 30, 1874 [SBDP]: “Arrivals. January 24. Schooner John D. Sanborn, Vasquez, from San Miguel Island.”

February 4, 1874 [SBDP]: “Departures. January 28. Schooner John D. Sanborn, Vasquez, for Santa Cruz Island.”

February 4, 1874 [SBDP]: “Arrivals. February 1. Schooner John D. Sanborn, Vasquez, from Santa Cruz Island.”

August 24, 1874 [SBDP]: “The schooner John D. Sanborn, Captain Vasquez, bound on a hunting expedition, is also here, together with the schooner Star of Freedom and Tocacoa, and the fishing smack, Rosita.”

June 22, 1885 [SBDI]: “Schooner Angel Dolly, Captain Ellis, arrived Saturday from a two months’ trip otter hunting, with forty-five fine otter skins valued at $3100. This is the most successful otter hunt that has been made on the California coast since the days of Captain Kimberly and Vasquez. We congratulate Captain Ellis on his success.”