I found this photo of the bark MAGGIE MOORE dating back to approximately 1877.

My great-grandfather Charles S. Smith was the captain and owner.

I recall the photo from my grandmother Edith’s house in Westbrook, Maine, but not the written page attached to the back of the frame, which had been penned by my grandfather Frank A. Smith.

It is a sad tale of the sea.

BARK MAGGIE MOORE, CAPT. CHARLES S. SMITH

Fastest ship ever commanded by Capt. Smith.

Made world record between Liverpool and Rio de Janeiro.

Last burning at sea 600 miles off the coast of South America, while homeward bound with oil. Capt. and crew only saved their clothes they had on and on white poodle dog owned by Captain. Wreckage of the Maggie Moore was first picked up and I will remember the terrible anxiety of my mother before news arrived in the middle of the night that Captain and crew had been picked up by another shop. The minister of the Baptist Church in St. Stephen N.B. brought us the good news and Mother in her joy roused her two children (Sister about 3 years old and myself 5 years old. while we kneeled by the bed and offered prayers of thanks for the safety of father and husband. A wonderful day when Father arrived home from this voyage, although (financially it had been a severe blow.

Charles S. Smith died at sea of 36 years from Malaria and dysentery, originally contracted on a voyage to South America, The little poodle barked all day and into the night when the Capt’s remains were brought to Mascarene, St. George N.B. and afterwards the poodle’s bark was only a little croak.

Frank A. Smith M.D.

There is no record of the Maggie Moore, except for this foto from one hundred and thirty years ago.