William Glass

William Glass (May 11, 1786-1853) was a Scottish Corporal and settler. He established the settlement that would become Edinburgh of the Seven Seas, the main village on Tristan da Cunha.[1][2]

Early life

William Glass was born William Glasgow in Kelso, Scotland on May 11, 1786, to David and Janet Glasgow. He enlisted into the British Army at Berwick-on-Tweed in March 1804. Although it is unclear why, he enlisted under the surname Glass.[3]

Military career

While serving in Cape Town in 1816, Glass was sent to the island of Tristan da Cunha in order to secure the island in the event that the recently defeated Napoleon Bonaparte, then exiled on St Helena island, might use the island as a base to plan an attack. The soldiers were called back the following year, however William and another man requested permission to remain permanently on the island. This request was granted by Lord Somerset. William also brought his South African wife, Maria Magdalena Leenders and two children. Many others soon followed and by 1852 the population was 52.[4]

Death

William Glass died on the island in 1853, many of his descendants remain on the island, with Glass being the most numerous surname. Notable descendants include police officer Conrad Glass and politician Anne Green.

Upon his death, his wife and their children relocated to New London, Connecticut. A son and a grandson returned 10 years later and settled on the island.[5][6]

References
  1. "From Tristan da Cunha to New London: Family traces whaling history". The Day. 2017-06-10. Retrieved 2020-05-03.
  2. "Lost Ships and Lonely Seas/Chapter 4 – Wikisource, the free online library". en.m.wikisource.org. Retrieved 2020-05-03.
  3. "Tristan da Cunha A Growing Community 1817 – 1853". www.tristandc.com. Retrieved 2020-05-03.
  4. "Tristan da Cunha Colony". www.britishempire.co.uk. Retrieved 2020-05-03.
  5. Hayne, Tricia; Britt-Gallagher, Susan (2015-11-05). St Helena: Ascension. Tristan Da Cunha. Bradt Travel Guides. ISBN 978-1-84162-939-1.
  6. "From Tristan da Cunha to New London: Family traces whaling history". The Day. 2017-06-10. Retrieved 2020-05-04.


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