The Eleutherian Voyagers and Beyond

In 1648, the island of Eleuthera seemed remote to the rest of the world except to a brave captain who decided to provide an expedition for those who wanted to leave Somers Isle for social and economic reasons. After a group of seventy settlers set sail for Eleuthera, they were forced to trade ambergris and braziletto. The conditions were harsh and the laws were still strict, and only thirty-five determined settlers remained.

Gabrielle F. Culmer relies on years of carefully compiled research to clarify myths and examine the lives and genealogy of the small group of first settlers to Eleuthera. Included are photographs of the undeveloped landscape they would have encountered on their expedition. As Culmer details the illustrious lives of the people who journeyed to the unknown island, she provides an intriguing glimpse into why they left their homes; the challenges they endured; and ultimately how they survived.

The Eleutherian Voyagers and Beyond is a fascinating study of the journey of several families to a small Bahama island during the seventeenth century to begin a new life.