William Jackman
Sealing captain and sailing master
About William Jackman
Lived 1837 – 1877 (aged 39). William Jackman was a Canadian.
William Jackman (May 20, 1837 – February 25, 1877) was a Newfoundland sealing captain and sailing master.
Jackman was born in Renews, Newfoundland. Like his younger brother Arthur, Jackman commanded sealing vessels for Bowring Brothers. Jackman is best known for the rescue at Spotted Island off the coast of Labrador on 9 October 1867. Jackman witnessed the Sea Slipper run aground with 27 people aboard. Jackman swam back and forth to the vessel eleven times, rescuing eleven people. His crew then tied a rope around his waist and Jackman swam back sixteen more times, rescuing all aboard the doomed ship. On 18 December 1868, for his heroism, he was presented the medal and diploma of the Royal Humane Society.
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Important facts
Contemporaries
People whose lives overlapped William Jackman's
Frequently asked questions
Who was William Jackman?
sealing captain and sailing master (1837–1877)
When was William Jackman born?
William Jackman was born on 20 May 1837.
When did William Jackman die?
William Jackman died on 25 February 1877.
What nationality was William Jackman?
William Jackman was Canadian.
Sources & further reading
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). William Jackman. https://biography.guide/william-jackman/
MLA: "William Jackman." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/william-jackman/.
Chicago: "William Jackman." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/william-jackman/.
Data last updated: 2026-09-23 · Spot an error? Report a correction.
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