Captain Hiram Hamilton, a native of Chebeague Island, was born into a long line of stone sloop captains. These vessels, designed to transport heavy cargoes of granite and stone, were a common sight along the Maine coast in the 19th and early 20th centuries. The life of a stone sloop captain was dangerous, with small crews and no ability to lighten their load in bad seas. Hamilton’s career was marked by both successes and setbacks, including the loss of his home and barn to fire. Despite these challenges, he remained a respected figure in the South Portland community, known for his courage and determination. His legacy as a captain and a family man is remembered today through the efforts of the South Portland Historical Society.