Delft Fireplace Tile late 18th century - Private collection Connecticut
Julius Schumer first shipped when he was around 17 years old. Julius spent 30 years as a sailor on merchant ships. Julius was born in Denmark but made his home in New York. His last residence in New York was the Sailors Bethel House, 190 Cherry Street, New York (Moskowitz). Julius was a bachelor and had a brother, Mkelhelm, in Denmark.
In 1857, Julius would sail to Havre on the steamship Arago. The Steamship was a wooden-hulled side-wheeled steamer with oscillating engines (Hester). In 1855, it was the largest steamer built at 3000 tons. The Ship would sail out of the port of New York to Havre, France, then Cowes, England. In 1857, the ship made it from New York to Havre and then Cowes, England in 13 days (Steam Ship Navigation 1850 to 1861). The ship carried both cargo and immigrants. It was a high-end ship where all passengers resided in cabins. When Julius returned from his trip, he would spend one year at the Sailors' Retreat on Staten Island, New York.
Arago Color Lithograph – Mariners Museum and Park
The last ship that Julius would sail on was the Mous-Camous in 1860. On November 20, 1860, Julius Schumer would become a resident of Sailors Snug Harbor. Julius would remain at the Harbor for 14 years and 10 months, dying at age 61. Julius is buried in the Snug Harbor Cemetery, Plot 2, Row 5, Grave 14, which gives Julius a grave number of 904; see cemetery map