George Blunt Wendell (1831-1881) was born and raised in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. After his basic schooling was completed, young George was apprenticed to the counting house of Goodwin & Coues, who at that time were engaged in navigation. However, in 1847 he commenced his seafaring career as a cabin boy aboard the Ship JOHN CUMMING, and 3 years later became first mate for a voyage in the Ship JOHN HAVEN. Wendell's first command was the Ship PISCATAQUA in 1853, after that he commanded the Ship GRANADA, and the Clippers GANGES, BENARES, and GALATEA. He was employed by William S. Bullard & Co., and later by William F. Weld & Co. of Boston. Captain Wendell commanded the respect and confidence of both employers primarily because of his successful voyages and close application to the business entrusted to his care. It was often that a ship master was found to be a thorough seaman and smart navigator, but a poor merchant. Wendell however, used his mercantile knowledge obtained in the counting house to good advantage, and his voyages usually proved profitable for the vessel's owners and himself. George Blunt Wendell retired from the sea in 1863 and later became a partner in the Quincey Granite Works, which he controlled at the time of his death in 1881.