Early Life
The son of a shoemaker and tanner in Lower Largo, Fife, Scotland, Selkirk was born in 1676. In his youth he displayed a quarrelsome and unruly disposition. Summoned in August 1693 before the Kirk Session for his "indecent behaviour" in church, he "did not appear, being gone to sea. Continued until his return."
Early on he was engaged in buccaneering and in 1703 joined the expedition of famed English privateer and explorer William Dampier to the South Seas. While Dampier was captain of the St. George, Selkirk served on the Cinque Ports, the St. George's companion, as a sailing master serving under Thomas Stradling.
Read more about this topic: Alexander Selkirk
Famous quotes related to early life:
“... business training in early life should not be regarded solely as insurance against destitution in the case of an emergency. For from business experience women can gain, too, knowledge of the world and of human beings, which should be of immeasurable value to their marriage careers. Self-discipline, co-operation, adaptability, efficiency, economic management,—if she learns these in her business life she is liable for many less heartbreaks and disappointments in her married life.”
—Hortense Odlum (1892–?)