Nehemiah Doane McGray (June 29, 1838 – October 14, 1887) was a ship's captain, merchant and political figure in Nova Scotia, Canada.
In 1901, Eliza Ann Ross took command of the steel four-masted barquentine "Reform," making her one of the world's first female Ship Captains.
Nehemiah McGray's first voyage was made on a small fishing craft, the “Labrador” on which, at the age of twelve, he served as a cook.
Captain James D. Coffin certified Nehemiah's service and character as part of his application for a Master's Certificate of Competency before the British Board of Trade in London, England.
[5] It runs as follows: This is to certify that the bearer, Mr. McGray, is the native of the same place as myself, Barrington, Nova Scotia, and that I know of his having commenced going to sea in small vessels at the age of twelve years, and, with the exception of a few winters, has been continually engaged in seafaring life.
For sobriety and morality his character is unimpeachable; being a total abstainer both from intoxicating drink and from profane and abusive language.In 1859, Captain Coffin turned over the command of his ship to Captain McGray, who sailed her until 1863, when he returned home to take charge of the new barque, “Helena,” owned by Thomas Coffin and Company of Port Clyde.
After the liquidation, Captain McGray made but a few ocean voyages, taking charge of the barque “Aneroid,” owned by Dennis & Doane, of Yarmouth.
He obtained a Federal grant for providing a telegraph cable from the Mainland, with a view to the establishment of a Maritime Signal Station at Cape Sable's light.
[5] Within days of his arrival, Nehemiah and Arthur's uncle, Martin Doane McGray (the father's brother and business partner) passed away.