John Fearn (whaler)

John Fearn (fl. 1798) was an English whaling ship captain, notable as the first European to discover the Pacific island of Nauru, which is now a sovereign republic.[1] He was probably born on 24 August 1768 in Kingston upon Hull [2] Note: He has frequently been confused with John Fearn (philosopher) (1768-1837), a British philosopher who had spent some years as an officer in the Royal Navy.

John Fearn discovered Nauru on 8 November 1798,[1] while travelling with his whaling ship Hunter from New Zealand to China.[3] He named it Pleasant Island due to its attractive environment and the friendly nature of the Nauruans.

Fearn was commemorated on the obverse of a $10 Nauruan coin.[4]

References

  1. 1 2 multiple authors and consultors, Dorling Kindersley, History (original title), ISBN 978-989-550-607-1
  2. ↑ Register of Bowl Alley Lane Presbyterian Chapel quoted in "England Births and Christenings, 1538-1975, database, FamilySearch". Retrieved 4 Sep 2016.
  3. ↑ "Nauru profile". BBC. Retrieved 6 May 2012.
  4. ↑ http://www.janeresture.com/nauru_home/index.htm
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