John Perkins Cushing

merchant, philanthropist
Born: 1787
Birthplace: Boston, Mass.

At the tender age of 16 he became the head of his uncle's trading company in China, Perkins & Company, where he prospered along with the firm, returning to Boston in 1830 with Eastern manners and manservants. His yacht, the Sylph, won the first recorded American yacht race in 1832.

Died: 1862