Their oldest child was John Monroe Dillingham (1844-1864).
Mon, as he is called, appears never to have been interested in schoolwork and was at sea by the age of 13 or 14.
After a few voyages on other ships, he sailed with his father, although it is unclear whether he was a common sailor or was studying to be an officer.
He, too, frequently wrote home to his mother Margaret, always sending hugs and kisses to his little sister, Bertie.
