American writer and lawyer, best known in American literature for his book “Two Years Before the Mast”, based on the diary he kept while at sea.  First published in 1841, the book describes the lives of sailors in the ports and he gives close attention to the daily life of the peoples of California: Hispanic, Native American, and European. Dana also was an anti-slavery activist and  a member of the Massachusetts legislature.   Family links:  Parents:  Richard Henry Dana (1787 – 1879)  Ruth Charlotte Smith Dana (1787 – 1822)  Spouse:  Sarah Watson Dana (1814 – 1907)*  Children:  Ruth Charlotte Dana Lyman (1844 – 1903)*  Elizabeth Ellery Dana (1846 – 1939)*  Richard Henry Dana (1851 – 1931)*  Henrietta Dana Skinner (1857 – 1928)*  Siblings:  Richard Henry Dana (1815 – 1882)  Edmund Trowbridge Dana (1818 – 1869)*  Susan Dana (1820 – 1822)* *Calculated relationship