Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1875-11-02
ufs LAST VOYAGE.
Sudden Death of Capt. Thomas q. Young
Close of an Eventful Life.

about hall past eight O'Clock.
Capt. Young had been absent fol week at New
Bedford, testifying fof friend in an Alabama
| claim case; ne had been questioned very closely,
and as the memories of ten years were attempted
| to be revived, it caused good deal of nervous
| anxiety and perpexity. This disturbed his mind
and wore upon him to a considerable extent. Re-
turning home on Saturday, he complained of being
completely tired out and feeling weak. He ap-
peared down street, however, as cheerful and
good natured as ever, calling upon and chatting
| pleasantly with many of his friends. On Sunday
morning he prepared himself for church, but feel
ing weared and weak he renqashed the idea Of
going, and remained at home, at Mrs. Lemonts,
his sister, on Capitol street, with whom he has re-
sided for several years. He was in the sitting
room until eight o'clock, spending the time in con-
versation with Mr.. Jas. II. Milliken. an old time
friend, who is 5oar1er at the house. Arising
little past eight, he remarked that it was about
his usual bedtime, he would retire. He said he
felt quite comfortable, but weak. Mr.. Milliken's
room is near his and about twenty minutes after
retiring he heard noise in the captains room and
a labored, unnatural breathing. He spoke to
Mrs. Lemont, and they went to the captain sroom,
and found him undressed, lying on the bed, his
feet touching the floor. He was entirely uncon-
scous and his body wa, limp. He had Gpparanty
attempted to rise, but hi, strength failed him. A
physician was called, who pronounced it
case of apopexy of the worst kind, without the
least hope of recovery. Subsequently another
physician gave it as his opinion that the was
one of absolute nervous prostration, checking the
power of the blood to circulate. The patient con-
tnued in this unconscious condition until he died.
At five O'Clock yesterday morning, he raised his
hand TO his face but this was his only and last
movement. He died AT haif-past eight O'Clock,
life going out so gently that those watching by his
bedside scarcely knew when the dark winged mes
senger came Death came to him as he had often
wished it might come-wthout days and nights of
lingering pain, tossing upon bed of sickness, but
suddenly, like the going out OF a candle. His ex-
celent health was often the subject of remark. lie
boasted that while he had knocked about many
years on ship-board enduring the dangers and
hardshps of seafaiing life, he had never lost
day on account Of sickness. and never felt ache
or pain in the whole course of his life.
Thomas G.. Young was born in York, Maine, il
the year 1872, and at the time of lis death was
sixty-hlee years of age. He left school at the age
Of twelve years. and went to learn the joners
trade. Not liking the business on land, he re-
solved to try his fortunes on the sea. At the age
of Il be entered as carpenter Of the ship Zone
O. Nantucket, commanded by Capt. John VI. Rus
sell. 1t was an eventful voyage anl shaped his
future career. At the age of %, without the aid
of influential friends, as he had none, he reached
the position Of master ola vessel-the barque Fav-
orite Of T aihaven, Mass, F. Il. Whitwell pfinc-
pal owner and manager. His escapes by flood and
field we will not narrate. The many persons scat
tered over the country who have sailed with him,
will say to a man that Young never shjrked his
duty in storm or in calm.
On his sixth voyage 10 the Tavorite he sailed
from hanagaw, Japan, for the Arctic, about April
2S;h, 1865, (having lost all his papers the exact
date cannot be given. He left without his ships
papers, the American consul at that port having
demanded of him sum that he was not entitled
to, refused to deliver up the papers, having an idea
tina, Young hadn't spunk enough to leave for sea
without them. Consequently when the English
pirate captured the Captain and his vessel on the
2Sth of the following June, there papers
forthcoming.
On the arrival of the eventful 2Sth of Jane, the
Favorite with the gallan, commander and crew,
were near the entrance to the Arctic having
rived at the northern extremity of Behrings strait,
sailing along with pleasant breeze and a smooth
sea, expecting by morning to be in the Arctic
ocean A ship was soon in sight, flying signals OF
distress, and this was soon relieved. AT . P. NJ,
the fog having lifted, steamer was apr oach-
ing from the south, with the American flag dis
played. 1t was judged to be sounding across the
strait, preparatory to laying telegraph cable from
America to Asia, project much talked about at that
that time. The vessel, however, proved to be the
rebel pirate the dreaded Shenandoah" He made
desperate resistance before givngup to the pirate.
But the crew Of the Favorite began to feel little
shaky. The officers, mate and second mate,
cinchcd him, and took the gun away and hove the
ammunition overheard, lowered all the boats, and
left the courageous Captain "alone in his glory"
He was perfectly defenceless, but over him float
ed the proud emblem of his country, the ever
glorious stars and stripes. He did not give up in
despair, but went into the cabin and rummaged
for more ammunition, but without avail. And
even then the cowardly Englishman dared not
board the defenccless vessel until he was sure the
Captain was disarmed. However, he got Young
at last in his possession aud manacled him. The
Favore was the last capture made, and the crew
of the Shenandoah had To haul down the flag, fol
Young positively refused to do so, although being
threatened with death, and musket pointed at
him.
After retiring from active seaiaring life, the
most of which was spent in exciting whaling voy-
ages he served as Assistant Librarian in the State
Library, under Mr.. Woodward, and also part Of
the time under his successor. For the past year
he has been at leisure. He has had domestic
troubles, and although the wrongs inflicted upon
him, bore heavily upon his mind, they did not em-
btterhis life. His son, AmmiN about twenty-one
years of age, lives in New York; he has another
son and daughter living in Minneapolis.
Capt. Young was devoted Mason, member
of one OF the Portland lodges and of the Portland
Commandery. He will be buried with Masonic
honors, on Wednesday afternoon at 20 O'Clock,
from the house of Mrs. Lcmont.
This will be the verdict Of Capt. Ioung's many
frends-"he was an honest man. square in ell
his dealings, liberal to a fault, despising every
mean action, and cheerful under all circumstances.