The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1876-05-20
DEATH OF AN OLD SEA CAPTAIN.

DEcEAsE OF CAPTAIN SAMUEL COOK, THE OLD
LIST SEA CAPTAIN IN BosroS-RUSERAL
oBsEQUEs YESTERDAY.
Bosroy, May 10, 1876
Captain samuel Cook who died few days since
and buried this afternoon from his late residence
IN South Boston, lacked less than eight years OF beng
a centearan His age ninety-t@o years. two
months and two days, and he was the DIGEST
sea captain, well rs one OF the od-
est citizens, of Boston A month ago he was around
the city his usual health, but within
few days he felt that the great inevitable change was
when unable to take has accustomed walk, and
calmly welcomed its approach Death was long re-
gardcd by him Us a change Of being fror u lower TO
higher condition. and therefore had no terrors Tor him.
His passage from time eternity was sweet sleep,
without groan or d SIGH. He leaves a widow, with
whom he had lived twentysix years, and who was
formerly the widow OF Joshua Crane. She was his
third wife He had two sons and daughter, but all
have preceded him TO tho grave The daughter was
the wife OF Colonel Hatch She died about years
ago.
Tho deceased born in Salem, went to when
fourteen years of age and passed honoraby through
NIL tho grades of his arduous profession from cabin boy
to captain During the OF 1872 he captured by
tho British, and confined in Dartmoor prison.
Among his companions the late Mr.. G. W. Green.
Long wharf; Mr. Morris, who died last year. and who
the oldest boatswain Ia the United States naval
service, and Father Taylor, tho veteran salt
SainL
In 1914 Captain Cook commanded the ship Union, Of
$50 TONS with of forty all told engaged tho
China trade Among those under him were the late
Josiah p. Greasy, who made two OF the shortest pas
sages On record, IN the Flying Cloud, between New
York and San Francisco; Captain Jack Edrdge, tho
famous New York and Liverpool packet shpmastcr
and the latc Israel Whitney merchant and ship owner
These all served boys before tho mast Captain John
Bertram, for many years one OF the most eminent and
successful merchants Of New England aud still engaged
Ia trade in Salem also sailed under him.
In one OF hs voyages III the Pacific, whilo on shore
board OF his ship and captured her. AS he approached
he perceived her decks swarming with natives and d.
vined that all was not right Tho boat by his direc-
tion, pulled under the STERN and no and the
Skinned up the rudderropes entered through the cabin
windows and found tho mate and some OF the men bo
low Promptly arming them, he burst the companion
open and cuiass hand followed by has crew, drove
the natives pe nell overheard, and rcgained posses.
sion OF his ship For this gallant service he was highly
romplimentcd by HIS aud underwriters
He sailed IN the service OF tho late William Gray,
,hon the extensive ship owner OF Boston. While
in his employ he became Intimately acquainted with
lhe late Joshua Bates OF tho firm oil Barring Brothers,
frequently Captain Cook and no dned together Lon
don at the rate OF u shilling apiece. When Bates be-
came great man he remembered his youthful compan
ion, and invited hum 10 his house every time he in
London. Thor friendship continued through life.
Captain Cook also sailed for tho late Nathaniel Goddard
forty years Of life, thirty Of which he captain
never was in a vessel which touched bottom through
blunder navigation His life a1oat uniformly
successful He was tho oldest member Of tho Boston
Marine Society.
When he lett the sea no purchased small island or
tho coast Of Maine where he resided several years. but
eventually sold II and came TO Boston. Still enjoying
vigorous health he elected Harbor Master OF this
port and served years in that capacity Since then
be has lived IN retirement but always took active
Interest IN all the various changes and improvements
IN shipping About year ago we saw him In company
with that active and disnterested friend OF seamcn,
Captain Il B. Forbes and spoke loosely to him in .
patronizing spirit about his youth. Captain Forbes
was seventy; Captain Cook was then nirey-one.
Captain Forbes expressed the hope thaS he would DO
safely moored in the haven OF eternal long before
ihc term OF life his friend had reached II pleasing
10 these veterans, both good through and through
making hands so cordially and smiling SO kindly
hey exchanged salutations
Captain Cook man about i've feet ten inches
lgh, OF firm and compact build always no
Iaked hts tread was firm, his eyesight unimpalred,
lot gray hair was In his head nor had he lost
tooth throughout life. His manner always dig
lncd but courteous and all who enjoyed the honor Of
his acquaintance felt that he ovcry inch gentle
He u ircc liver; during forty years he al.
ways had wines and brandy his table at dinner but
never known to dcvlatc from certain rules in tho
OF either Toward the close Of life he discontinued
I'll stimulating liquids. Upright in all his dealings.
manly IN all his ways, his lifo has been a complete
Iocccss and his memory will be honored by all who
bver know him.
The funeral services conducted at his house yes
lerday afternoon, at two O'Clock, by Rev. George A
rhaycr, Unitarian.