Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1890-09-21
ADMIRAL OF THE TEXAS NAVY.
An Episode In the Strange Career Of a Man
Who Recently Died In Vermont.
Galveston NeWs.l

lbhlNfttb1 NOVEL,
News was received in this city Yesterday
announcing the death AZ Port Mills village,
Vt. of CAPTAIN Thomas Chubb better
known AZ Commodore Chubb. The Com
modore was spending his annual vacation
at his summer home in Vermont. and while
his friends here had been advised Of his
serious illness, tho news of his death was
surprise and source of general regret 70
this community, where he had lived so
long and was go well known, and where he
leaves number Of children and grand
children to mourn his loss.
The deceased WAS about eighty years OF
age. and though living TO this advanced
age. was a man OF remarkably well-pre-
served vigor and vitality. His life was a
remarkably eyentful one. and his biOgra-
ply would read like a romance. Imbued
with q rowing disposition he ran away from
home when quite young and went 10 sea,
and in one way or another be followed
seafariug life up TO the time he settled
down III Galveston, and for the past num-
Der Of wears he has held the position OF
harbor-master at this port position con-
genial 20 him as q means Of bringing him
in contact with those still engaged IN his
early avocation OF life.
A recital Of the eventful life Of Thomas
Chubb would be a part and parcel Of the
early history of Texas. Though his boy
hood DAYS were spent IN Boston he came TO
Texas before the war and was engaged IN
the slave-trade. When Texas was engaged
in the war of independence with Mexico
the deceased brought over cargo OF arms
and ammunition and offered them, with
his services, to General sam. Houston. IL
is said that the powder that was burned
over the battlefield OF San Jacinto. with
which Texas gained her independence, was
that which was furnished by Commodore
| Chubb. The friendship that thus spraug
up between Thomas Chubb and Sam. Hous-
| ton was lasting; and IN recognition Of the
| formers valuable service 10 the republic he
was made admiral of the Texas navy.
But antedatlng this period be was one of
the first steyedores that did service over
the Boston docks. 1t Is said that he first
| introduced the system Of unloading yes
sells with horse and pulley power. which
was such an innovation upon the then
existing custom that the revolution in
steyedore work came near precipitating
a general strike. He was one of
the oldest stevedores in America.
Among his other vicissitudes of life
he was at one time circus owner
and manager, controlling and ope-
rating one of the largest circnses that
travelled through the South in early days.
He was for many years engaged in mer-
chant marine service. and some time after
coming TO Galveston his occupation was
that OF pilot. 1t was a fayorite savine of
the old-time seaman that he was ALWAYS
ION deck" and this might be SAID of him
up to the time time OF on ms death, as he was al;
WAYS on duty. iuil Of hope, energy, and
physical vigor up 10 the last.
When the War commenced between the
States be joined the Contederacy. and was
a conspicuous figure N the Texas navy.
Ma was captured IN this harbor While in
command of the Royal Yacht in a despe-
rate night encounter his captor being the
present Admirai Jouett, of the United Stats
navy. He was imprisoned and Condemned
~ he executed. President Davis no,ised
the Federal authorities that his execution
would be T Tp sa.vias h t,1oa which had
the effect oi ss ~ l n,s execution aud pre-
ness. BE has son in business in = Vermont.
who was with him hs a. the time Of his death,
IL Inavas n brother n oro,r oeu'i
several married daughters residing 10 this
community.