The Republican journal. [volume] (Belfast, Me.) 1829-current, 1918-11-28
CAPT. WILLIAM G.. KNEELAlD.

In memory OF the late Capt. Wilson G.
Kneeland, who passed to higher life in
Pensacola Hospital, Pensacola, Florida,
Aug. 13, 1918 He was born Dec. l, 1848,
in Stockton Springs, then part of Pros
pect. at the old homestead which is now
the residence of his brother, CHARLES
Kneeland. He was the son of William
and Nancy Grant Kneeland, the eldest OF
family of nine children, the following
six of whom survive him: Lindley M
Kneeland of Searsport, Charles Knee
land of Stockton Springs, Edwin S. Knee
land of Everett, Mass, Mrs. Aldana
Berry of Stockton Springs, Mrs. Clara j.
CHM of Boston, Mass, and Mrs. Annie
C. Shute of Port Madison, Washington.
While yet very young his thoughts turned
toward the sea as was shown by his
school books, which could always be
identified by the full-rigged ship drawn
on the fly leaf. Although a book lover
and fond of study, at the early age OF
fifteen he left school and took his first
trip to sea as cook with Capt. Sumner
Black of Standpoint in the schooner
Diadem. For a few years he stayed at
home winters to attend the school, study
ing navigation in connection with the
regular school work of those days. At
the age of twenty-one he was married
to Nellie M. Macomber also of Stockton
Springs, who survives him, although in
very poor health, and the union was
blessed by two sons, Percy l.. and Harold
NJ, each of whom died in early manhood
During the early married life the home
was made in Stockton Springs and Bel
fast, but some thirty years ago it was
moved to Somerville, Mass, where his
wife still resides. During his seafaring
life he sailed in forty-one different YES
sells. more than half of which he was
captain, in many cases substituting only
a single trip. He was always deeply con-
cerned about making each voyage OF
profit to his owners and much affected
by reverses which are often unavoidable
to the mariner. His sterling character
and integrity and kind heart won him
many firm friends in those ports where
business called him often with whom he
was always sure of warm welcome.
His last visit home was in the early
spring of 1918 and owing to poor health
was urged not to 60 away again, but did
not seem ready to give up the sea SO went
to Gulfport, Miss, and took charge of the
four-masted schooner w. j. Patterson,
sailing April 18th for San Juan, Porto
Rico, thence to Pensacola, Florida, arriv :
ing June 9th. Upon arrival he was taken
directly to Pensacola Hospital where all
possible arrangements were made for his
comfort. Though none of his family
could be with him in these last days it is
very comforting to know they were spent
with friends near to cheer the lonely
hours and to render every little service
possible. Death came Aug. 18th, and the
remains were taken to Boston where a
most appropriate mariners service was
held with many relatives present. A
fond husband and father and a great
favorite among his relatives and large
circle of friends, he will be greatly missed
as will also be the arrival of his letters
which were looked forward to with muc h
anxiety during his voyages. A great
l. IN
many besides the large number of his
own nieces and nephews who loved him
devOtedlv