John D. Whidden started out at sea in 1834, at the age of twelve, and did not retire until 1870. He is the author of Ocean Life in the Old Sailing Ship Days.
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Orphaned at five, nothing held Whidden back from embarking on sea life seven years later. Serving as an apprentice, he quickly proved his worth, and earned himself a mate's position by his early twenties. Graduating to third, second, and first office, he ... SEE MORE