Many thanks to cousin Paul Ring for the memorial transfer!
Zenas Cory Alexander (the 2nd) was b 1837, North Haven, the son of Henry Alexander & Elizabeth "Betsy" Wheeler. He d 13 Apr 1867 at sea aboard "The Abby Bracket" along with his half brother Ezekiel Kent Alexander.
In the 1850 census, Zenas is listed as 13 years which would put his birthdate around 1837. Family history has always stated he died during the Civil War, yet Rockland newspaper accounts cite his death in 1867, almost two full years after the end of the Civil War.
In 1860, 23-year-old Zenas is residing in the household of his brother, William, and his 63-year-old mother Elizabeth. Zenas has no real estate or personal property and is working as a mariner.
Return of U S Naval Rendezvous at Boston for the week ending Saturday Aug 16th 1862: Zenas C Alexander, age 25, enlisted into the US Navy at Boston, Mass as an Ordinary Seaman for the term of one year. He was born in North Haven, Me. He had blue eyes, brown hair, dark complexion and was 5' 11 tall. He and fellow North Haven-er Ulmer Brown enlisted in Boston together on the same day.
Civil War Naval Weekly Returns of Enlistments: Zenas C Alexander, 2 Sept 1864 for a term of 1 year, rated as an Ordinary Seaman (as opposed to a Landsman) in General Service. He had no previous naval experience, serving from the 5th congressional district of Maine. Born & resided on North Haven, Me, age 27, worked as a mariner, had dark blue eyes, brown hair, dark skin, was 5' 11 1/4" with a large scar above the left wrist. He enlisted the same day as his brother, Ezekiel on 2 Sept 1865 at Portland, Me for the term of one year. He served aboard the Sabine, the Ohio, the Colorado and the Mary Sanford. He was discharged on 21 June 1865. He had a tatoo of a large star above his left wrist and a small scar at the base of his right thumb.
There are two letters written by Zenas while aboard the "Abby Brackett" shortly before his death to his niece, Sarah M Carver. They were transcribed by Paul & Maggi (Alexander) Henthorne: "New York, Nov 25, 1866 Dear Niece, I received your letter and was glad to hear from my little niecefew [as opposite of nephew?] I began to think you was not going to write and had promised to pool your ears. But I will let you off if you write as soon as you get this. We are all well and having fine times. I like the vessel much. She is a splendid sailor and has a nice cabin. I had a letter from Marthy. Her health is poor. I should think you might see a handsome fellow once in a while. How is that fellow that looked so well on the floor? Tell Philena that she did not break anything when she kicked that fellow. If you had let me known a little sooner I would have run right down home, too. Have gone to meeting that Sunday evening. I expected a letter from home but I have not yet any. Just tell them to write once in a while. Tell George to write just as soon as you get this. I want to hear from him. The next spree you go to dance some for me and if anyone inquires for me, give them 15 cents and charge it to the town pump. I expect Elisha is sleeping high at present and living upstairs. Let him rip. We shall see who will have the most stamps next spring. You might send me a small bit of gold. Now you have a new hat and dress and one thing another, keep a good eye for that best looking fellow. You may see him. We are bound to Jacksonville, Florida and from there to Grenada, West Indies, and from there to South America or some port down in the Gulf. Quite a little voyage. It will use up this winter in good shape and next summer I am coming home to see my little niecefew and we will have a great old time. I want you to write just the minute you get this and make George write everything he can think of. We shall be ready for sea in eight or ten days so write soon. I can think of nothing more to write. I will write again before we sail, so goodby from you affectionate uncle, Z.C. Alexander. I send you a kiss right there."
The second letter: Jacksonville, Florida, "Dec 19, 1866 Dear Niece, I will write you a line to let you know that I am still kicking and hope this will find you the same. We arrived there the 17th. Had a fine passage. We shall get discharged this week. I have no news to write. I expect you are having fine times and lots of them. We will have a time when I get back. Give my respects to all who enquire. You won't have time to write here after you get this but be a good girl till I get back. I will write again before we sail. I shall expect a letter from you in a few days. The Abby sails so fast the letters can't keep up with her. Have you heard from that best looking fellow of late? Well, goodnight little niecefew. From your uncle, Z.C.Alexander"
Shortly before his death, half-brother Ezekiel wrote a letter to Sarah M Carver about the "Abby Brackett". These letters were transcribed by Paul & Maggi (Alexander) Henthorne. "Jacksonville, Florida, Dec 19, 1866 Well, Sarah, I am now in Jacksonville. Had a nice passage out of eight days. The Abby Brackett is a nice little vessel. Sail-wise beats all the rest that we find. Say to James that I wish that he was with me for I think he would have a nice (-time?). I suppose that George would like to be with me as the winter would soon go ----. Well, I suppose that my name-sake is on the banks making his fortune. A hard place for the many, I think. I wish that he could think different. I think that he would do better in the end. My health is very good. Say to George that I broke one of my ribs of when I fell that night but it is all right now. Give my best respect to your mother. E K Alexander.
Zenas & his uncle, Ezekiel Alexander, both drowned in the Abby Brackett four months later.
Obituary in the Bangor Daily Whig & Courier (Bangor, Me), Tuesday, May 28, 1867, Issue 125, Col D: The death of Capt E K Alexander of this city by the loss of the schooner Abby Brackett is much regretted by our citizens who were acquainted with him. He was an upright, straightforward and industrious man, and a good citizen. His brother, Zenas Alexander of North Haven, was lost in the same disaster. None of the crew belonged in this vicinity.
Zenas Cory Alexander (the 2nd) was b 1837, North Haven, the son of Henry Alexander & Elizabeth "Betsy" Wheeler. He d 13 Apr 1867 at sea aboard "The Abby Bracket" along with his half brother Ezekiel Kent Alexander.
In the 1850 census, Zenas is listed as 13 years which would put his birthdate around 1837. Family history has always stated he died during the Civil War, yet Rockland newspaper accounts cite his death in 1867, almost two full years after the end of the Civil War.
In 1860, 23-year-old Zenas is residing in the household of his brother, William, and his 63-year-old mother Elizabeth. Zenas has no real estate or personal property and is working as a mariner.
Return of U S Naval Rendezvous at Boston for the week ending Saturday Aug 16th 1862: Zenas C Alexander, age 25, enlisted into the US Navy at Boston, Mass as an Ordinary Seaman for the term of one year. He was born in North Haven, Me. He had blue eyes, brown hair, dark complexion and was 5' 11 tall. He and fellow North Haven-er Ulmer Brown enlisted in Boston together on the same day.
Civil War Naval Weekly Returns of Enlistments: Zenas C Alexander, 2 Sept 1864 for a term of 1 year, rated as an Ordinary Seaman (as opposed to a Landsman) in General Service. He had no previous naval experience, serving from the 5th congressional district of Maine. Born & resided on North Haven, Me, age 27, worked as a mariner, had dark blue eyes, brown hair, dark skin, was 5' 11 1/4" with a large scar above the left wrist. He enlisted the same day as his brother, Ezekiel on 2 Sept 1865 at Portland, Me for the term of one year. He served aboard the Sabine, the Ohio, the Colorado and the Mary Sanford. He was discharged on 21 June 1865. He had a tatoo of a large star above his left wrist and a small scar at the base of his right thumb.
There are two letters written by Zenas while aboard the "Abby Brackett" shortly before his death to his niece, Sarah M Carver. They were transcribed by Paul & Maggi (Alexander) Henthorne: "New York, Nov 25, 1866 Dear Niece, I received your letter and was glad to hear from my little niecefew [as opposite of nephew?] I began to think you was not going to write and had promised to pool your ears. But I will let you off if you write as soon as you get this. We are all well and having fine times. I like the vessel much. She is a splendid sailor and has a nice cabin. I had a letter from Marthy. Her health is poor. I should think you might see a handsome fellow once in a while. How is that fellow that looked so well on the floor? Tell Philena that she did not break anything when she kicked that fellow. If you had let me known a little sooner I would have run right down home, too. Have gone to meeting that Sunday evening. I expected a letter from home but I have not yet any. Just tell them to write once in a while. Tell George to write just as soon as you get this. I want to hear from him. The next spree you go to dance some for me and if anyone inquires for me, give them 15 cents and charge it to the town pump. I expect Elisha is sleeping high at present and living upstairs. Let him rip. We shall see who will have the most stamps next spring. You might send me a small bit of gold. Now you have a new hat and dress and one thing another, keep a good eye for that best looking fellow. You may see him. We are bound to Jacksonville, Florida and from there to Grenada, West Indies, and from there to South America or some port down in the Gulf. Quite a little voyage. It will use up this winter in good shape and next summer I am coming home to see my little niecefew and we will have a great old time. I want you to write just the minute you get this and make George write everything he can think of. We shall be ready for sea in eight or ten days so write soon. I can think of nothing more to write. I will write again before we sail, so goodby from you affectionate uncle, Z.C. Alexander. I send you a kiss right there."
The second letter: Jacksonville, Florida, "Dec 19, 1866 Dear Niece, I will write you a line to let you know that I am still kicking and hope this will find you the same. We arrived there the 17th. Had a fine passage. We shall get discharged this week. I have no news to write. I expect you are having fine times and lots of them. We will have a time when I get back. Give my respects to all who enquire. You won't have time to write here after you get this but be a good girl till I get back. I will write again before we sail. I shall expect a letter from you in a few days. The Abby sails so fast the letters can't keep up with her. Have you heard from that best looking fellow of late? Well, goodnight little niecefew. From your uncle, Z.C.Alexander"
Shortly before his death, half-brother Ezekiel wrote a letter to Sarah M Carver about the "Abby Brackett". These letters were transcribed by Paul & Maggi (Alexander) Henthorne. "Jacksonville, Florida, Dec 19, 1866 Well, Sarah, I am now in Jacksonville. Had a nice passage out of eight days. The Abby Brackett is a nice little vessel. Sail-wise beats all the rest that we find. Say to James that I wish that he was with me for I think he would have a nice (-time?). I suppose that George would like to be with me as the winter would soon go ----. Well, I suppose that my name-sake is on the banks making his fortune. A hard place for the many, I think. I wish that he could think different. I think that he would do better in the end. My health is very good. Say to George that I broke one of my ribs of when I fell that night but it is all right now. Give my best respect to your mother. E K Alexander.
Zenas & his uncle, Ezekiel Alexander, both drowned in the Abby Brackett four months later.
Obituary in the Bangor Daily Whig & Courier (Bangor, Me), Tuesday, May 28, 1867, Issue 125, Col D: The death of Capt E K Alexander of this city by the loss of the schooner Abby Brackett is much regretted by our citizens who were acquainted with him. He was an upright, straightforward and industrious man, and a good citizen. His brother, Zenas Alexander of North Haven, was lost in the same disaster. None of the crew belonged in this vicinity.
Many thanks to cousin Paul Ring for the memorial transfer!
Zenas Cory Alexander (the 2nd) was b 1837, North Haven, the son of Henry Alexander & Elizabeth "Betsy" Wheeler. He d 13 Apr 1867 at sea aboard "The Abby Bracket" along with his half brother Ezekiel Kent Alexander.
In the 1850 census, Zenas is listed as 13 years which would put his birthdate around 1837. Family history has always stated he died during the Civil War, yet Rockland newspaper accounts cite his death in 1867, almost two full years after the end of the Civil War.
In 1860, 23-year-old Zenas is residing in the household of his brother, William, and his 63-year-old mother Elizabeth. Zenas has no real estate or personal property and is working as a mariner.
Return of U S Naval Rendezvous at Boston for the week ending Saturday Aug 16th 1862: Zenas C Alexander, age 25, enlisted into the US Navy at Boston, Mass as an Ordinary Seaman for the term of one year. He was born in North Haven, Me. He had blue eyes, brown hair, dark complexion and was 5' 11 tall. He and fellow North Haven-er Ulmer Brown enlisted in Boston together on the same day.
Civil War Naval Weekly Returns of Enlistments: Zenas C Alexander, 2 Sept 1864 for a term of 1 year, rated as an Ordinary Seaman (as opposed to a Landsman) in General Service. He had no previous naval experience, serving from the 5th congressional district of Maine. Born & resided on North Haven, Me, age 27, worked as a mariner, had dark blue eyes, brown hair, dark skin, was 5' 11 1/4" with a large scar above the left wrist. He enlisted the same day as his brother, Ezekiel on 2 Sept 1865 at Portland, Me for the term of one year. He served aboard the Sabine, the Ohio, the Colorado and the Mary Sanford. He was discharged on 21 June 1865. He had a tatoo of a large star above his left wrist and a small scar at the base of his right thumb.
There are two letters written by Zenas while aboard the "Abby Brackett" shortly before his death to his niece, Sarah M Carver. They were transcribed by Paul & Maggi (Alexander) Henthorne: "New York, Nov 25, 1866 Dear Niece, I received your letter and was glad to hear from my little niecefew [as opposite of nephew?] I began to think you was not going to write and had promised to pool your ears. But I will let you off if you write as soon as you get this. We are all well and having fine times. I like the vessel much. She is a splendid sailor and has a nice cabin. I had a letter from Marthy. Her health is poor. I should think you might see a handsome fellow once in a while. How is that fellow that looked so well on the floor? Tell Philena that she did not break anything when she kicked that fellow. If you had let me known a little sooner I would have run right down home, too. Have gone to meeting that Sunday evening. I expected a letter from home but I have not yet any. Just tell them to write once in a while. Tell George to write just as soon as you get this. I want to hear from him. The next spree you go to dance some for me and if anyone inquires for me, give them 15 cents and charge it to the town pump. I expect Elisha is sleeping high at present and living upstairs. Let him rip. We shall see who will have the most stamps next spring. You might send me a small bit of gold. Now you have a new hat and dress and one thing another, keep a good eye for that best looking fellow. You may see him. We are bound to Jacksonville, Florida and from there to Grenada, West Indies, and from there to South America or some port down in the Gulf. Quite a little voyage. It will use up this winter in good shape and next summer I am coming home to see my little niecefew and we will have a great old time. I want you to write just the minute you get this and make George write everything he can think of. We shall be ready for sea in eight or ten days so write soon. I can think of nothing more to write. I will write again before we sail, so goodby from you affectionate uncle, Z.C. Alexander. I send you a kiss right there."
The second letter: Jacksonville, Florida, "Dec 19, 1866 Dear Niece, I will write you a line to let you know that I am still kicking and hope this will find you the same. We arrived there the 17th. Had a fine passage. We shall get discharged this week. I have no news to write. I expect you are having fine times and lots of them. We will have a time when I get back. Give my respects to all who enquire. You won't have time to write here after you get this but be a good girl till I get back. I will write again before we sail. I shall expect a letter from you in a few days. The Abby sails so fast the letters can't keep up with her. Have you heard from that best looking fellow of late? Well, goodnight little niecefew. From your uncle, Z.C.Alexander"
Shortly before his death, half-brother Ezekiel wrote a letter to Sarah M Carver about the "Abby Brackett". These letters were transcribed by Paul & Maggi (Alexander) Henthorne. "Jacksonville, Florida, Dec 19, 1866 Well, Sarah, I am now in Jacksonville. Had a nice passage out of eight days. The Abby Brackett is a nice little vessel. Sail-wise beats all the rest that we find. Say to James that I wish that he was with me for I think he would have a nice (-time?). I suppose that George would like to be with me as the winter would soon go ----. Well, I suppose that my name-sake is on the banks making his fortune. A hard place for the many, I think. I wish that he could think different. I think that he would do better in the end. My health is very good. Say to George that I broke one of my ribs of when I fell that night but it is all right now. Give my best respect to your mother. E K Alexander.
Zenas & his uncle, Ezekiel Alexander, both drowned in the Abby Brackett four months later.
Obituary in the Bangor Daily Whig & Courier (Bangor, Me), Tuesday, May 28, 1867, Issue 125, Col D: The death of Capt E K Alexander of this city by the loss of the schooner Abby Brackett is much regretted by our citizens who were acquainted with him. He was an upright, straightforward and industrious man, and a good citizen. His brother, Zenas Alexander of North Haven, was lost in the same disaster. None of the crew belonged in this vicinity.
Zenas Cory Alexander (the 2nd) was b 1837, North Haven, the son of Henry Alexander & Elizabeth "Betsy" Wheeler. He d 13 Apr 1867 at sea aboard "The Abby Bracket" along with his half brother Ezekiel Kent Alexander.
In the 1850 census, Zenas is listed as 13 years which would put his birthdate around 1837. Family history has always stated he died during the Civil War, yet Rockland newspaper accounts cite his death in 1867, almost two full years after the end of the Civil War.
In 1860, 23-year-old Zenas is residing in the household of his brother, William, and his 63-year-old mother Elizabeth. Zenas has no real estate or personal property and is working as a mariner.
Return of U S Naval Rendezvous at Boston for the week ending Saturday Aug 16th 1862: Zenas C Alexander, age 25, enlisted into the US Navy at Boston, Mass as an Ordinary Seaman for the term of one year. He was born in North Haven, Me. He had blue eyes, brown hair, dark complexion and was 5' 11 tall. He and fellow North Haven-er Ulmer Brown enlisted in Boston together on the same day.
Civil War Naval Weekly Returns of Enlistments: Zenas C Alexander, 2 Sept 1864 for a term of 1 year, rated as an Ordinary Seaman (as opposed to a Landsman) in General Service. He had no previous naval experience, serving from the 5th congressional district of Maine. Born & resided on North Haven, Me, age 27, worked as a mariner, had dark blue eyes, brown hair, dark skin, was 5' 11 1/4" with a large scar above the left wrist. He enlisted the same day as his brother, Ezekiel on 2 Sept 1865 at Portland, Me for the term of one year. He served aboard the Sabine, the Ohio, the Colorado and the Mary Sanford. He was discharged on 21 June 1865. He had a tatoo of a large star above his left wrist and a small scar at the base of his right thumb.
There are two letters written by Zenas while aboard the "Abby Brackett" shortly before his death to his niece, Sarah M Carver. They were transcribed by Paul & Maggi (Alexander) Henthorne: "New York, Nov 25, 1866 Dear Niece, I received your letter and was glad to hear from my little niecefew [as opposite of nephew?] I began to think you was not going to write and had promised to pool your ears. But I will let you off if you write as soon as you get this. We are all well and having fine times. I like the vessel much. She is a splendid sailor and has a nice cabin. I had a letter from Marthy. Her health is poor. I should think you might see a handsome fellow once in a while. How is that fellow that looked so well on the floor? Tell Philena that she did not break anything when she kicked that fellow. If you had let me known a little sooner I would have run right down home, too. Have gone to meeting that Sunday evening. I expected a letter from home but I have not yet any. Just tell them to write once in a while. Tell George to write just as soon as you get this. I want to hear from him. The next spree you go to dance some for me and if anyone inquires for me, give them 15 cents and charge it to the town pump. I expect Elisha is sleeping high at present and living upstairs. Let him rip. We shall see who will have the most stamps next spring. You might send me a small bit of gold. Now you have a new hat and dress and one thing another, keep a good eye for that best looking fellow. You may see him. We are bound to Jacksonville, Florida and from there to Grenada, West Indies, and from there to South America or some port down in the Gulf. Quite a little voyage. It will use up this winter in good shape and next summer I am coming home to see my little niecefew and we will have a great old time. I want you to write just the minute you get this and make George write everything he can think of. We shall be ready for sea in eight or ten days so write soon. I can think of nothing more to write. I will write again before we sail, so goodby from you affectionate uncle, Z.C. Alexander. I send you a kiss right there."
The second letter: Jacksonville, Florida, "Dec 19, 1866 Dear Niece, I will write you a line to let you know that I am still kicking and hope this will find you the same. We arrived there the 17th. Had a fine passage. We shall get discharged this week. I have no news to write. I expect you are having fine times and lots of them. We will have a time when I get back. Give my respects to all who enquire. You won't have time to write here after you get this but be a good girl till I get back. I will write again before we sail. I shall expect a letter from you in a few days. The Abby sails so fast the letters can't keep up with her. Have you heard from that best looking fellow of late? Well, goodnight little niecefew. From your uncle, Z.C.Alexander"
Shortly before his death, half-brother Ezekiel wrote a letter to Sarah M Carver about the "Abby Brackett". These letters were transcribed by Paul & Maggi (Alexander) Henthorne. "Jacksonville, Florida, Dec 19, 1866 Well, Sarah, I am now in Jacksonville. Had a nice passage out of eight days. The Abby Brackett is a nice little vessel. Sail-wise beats all the rest that we find. Say to James that I wish that he was with me for I think he would have a nice (-time?). I suppose that George would like to be with me as the winter would soon go ----. Well, I suppose that my name-sake is on the banks making his fortune. A hard place for the many, I think. I wish that he could think different. I think that he would do better in the end. My health is very good. Say to George that I broke one of my ribs of when I fell that night but it is all right now. Give my best respect to your mother. E K Alexander.
Zenas & his uncle, Ezekiel Alexander, both drowned in the Abby Brackett four months later.
Obituary in the Bangor Daily Whig & Courier (Bangor, Me), Tuesday, May 28, 1867, Issue 125, Col D: The death of Capt E K Alexander of this city by the loss of the schooner Abby Brackett is much regretted by our citizens who were acquainted with him. He was an upright, straightforward and industrious man, and a good citizen. His brother, Zenas Alexander of North Haven, was lost in the same disaster. None of the crew belonged in this vicinity.
Inscription
ZENAS C
Son of
Henry & Betsy
Alexander
Lost at Sea
Apr 13, 1867
Ae 27 yrs 7 mos
