OPINION COLUMN: Mansfield man guided first ship through Panama Canal Kevin McNatt and Andrew Todesco MANSFIELD - Ralph Dearborn moved to Mansfield with his family when he was 10 years old. Arriving from Somerville, the family settled at 17 School St. on the corner of Bliss Avenue. His father John Dearborn was the superintendent of the water department and served on the Board of Selectmen. In high school Ralph played baseball and was a member of the Mansfield High School Cadets. In 1911, during his junior year, he left Mansfield High to attend the Massachusetts Nautical Training School (now known as the Massachusetts Maritime Academy). That led Ralph to a unique distinction just three years later, when he would be at the wheel of the first ship to officially pass through the Panama Canal. He would go on to serve during World War I and enjoy an interesting career as a captain in the Merchant Marine.