This Was Then: Capt. Abner West and the Sapelo River Expedition - The Martha's Vineyard Times
Capt. Abner West (1811–1902) of Vineyard Haven had just about retired from the sea. He had been aboard ship most of his life, having begun his whaling career as a mess boy at the age of 10. He had whaled ever since, commanding at least four different ships on more than a half-dozen lengthy voyages […]
Source: mvtimes.com