Milton Clyde Long

Mr Milton Clyde Long was born in Springfield, Hampden, Massachusetts on 19 October 1882.

He was the only child of Charles Leonard Long (b. 1851), a county judge, and Harriet Frances Clyde (b. 1857), both Massachusetts natives of Lowell and Fall River respectively who were married on 15 December 1880.

Milton appears on the 1900 census living with his family at 42 Pearl Street, Springfield and it was indicated that he was still at school. By the time of the 1910 census the family are still at the same address and Milton, who was unmarried, was described as a clerk in a law firm. Whilst it is understood that he attended Harvard and Columbia Law Schools it is not clear if he graduated from either institution.

Milton applied for a passport in July 1907, describing himself as a clerk; physically he stood at 5' 10" and was of fair complexion with brown hair, grey-blue eyes, a thin face, an aquiline (prominent or hook) nose and average mouth, forehead and chin. He applied for another passport in December 1909 and by which time he was described as a student.

In June 1911 Long was aboard the SS Spokane when she ran aground and was wrecked in Seymour Narrows, British Columbia.

Having spent a period in Europe, Milton Long boarded the Titanic at Southampton as a first class passenger (ticket number 113501 which cost £30) and occupied cabin D6; he was travelling alone.

On the evening of 14 April he met Jack Thayer over after-dinner coffee and following the collision he stuck by the Thayer family. He and Jack stood on the starboard side and watched the loading of the lifeboats. When all but two of the collapsible boats had left the ship Thayer stated that he and Long chose to stay back from the free-for-all situation that was happening, with apparently anyone free to go in one of the last two boats. Having witnessed several boats launched precariously, which they were surprised reached the water intact, he and Long feared that those last two boats would overturn on launching and elected to remain aboard the ship, preferring to take their chances there. They stood by a starboard railing amidships, talking over many things and trying to avoid the crowds. Thayer suggested climbing down some empty falls but Long talked him out of this. However, as the situation worsened and the ship began to sink lower Milton said his goodbyes and climbed over the railing and slid down the side of the ship; Jack Thayer never saw him again.

Milton Long died in the sinking and his body was later recovered (#126). His remains were forwarded to Springfield on 30 April 1912 under the care of J. H. Shepherd following the receipt of letters from Judge Long on 23 April and instructions on 24 April.

He was buried at Springfield Cemetery, Springfield, Massachusetts. A death certificate was issued on 4 May 1912; it stated his profession as "Gentleman of leisure" and his cause of death as drowning.

His father died on 29 April 1930 and his mother on 9 December 1952. Both were buried in Springfield Cemetery with their son.