DISTINGUISHED NANTUCKETERS. 133 



the government, or any credit whatever for it, had 

 made a discovery many years ago which had been of 

 immense value to navigators ever since, and that was 

 the discovery of sunset longitude. The gentleman 

 referred to was Mr. Owen C. Spooner, who was born 

 near New Bedford in 1805. In early life he was a 

 sailor, and the following facts in relation to his dis- 

 covery are here given in order that his name may not 

 sink into oblivion. As the compiler understands the 

 matter, Lieut. Maury has heretofore had the credit of 

 discovering sunset longitude; but if Mr. Spooner was 

 the discoverer, he should have the credit of it, and 

 he is worthy to be placed among " distinguished Nan- 

 tucketers." 



In answer to the compiler's inquiries in regard to the 

 matter, the following article appeared in the Nantucket 

 Journal of Dec. 1, 1881, which tells the story: — 



Credit to whom Credit is due. — There are doubtless 

 many who are not aware that the credit for the discov- 

 ery of sunset longitude, though in an English nauti- 

 cal almanac claimed by a British admiral, rightfully 

 belongs to Mr. Owen C. Spooner, of this town. 



On the voyage previous to that of the discovery, the 

 second mate, Mr. Charles Clark of Maine, remarked in 

 presence of the mate, Mr. Hoeg, and Mr. Spooner, that 

 he believed sunset longitude could be obtained. 



On the following voyage, in the ship " Atlantic," 

 Dec. 16, 1840, when in latitude 4.18 S., just before 

 sunset, Mr. Iloeg, then captain, said to Mr. Spooner, 

 " Note the time by the chronometer, and let us see 

 about this sunset longitude." The captain, mate, 



