Mr Milton Clyde Long

Who was Milton Clyde Long?

Milton Clyde Long was a 29 (twenty-nine) year-old American first-class passenger aboard the RMS Titanic. Born on October 19, 1882, in Springfield, Massachusetts, Long was a law clerk and student who tragically lost his life in the infamous maritime disaster on April 15, 1912.

Early Life and Background

Family and Education

Milton Long was the only child of Charles Leonard Long, a county judge, and Harriet Frances Clyde. Growing up in Springfield, Massachusetts, he lived with his family at 42 Pearl Street. Long’s educational journey included:

Attended local schools in Springfield
Possibly studied at Harvard Law School
May have also attended Columbia Law School

Although it’s unclear if he graduated from either institution, Long’s pursuit of legal education reflected his family’s background in the field.

Professional Life

By 1910, Milton Long was working as a clerk in a law firm. His passport applications provide insight into his professional development:

July 1907: Applied for a passport, describing himself as a clerk
December 1909: Applied for another passport, now describing himself as a student

This progression suggests that Long was balancing work and further education in his late twenties.

Physical Description and Personal Details

According to his passport application, Milton Long was described as:

Height: 5 feet 10 inches
Complexion: Fair
Hair: Brown
Eyes: Grey-blue
Face: Thin
Nose: Aquiline (prominent or hook-shaped)
Mouth, forehead, and chin: Average

Titanic Journey

Boarding and Accommodations

Milton Long boarded the Titanic as a first-class passenger at Southampton. His journey details include:

Ticket number: 113501
Fare: £30
Cabin: D6

Long was traveling alone, having spent some time in Europe before his return journey to the United States.

Notable Experiences Aboard

On the evening of April 14, 1912, Long met fellow passenger Jack Thayer over after-dinner coffee. This chance encounter would prove significant in the hours to come.

What Happened to Milton Long During the Titanic Disaster?

As the Titanic began to sink, Milton Long found himself in the company of Jack Thayer and his family. Their experiences during the sinking unfolded as follows:

Long and Thayer watched the loading of lifeboats from the starboard side.
They chose not to attempt boarding the last two collapsible boats, fearing they might overturn.
The pair stood by a starboard railing amidships, talking and avoiding the crowds.
When the situation worsened, Long bid farewell to Thayer and slid down the side of the ship.
Jack Thayer never saw Milton Long again after this moment.

Tragically, Milton Long did not survive the sinking. His body was later recovered, identified as body number 126.

Recovery and Identification

The details of Milton Long’s recovery provide a poignant glimpse into his final moments:

NO. 126. - MALE. - ESTIMATED AGE, 35. - HAIR, DARK. CLOTHING- Black clothes; flannel vest, and black and white vest; white shirt marked “M. C. L.”; handkerchief marked “M. C. L.” (monogram), and brown boots. EFFECTS- Gold wrist watch; gold ring with crest; three gold studs; keys; pocket box; £30.00 in gold; 12s. 1 1/2d. in purse; letter of credit. FIRST CLASS. - NAME - MILTON C. LONG.

These personal effects paint a picture of a well-dressed, affluent young man, carrying the trappings of his social status even in his final moments.

Legacy and Remembrance

Final Resting Place

Milton Long’s remains were returned to his hometown:

Forwarded to Springfield on April 30, 1912
Buried at Springfield Cemetery, Springfield, Massachusetts

Official Documentation

A death certificate issued on May 4, 1912, provided final details about Milton Long:

Profession: “Gentleman of leisure”
Cause of death: Drowning

Family Aftermath

The loss of their only child deeply affected the Long family:

Milton’s father, Charles Leonard Long, died on April 29, 1930
His mother, Harriet Frances Clyde Long, passed away on December 9, 1952
Both parents were buried alongside their son in Springfield Cemetery

What Can We Learn from Milton Long’s Titanic Story?

Milton Long’s experience aboard the Titanic offers a glimpse into the fateful decisions made by passengers during the disaster. His choice to remain on board rather than risk the precarious lifeboats highlights the uncertainty and fear that gripped many that night. Long’s story also serves as a reminder of the many promising young lives cut short by the tragedy, leaving behind grieving families and unfulfilled potential.

As we remember Milton Clyde Long, we are reminded of the countless individual stories that make up the larger narrative of the Titanic disaster, each one a testament to the human spirit in the face of unimaginable circumstances.