21 Jan 1946
NEWTON, Jan, 20 – Capt. Alexander C. Corkum, 85, of 1452 Beacon st., Waban, who retired in 1932 after 53 years as a sea captain, died this morning after an illness of three weeks at the Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston. A native of Halifax, N.S., he resided most of his life in Dorchester and Newton. During World War I he survived many German submarine attacks on the Atlantic, captaining the interned German liner, Koln, whose name was changed to Amthion. It was used as a troop and supply ship between this country and France. Following World War I, he commanded the Munson liner, American Legion, which plied between New Work and South American ports. HIs last command was Hiram Manville’s luxury yacht. Hi-Esmaro, which was taken over by the government in World War II and sunk by the Japanese. Following his retirement in 1932, he devoted his time to trying to get the government to recognize civilian members of the Marchant Marine who served on Army transports. The V.F. W. post at Newton Corner was named in his honor. He was a member of the Boston Marine Society. He leaves three daughters, Mrs. W.P Frost, South Yarmouth; Mrs. W.W. Jones, Boston; and Mrs. Wilfred Cameron, and four grandsons. A son, Lloyd, died in 1932. Funeral services will be Tuesday at 2 p.m., in the Rich & Bellinger Funeral Chapel, 2630 Centre st. Interment will be a Cedar Grove Cemetery, Dorchester.