FRANK W. NABOR, LT, USN
Frank Nabor '71
Frank Work Nabor was admitted to the Naval Academy from Ohio on September 20, 1867 at age 17 years 7 months.
Loss
Frank died at Pasadena, California, on August 23, 1883 of "lung hemorrhage from pulmonary phthsis." (Information from his mother's application for his pension; thanks to historian Kathy Franz for locating this.)
Other Information
He had been on sick leave for nearly a year prior suffering from chronic bronchitis.
From “Class of ’71,” a book published in 1902:
FRANK WORK NABOR was born February 20, 1850, at New Comerstown, Ohio. On his father’s side he was of German descent, his ancestors having left Germany during the reign of Louis XIV., of France, whose soldiers, under Turene, were at that time committing ravages and persecutions which caused many of the German citizens to emigrate to the New World.
Among these was one named Leonhart Nachber, who came to America in the ship Robert and Oliver from Rotterdam to Philadelphia in 1788, and settled in German Valley, New Jersey. The names of his descendants are variously spelled “Nachbar,” “Neighbor” and “Nabor,” and Frank Work Nabor, the subject of this sketch was the third son of Matthias S. Neighbor and Margaret Anne Miller, his wife.
Some years after his birth Nabor’s father removed to New Philadelphia, Ohio, and from this place Nabor was appointed by Judge John A. Bingham to the Naval Academy in 1867, graduating with his class in June, 1871.
After graduating he was ordered to the Pacific Station, serving aboard the California, Mohican and Lackawanna. He was detached from the Lackawanna in May, 1874, and ordered to Annapolis, Maryland, for examination for promotion to the grade of Ensign. After having successfully passed this examination he was ordered to the U.S. S. Brooklyn, then at the Navy Yard, New York, on January 1, 1875. He was detached from the Brooklyn in the spring of 1875, and ordered to duty on the Asiatic Station; was assigned to duty on the Monocacy, and was detached and ordered to the U. S. 8. Tennessee, on February 25, 1877. He served on board the Tennessee till July 18, 1878, and was then detached and ordered home on waiting orders.
In August, 1878, he was ordered to duty aboard the Practice-ship Savannah, and, becoming ill, was granted six months’ leave of absence on account of his illness. From this time till his final retirement his record shows a constant attempt to continue his naval duties, but with an inability physically to perform the same. On January 22 his leave of absence was extended for six months, and on July 28, 1879, he was ordered to Mare Island for duty on board the U.S.S. Adams.
On June 8, 1880, after a Medical Survey, he was detached from the Adams, at Costa Rica, and ordered home by way of Panama, and granted leave until December, 1881, when he was ordered before a Medical Board at Washington, and on recommendation of this board was again placed on sick leave.
He continued on sick leave at his home till June 7, 1882, when he again appeared before a Medical Board of Examiners at Washington and was found to be still disqualified for promotion, but the Board again made recommendation that his examination for promotion be postponed for another year.
From researcher Kathy Franz:
Frank's family lived on East Avenue in New Philadelphia, Ohio. When Frank became ill with tuberculosis, Frank, his mother Margaret, and his brother Harry moved to Southern California in the hopes that the better climate would help Frank. His mother died in 1913.
Frank made out his will on July 10, 1882. He left his traveling clock to his sister Flora. To brother Harry he gave his gold watch, all his clothing and jewelry except the long gold neck chain went to his mother Margaret. His mother also received his real property and was to pay his debts and sell the house in Los Angeles. There were also promissory notes by Dr. Daniel Conrad Gentsch and wife Elizabeth (Powleson) – and N. Powleson and Celinda (Neighbour) Powleson.
Frank's father Mathias was a hardware merchant and later a city watchman. He and Frank's sister Flora remained behind in New Philadelphia. Flora later built a house on Tuscarawas Avenue. See this website for a photo of the house and more family information.
Frank is buried in California. He was living with his mother at the time of his death.
Career
From the Naval History and Heritage Command:
Midshipman, 21 September, 1867. Graduated 6 June, 1871. Ensign, 14 July, 1872. Master, 11 February, 1875. Died 23 August, 1883.
Memorial Hall Error
Illness is not a criteria for inclusion in Memorial Hall.
Frank is one of 3 members of the Class of 1871 on Virtual Memorial Hall.
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