Nickerson initially refuses , but finally agrees when his wife intervenes .
In 1850 , author Herman Melville visits innkeeper Thomas Nickerson , the last survivor of the sinking of the whaleship Essex , offering money in return for his story .
survivor initially refuses , but finally agrees when Thomas Nickerson 's wife intervenes .
In 1850 , author Herman Melville visits innkeeper Thomas Nickerson , the last survivor of the sinking of the whaleship Essex , offering money in return for his story .