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Thomas Point Land Lighthouse
Thomas Point, located just a few miles from Annapolis, is named after Philip Thomas, one of the earliest Europeans who came to Maryland from England in 1651. With the port of Baltimore becoming increasingly important, Naval Officer William Barney contacted Stephen Pleasonton (of the U.S. Treasury), requesting a lighthouse to mark Thomas Point Shoal (a …
Permanent link to this article: https://cheslights.org/thomas-point-land-lighthouse/
Timeline: Thomas Point Land Lighthouse
1823: A light at Thomas Point is officially requested by William Bedford Barney, a naval officer for the Port of Baltimore. 1824: Congress appropriates $6,500 to construct a lighthouse at Thomas Point. The land is purchased for $529.69. 1825: A 30-foot tall, conical tower is constructed by John Donahoo, and lit for the first time. …
Permanent link to this article: https://cheslights.org/timeline-thomas-point-land-lighthouse/
Smith Point Station
Smith Point, 1821-1897 Smith Point Station in Virginia served several purposes. It marked the south side of the entrance to the Potomac River on the west side of the Chesapeake Bay. Almost 100 miles up the Potomac are the busy ports of Alexandria, Virginia, and Washington D.C. In 1881, a total of 1,889 ships visited …
Permanent link to this article: https://cheslights.org/smith-point-station-2/
Lighthouse Keeper recognition ceremonies in Mathews County on October 7th, 2023
4th Mathews Grave Marker Event – 2023 On October 7, 2023 six lighthouse keepers buried in Mathews County, VA were honored with USLHS Grave Markers bringing the total honored in this “lighthouse keeper county” to 25. The day began with March winds and then April showers with gradually clearing skies giving way to sunny conditions …
Permanent link to this article: https://cheslights.org/lighthouse-keeper-recognition-ceremonies-october-2023/
Keeper Bio: Crabbe, John Phillip
Date of Service: 1871-1875 1842+/-: John Phillip Crabbe is born in Westmoreland County, Virginia. 1871-1872: John Crabbe serves as Assistant at York Spit Lighthouse, VA. His salary is $400/year. 1874-1875: John Crabbe serves as Assistant at York Spit Lighthouse, VA. 1886: John Crabbe is a farmer in Westmoreland County, VA. 1912: John Phillip Crabbe …
Permanent link to this article: https://cheslights.org/keeper-bio-john-phillip-crabbe/
Keeper Bio: Bowling, Joseph Ignatius
Date of Service: 1893 – 1911 1843: Born June 8 in Baltimore, Maryland to parents Thomas & Susana Bowling. 1869+/-: Marries his wife, Mary Elizabeth Vaughan. 1880: In the U.S. Census, Joseph I. Bowling, age 37, lives with his wife and 6 children in Baltimore, MD. His occupation is listed as a sailor. 1893–1895: …
Permanent link to this article: https://cheslights.org/keeper-bio-joseph-ignatius-bowling/
Keeper Bio: Goeshy, Beatrice Evelyn
Date of Service: 1931- 1955 1910: Beatrice Evelyn Seward is born on September 10th, to parents Howard & Alice Seward in Baltimore, MD. 1930: In the U.S. Census, Beatrice (21), lives with her sister in Baltimore, MD. Her occupation is listed as Stenographer. 1930: William M. Goeshy marries Beatrice Seward on December 28th, in …
Permanent link to this article: https://cheslights.org/keeper-bio-beatrice-evelyn-goeshy/
Keeper Bio: Goeshy, William Marion
Date of Service: 1916 – 1955 1896: Walerian Marion Gorsky (aka William Marion Goeshy) is born on April 22 in Wielke, Austria. 1909: William (Walerian) (age 16) arrives at Ellis Island with his father Piotr Gorski on October 22 on the vessel President Lincoln. 1915: William receives his “Certificate of Efficiency to Lifeboat Man” on …
Permanent link to this article: https://cheslights.org/keeper-bio-william-marion-goeshy/
Keeper Bio: Hudgins, Oliver R. “Ollie”
Date of Service: 1885 – 1903 1861: Born on October 21, in Mathews County, VA to parents Warner & Laura Hudgins. 1862: Kate Billups is born on October 22, in Mathews County, VA to parents Robert & Mary Billups. 1885: Oliver Hudgins marries Kate Billups on March 12 in Mathews County, VA. 1885-1886: Serves as …
Permanent link to this article: https://cheslights.org/keeper-bio-oliver-r-hudgins/
Keeper Bio: Edwards, Pamelia
Date of Service: 1855 – 1869 1816: Pamelia Edwards is born in Maryland. 1855: Pamelia Edwards is appointed Principal Keeper at Point Lookout Lighthouse, MD. On April 7th. Her annual salary is $350. 1869: Pamelia Edwards resigns as Principal Keeper on June 4th. Her annual salary is $520. 1893: Pamelia Edwards dies. Keeper Pamelia (Permelia) …
Permanent link to this article: https://cheslights.org/keeper-bio-pamelia-edwards-2/
Keeper Bio: Edwards, Martha Ann
Date of Service: 1853 – 1855 1853: Martha Ann Edwards is appointed Principal Keeper at Point Lookout Lighthouse, MD., after her father (who previously served as keeper) died on duty. Her annual salary is $350. 1855: Martha Edwards resigns on April 7, as Principal Keeper. Her annual salary is $350. 1855: Martha Edwards marries Thomas …
Permanent link to this article: https://cheslights.org/keeper-bio-martha-ann-edwards/
Keeper Bio: Edwards, Richard Dent
Date of Service: 1853 1810: Richard Dent Edwards marries Lydia Dyson on February 7th, in St. Mary’s County. 1853: Richard Edwards is appointed Principal Keeper at Point Lookout Lighthouse, MD. On April 20th. His salary is $350/year. 1853: Keeper Edwards dies on duty on July 14th. His daughter, Martha is appointed Keeper on July 19th. …
Permanent link to this article: https://cheslights.org/keeper-bio-richard-dent-edwards/
Keeper Bio: Bowling, Margaret
Date of Service: 1874 – 1879 1848: Born in Maryland. 1860s: Marries James T. Bowling in Maryland. 1874-1879: Margaret serves as 2nd Assistant at Seven Foot Knoll Lighthouse, MD. (Her husband James T. Bowling is Principal Keeper) Her salary is $400/year. 1892: Died November 19th at age 43 or 44 in Baltimore, Maryland. She is …
Permanent link to this article: https://cheslights.org/keeper-bio-margaret-bowling-2/
Keeper Bio: Yewell, William J.
Date of Service: 1859-1860 1859-1860: William J. Yewell is appointed the first Principal Keeper at Sandy Point Lighthouse, MD (land). His salary is $350/year. 1860: William J. Yewel dies will serving as Principal Keeper at Sandy Point Lighthouse, MD (land) Sources: Chesapeake Chapter Keeper’s Database; familysearch.org; uslhs.org;
Permanent link to this article: https://cheslights.org/keeper-bio-william-j-yewell/
Keeper Bio: Yewell, Mary
Date of Service: 1860 – 1861 1860-1861: Mary Yewell is appointed Principal Keeper at Sandy Point Lighthouse, MD. (land), after her husband’s death (William J. Yewell). Her salary is $350/year. Sources: Chesapeake Chapter Keeper’s Database; familysearch.org; uslhs.org;
Permanent link to this article: https://cheslights.org/keeper-bio-mary-yewell-2/
Keeper Bio: Whiteford, Mary Jane
Date of Service: 1867 1867: Mary Jane Whiteford is appointed First Assistant at Sandy Point Lighthouse, MD. (Land). Her salary is $200/year. Sources: Chesapeake Chapter Keeper’s Database; familysearch.org; uslhs.org;
Permanent link to this article: https://cheslights.org/keeper-bio-hellen-mary-jane-whiteford/
Keeper Bio: Whiteford, Courtney
Date of Service: 1867-1869 1867-1869: Courtney Whiteford is appointed Principal Keeper at Sandy Point Lighthouse, MD (Land). His beginning salary is $350 and ending salary is $540/year. Sources: Chesapeake Chapter Keeper’s Database; familysearch.org; uslhs.org;
Permanent link to this article: https://cheslights.org/keeper-bio-courtney-whiteford/
Keeper Bio: Waterworth, Hellen Isabella
Date of Service: 1871-1875 1844: Hellen Isabella Waterworth is born in Maryland. 1871-1875: Hellen Isabella Waterworth is appointed First Assistant at Hawkins Point Lighthouse, MD. Her salary is $400/year. Sources: Chesapeake Chapter Keeper’s Database; familysearch.org; uslhs.org;
Permanent link to this article: https://cheslights.org/keeper-bio-hellen-isabella-waterworth/
Keeper Bio: Waterworth, Kate L.
Date of Service: 1890 1841: Kate L. Waterworth is born in Germany. 1890: Kate L. Waterworth is appointed First Assistant at Hawkins Point Lighthouse, MD. Her beginning salary is $560/year and ending salary is $575/year. (Her husband James M. Waterworth serves as Principal Keeper) 1912: Kate L. Waterworth dies in Maryland. Sources: Chesapeake Chapter Keeper’s …
Permanent link to this article: https://cheslights.org/keeper-bio-kate-l-waterworth/
Keeper Bio: Waterworth, James M.
Date of Service: 1877-1890 1835: James M. Waterworth is born in Maryland to parents Samuel and Jane Waterworth. 1877-1882: James M. Waterworth serves as First Assistant at Hawkins Point Lighthouse, MD. His salary is $400/year. 1882-1890: James M. Waterworth is promoted to Principal Keeper at Hawkins Point Lighthouse, MD. His beginning salary is $540/year and …
Permanent link to this article: https://cheslights.org/keeper-bio-james-m-waterworth/
Keeper Bio: Waterworth, Samuel
Date of Service: 1869-1877 1806: Samuel Waterworth is born in Ireland. 1866-1867: Samuel Waterworth is named Superintendent of Lamplighters in the western district of Baltimore, MD. 1869-1877: Samuel Waterworth is named Principal Keeper of Hawkins Point Lighthouse, MD. His beginning salary is $600/year and ending salary is $540/year. (His son James M. Waterworth serves as …
Permanent link to this article: https://cheslights.org/keeper-bio-samuel-waterworth/
Keeper Bio: Waterworth, Thomas J.
Date of Service: 1876-1882 1837: Thomas J. Waterworth is born in Frederick County, MD. 1857: Thomas J. Waterworth enlists in the United States Navy on May 16th. 1876-1877: Thomas J. Waterworth serves as First Assistant at Hawkins Point Lighthouse, MD. His salary is $400/year. 1877-1882: Thomas J. Waterworth is promoted to Principal Keeper at Hawkins …
Permanent link to this article: https://cheslights.org/keeper-bio-thomas-j-waterworth/
Keeper Bio: Valliant, Harriet
Date of Service: 1851 – 1856 1794: Harriet Smith is born in 1794. 1812: Jeremiah Valliant marries Harriet Smith on October 27, in Dorchester, MD. 1851: Jeremiah Valliant (husband of Harriet Valliant) dies at the age of 69 while serving as Principal Keeper at Sharps Island Lighthouse, MD. He is buried at Spring Hill Cemetery, …
Permanent link to this article: https://cheslights.org/keeper-bio-harriet-valliant-2/
Keeper Bio: Valliant, Jeremiah
Date of Service: 1841-1843, 1849-1851 1782: Jeremiah Valliant is born on March 6th in Talbot County, MD. 1812: Jeremiah Valliant marries Harriet Smith on October 27, in Dorchester, MD. 1841-1843: Jeremiah Valliant is appointed Principal Keeper at Sharps Island Lighthouse, MD. His salary is $350/year. 1849-1851: Jeremiah Valliant is appointed Principal Keeper at Sharps Island …
Permanent link to this article: https://cheslights.org/keeper-bio-jeremiah-valliant/
Keeper Bio: Twiford, Lavinia
Date of Service: 1848 – 1849 1797: Lavinia Twiford is born in VA. 1848-1849: Lavinia Twiford is appointed Principal Keeper at Watts Island Lighthouse, VA. following the death of her husband, James W. Twiford. Sources: Chesapeake Chapter Keeper’s Database; familysearch.org; uslhs.org;
Permanent link to this article: https://cheslights.org/keeper-bio-lavinia-twiford-2/
Keeper Bio: Twiford, James W.
Date of Service: 1835 – 1848 1835-1841: James W. Twiford is appointed the first Principal Keeper at Watts Island Lighthouse, VA. His salary is $350/year. 1845-1848: James W. Twiford is appointed Principal Keeper at Watts Island Lighthouse, VA. where he served until his death in October. His salary was $350/year. Sources: Chesapeake Chapter Keeper’s Database; …
Permanent link to this article: https://cheslights.org/keeper-bio-james-w-twiford/
Keeper Bio: Trader, Emma Jane
Date of Service: 1870 – 1871 1817: Emma Jane Dixon is born on June 28th, in VA. to parents Tinsley & Pamelia Dixon. 1836: Samuel Trader marries Emma Jane in VA. 1860: In the U.S. Census, Samuel (46) lives with his wife Emma (41) in Madison, VA. with their 5 children. His occupation is …
Permanent link to this article: https://cheslights.org/keeper-bio-emma-jane-trader/
Keeper Bio: Trader, Samuel
Date of Service: 1870 – 1874 1813: Samuel Trader is born on August 30th in VA. 1836+/-: Samuel Trader marries Emma Jane in VA. 1860: In the U.S. Census, Samuel (46) lives with his wife Emma (41) in Madison, VA. with their 5 children. His occupation is listed as seaman. 1870: Samuel Trader serves as …
Permanent link to this article: https://cheslights.org/keeper-bio-samuel-trader/
Keeper Bio: Speake, Thomas E.
Date of Service: 1887 – 1917 1846: Thomas E. Speake is born in August to Thomas & Mary Speake in MD. 1876: Thomas Speake marries Buena Clagett in MD. 1887-1917: Thomas E. Speake is appointed Principal Keeper at Upper Cedar Point Lighthouse, MD. (His wife Buena Speake serves as First Assistant) His beginning salary is …
Permanent link to this article: https://cheslights.org/keeper-bio-thomas-e-speake/
Keeper Bio: Speake, Buena V.
Date of Service: 1895 – 1917 1847: Buena Clagett is born in December in MD. 1876: Thomas Speake marries Buena Clagett in MD. 1895-1917: Buena Speake is appointed First Assistant at Upper Cedar Point Lighthouse, MD. (Her husband Thomas E. Speake is Principal Keeper) Her beginning salary is $360/year and ending salary $480/year. 1935: …
Permanent link to this article: https://cheslights.org/keeper-bio-buena-v-speake-2/
