Author's posts
Keeper Bio: Powell, Robert Franklin
Date of Service: 1907-1921 1870: Born on December 10, in Mathews County, VA to parents Thomas & Mary Powell. 1897: Marries Maria Jane Winder on April 28 in Mathews County, VA. The couple has four children – Carl, Nellie, Audrey and Lizzie. 1907: The Mathews Journal reports that “Mr. R. F. Powell of Cricket …
Permanent link to this article: https://cheslights.org/keeper-bio-robert-franklin-powell/
Keeper Bio: Ripley, James Temple
Date of Service: 1900-1930 1873: Born on March 8 in Mathews County, VA, to parents John & Elizabeth Davis Ripley. 1900: Serves as Assistant Keeper at Cherrystone Bar Lighthouse (VA). His annual salary – $435. Oliver R. Hudgins of Mathews serves as Keeper. 1901-1905: Serves as First Assistant Keeper at Pages Rock Lighthouse (VA). His …
Permanent link to this article: https://cheslights.org/keeper-bio-james-temple-ripley/
Keeper Bio: Hurst, James Beauregard
Date of Service: 1888-1919 1862: Born July 24 in Mathews County, VA to parents John P. & Margaret E. (Thurston) Hurst. 1886: Marries Narcissus Phillips Hudgins on February 22 in Mathews County, VA. The couple raises two daughter, Pearl Lorraine and Gladys Leone, and one son, Warner Arnold. 1888-1891: Serves as First Assistant Keeper at …
Permanent link to this article: https://cheslights.org/keeper-bio-james-beauregard-hurst/
Keeper Bio: Davis, William Edward “Eddie”
Date of Service: 1909-1930 1861 Born on October 13 in Mathews County, VA to parents Larkin & Sarah Winder Davis. The couple has six children, two of whom will become lighthouse keepers. In addition to William Edward Davis, son Albert “Allie” L. Davis will serve at five Chesapeake Bay lighthouses for about 14 or more …
Permanent link to this article: https://cheslights.org/keeper-bio-william-edward-davis/
Keeper Bio: Thomas, John William
Dates of Service: 1888-1895 1846: Born on November 9, 1846, at New Point, Mathews County, VA to parents John B. & Sarah Thomas. He is orphaned in infancy and raised by his grandmother until age five and then sheltered by various relatives. 1872: Marries Emma Jane Davis. The couple has eleven children including Ruth Virginia, …
Permanent link to this article: https://cheslights.org/keeper-bio-john-william-thomas-2/
Keeper Bio: Tawes, John Hyslop
Date of Service: 1900 – 1907 1856: Born January 24 in Accomack County, VA. to parents Henry & Elizabeth Tawes. 1872: Capt. Tawes works in the coastal trading business with his brother, Capt. L. S. Tawes. He later ventures into deep sea shipping, trading to Europe, China, Australia, and other foreign lands. 1876: Captain Tawes …
Permanent link to this article: https://cheslights.org/keeper-bio-captain-john-hyslop-tawes/
Cape Charles Light Station
Cape Charles Light Station, 1888-1926 Established in 1888, The Cape Charles Light Station was located 9.3 miles and 102 degrees from the Cape Charles Lighthouse, marking the north side of the entrance to the Chesapeake Bay. Light Vessel LV-46 was the first assigned to this light station, serving there until 1891 and marked CHARLES. We …
Permanent link to this article: https://cheslights.org/cape-charles-light-station/
Lighthouse Keeper recognition ceremony for Keeper George M. Wible – May 14th, 2022
The Chesapeake Bay was home to a large number of lighthouses. Each one was maintained by a dedicated group of public servants, Lighthouse Keepers. One of these public servants, Keeper George M. Wible, was honored on Saturday May 14th in Crisfield, MD. The chapter installed the first U. S. Lighthouse Service marker of 2022 at …
Permanent link to this article: https://cheslights.org/lighthouse-keeper-recognition-ceremony-wible-may-2022/
Keeper Bio: Torres Jr., Ismael
Date of Coast Guard Service: 1955-1975 U.S. Army Assignments: Enlisted in the Puerto Rico (PR) National Guard on 11 June 1950 and recalled to Active Duty in September 1950. He was assigned to an Infantry Regiment in the Republic of Korea as a replacement for combat causalities in the all-Puerto Rician unit on 20 …
Permanent link to this article: https://cheslights.org/keeper-bio-ismael-torres/
Keeper Bio: Moody, William H.
Dates of Service: 1881-1884 1881-1882: William H. Moody serves as Principal Keeper at Jordan Point Lighthouse, VA. His salary is $540/year. 1883-1884: William H. Moody serves as Principal Keeper at Jordan Point Lighthouse, VA. His salary is $540/year. Sources: Chesapeake Chapter Keeper’s Database; uslhs.org
Permanent link to this article: https://cheslights.org/keeper-bio-william-h-moody/
Keeper Bio: Bland, Edward David
Dates of Service: 1880-1885 1848: Edward David Bland is born a slave in Dinwiddie County, VA., to parents Frederick & Nancy Yates Bland. 1860s: After the Civil War, the Bland family moves to Petersburg, VA, where Edward attended night school. 1872: Marries Nancy Jones on December 18th in Petersburg, VA. They raised 9 children. 1874: …
Permanent link to this article: https://cheslights.org/keeper-bio-edward-david-bland/
Lighthouse Keeper recognition ceremony for Keeper John A. Phillips – November 6th, 2021
It was a beautiful Saturday at the Loudon Park Cemetery in Baltimore. The family and friends of Keeper John Phillips gathered for the U. S. Lighthouse Service Grave Marker dedication ceremony to honor his service as a Lighthouse Keeper from 1869 to 1877. His grave marker was installed by a family member with an assist …
Permanent link to this article: https://cheslights.org/lighthouse-keeper-recognition-ceremony-phillips-november-2021/
Keeper Bio: Wible, George Martin
Date of Service: 1914 – 1925 1885: Born on June 12th in Accomack County, VA. 1914: Served as First Assistant at Point No Point Lighthouse, MD. His annual salary was $480. 1917: Served as First Assistant at Tangier Sound Lighthouse, VA. His annual salary was $480. 1917 – 1925: Promoted to Principal Keeper at Tangier …
Permanent link to this article: https://cheslights.org/keeper-bio-george-martin-wible/
Keeper Bio: Hudgins, George Frank
Dates of Service: 1932-1942 1900: George Frank Hudgins born on October 1st, 1900, to parents Alex B. & Cora Powell Hudgins, in Mathews County, VA. 1920: In the U.S. Census, George F. Hudgins lives in Mathews County, VA. with his parents and 2 brothers. His occupation is listed as a Sailor. 1926: George F. Hudgins …
Permanent link to this article: https://cheslights.org/keeper-bio-george-frank-hudgins/
Keeper Bio: Davis, James
Date of Service: 1830 1796: James Davis marries Mary Clarke on October 1st in St. Mary’s County, MD. 1830: James Davis serves as Principal Keeper at Point Lookout Lighthouse, MD from September 20th through December 3rd, when he died on duty. His salary was $350. Sources: Chesapeake Chapter Keeper’s Database; familysearch.org; uslhs.org
Permanent link to this article: https://cheslights.org/keeper-bio-james-davis/
Keeper Bio: Davis, Ann
Date of Service: 1830-1847 1830: James Davis (father of Ann Davis), is appointed Principal Keeper at Point Lookout Lighthouse, MD. On September 20th. 1830: James Davis dies on duty on December 3rd. 1830: Ann Davis is appointed Principal Keeper at Point Lookout Lighthouse, MD. On December 12th. Her annual salary is $350. 1831: In a …
Permanent link to this article: https://cheslights.org/keeper-bio-ann-davis-2/
Keeper Bio: Greenwood, Benjamin Franklin
Date of Service: 1866-1906 1842+/-: Benjamin Franklin Greenwood is born in Virginia. 1860: Benjamin Greenwood marries Julia Savage on November 22, in Arlington, VA. 1866: Benjamin Greenwood is appointed Principal Keeper at Jones Point Lighthouse, VA. at the age of 24. His beginning salary was $120/year, and his ending salary was $500/year. 1870: In the …
Permanent link to this article: https://cheslights.org/keeper-bio-benjamin-franklin-greenwood/
Keeper Bio: Worrell, George W.
Date of Service: 1884-1885; 1891 1821: Born in Southampton County, Virginia to parents George and Catharine Worrell. 1858: His wife, Emeline Bond, is born in North Carolina to parents Mills and Morning Bond. 1879: George W. Worrell marries Emeline Bond on November 19th in Nansemond County, VA. 1880: In the US Census, George Worrell, age …
Permanent link to this article: https://cheslights.org/keeper-bio-george-w-worrell/
Keeper Bio: White, Exum
Date of Service: 1881-1883 1829: Exum White is born a free man in Nansemond County, VA. to Meredith & Parma Small White. 1840: Adaline Reed (Reid) is born in Virginia. 1850: In the US Census, Exum White (age 20) lives on the property of James & Lucy Norfleet in Nansemond County, VA. and works as …
Permanent link to this article: https://cheslights.org/keeper-bio-exum-white/
Keeper Bio: Washington, William
Date of Service: 1873-1881 1855-1860: Born in Virginia. 1873-1881: Served as Principal Keeper at Point of Shoals Lighthouse, VA. His annual salary was $540/year. 1880: In the US Census, William Washington lives in Isle of Wight County, VA., with his wife Maggie (age 22) and Lucy Sparrow (age 20) Sources: Familysearch.org, Chesapeake Chapter Database.
Permanent link to this article: https://cheslights.org/keeper-bio-william-washington/
Keeper Bio: Tucker, Shedrach
Date of Service: 1879-1882 1836: Born in Virginia. 1879-1882: Served as Second Assistant at York Spit Shoal Lighthouse, VA. His annual salary was $400/year. Sources: Familysearch.org, Chesapeake Chapter Database.
Permanent link to this article: https://cheslights.org/keeper-bio-shedrach-tucker/
Keeper Bio: Thornton, Samuel
Date of Service: 1883-1888 Born in Virginia. 1883-1888: Served as Assistant Keeper at Thimble Shoal Lighthouse, VA. His annual salary was $540/year. Sources: Familysearch.org, Chesapeake Chapter Database.
Permanent link to this article: https://cheslights.org/keeper-bio-samuel-thornton/
Keeper Bio: Thomas, George W.
Date of Service: 1872-1883 1840: George W. Thomas is born in Virginia. 1868-1869: George W. Thomas lives in Isle of Wight County and owns a building that is rented to the Freedmen’s Bureau to be used as a school. He receives $5.00 per month in rent. 1872-1883: Served as Principal Keeper at White Shoal Lighthouse, …
Permanent link to this article: https://cheslights.org/keeper-bio-george-w-thomas/
Keeper Bio: Spady, Alfred J.
Date of Service: 1877-1881 1847-1850: Alfred James Spady is born in Northampton County, VA., to parents James & Adah Spady. 1847+/-: Mary A. West is born in Virginia. 1867: Marries Mary A. West on December 26th in Northampton County, VA. 1877-1879: Served as Assistant Keeper at Cherrystone Bar Lighthouse, VA. His annual salary was $420/year. …
Permanent link to this article: https://cheslights.org/keeper-bio-alfred-j-spady/
Keeper Bio: Pettigrew, Amy W.
Date of Service: 1882 1853: Amy Wood is born in Edenton, NC., to parents William & Malvine Wood. 1860s: Amy Wood marries Haywood Pettigrew in Edenton, NC. They go on to raise 3 girls. 1870: In the U.S. Census, Amy and Haywood Pettigrew live in Tyrell County, NC. 1882: Amy W. Pettigrew served as Acting …
Permanent link to this article: https://cheslights.org/keeper-bio-amy-w-pettigrew/
Keeper Bio: Pettigrew, Haywood B.
Date of Service: 1880-1882 1845: Haywood B. Pettigrew is born in September, in Tyrell County, NC. 1864: Haywood Pettigrew enlists in the 2nd US Colored Cavalry as a Private. 1866: Pettigrew is discharged on February 12th as a Sergeant in the US Colored Cavalry. 1860s: Haywood Pettigrew marries Amy Wood in Edenton, NC. They go …
Permanent link to this article: https://cheslights.org/keeper-bio-haywood-b-pettigrew/
Keeper Bio: Payne, James
Date of Service: 1878-1888 1878-1880: Served as Second Assistant at Thimble Shoal Lighthouse, VA. His annual salary was $400/year. 1880-1883: Served as First Assistant at Thimble Shoal Lighthouse, VA. His annual salary was $440/year. 1883-1888: Served as Principal Keeper at Thimble Shoal Lighthouse, VA. His annual salary was $660/year. Sources: Familysearch.org, Chesapeake Chapter Database.
Permanent link to this article: https://cheslights.org/keeper-bio-james-payne/
Keeper Bio: Parker, Venus
Date of Service: 1912 1862: Born in Virginia approximately 1862. 1870s: Marries William Major Parker. 1886-1912: Lived with her husband, William Major Parker, Principal Keeper at Killock Shoal Lighthouse, VA. 1912: Venus Parker’s husband, William Major Parker died on duty January 22nd at the age of 57. Venus took over his duties of Principal Keeper …
Permanent link to this article: https://cheslights.org/keeper-bio-venus-parker/
Keeper Bio: Parker, William Major
Date of Service: 1876-1912 1855: Born in in April, on the Eastern Shore of Virginia. 1870s: Marries his wife, Venus. 1876-1886: Served as Second Assistant at Assateague Lighthouse, VA. His beginning salary was $390/year and his ending salary was $400/year. 1886-1912: Served as Principal Keeper at Killock Shoal Lighthouse, VA. His beginning salary was $500/year …
Permanent link to this article: https://cheslights.org/keeper-bio-william-major-parker/
Keeper Bio: Parker, Southey
Date of Service: 1872-1886 1842: Born in Northampton County, VA. to parents Gilbert & Rachael Parker. 1872-1878: Served as Assistant Keeper at Thimble Shoal Lighthouse, VA. His salary was $440/year. 1874: Married Sarah Jane Lyons on April 20th in Hampton VA. 1878-1886: Served as Principal Keeper at Back River Lighthouse, VA. His annual salary was …
Permanent link to this article: https://cheslights.org/keeper-bio-southey-parker/
