Author's posts
Keeper Bio: Creekmore, Mary
Date of Service: 1869-1870 1869-1870: Mary Creekmore, born in Virginia, is named the Second Assistant Keeper at Cape Henry Lighthouse, VA. Her salary is $400/year. (Her husband H. Creekmore served as Principal Keeper) Sources: Chesapeake Chapter Keeper’s Database; familysearch.org; uslhs.org
Permanent link to this article: https://cheslights.org/keeper-bio-mary-creekmore/
Keeper Bio: Richardson, Carrie
Date of Service: 1870-1872 1870-1872: Carrie Richardson, born in New Hampshire, is named the Second Assistant Keeper at Cape Henry Lighthouse, VA. Her salary is $400/year. (Her husband Henry Richardson served as Principal Keeper) Sources: Chesapeake Chapter Keeper’s Database; familysearch.org; uslhs.org
Permanent link to this article: https://cheslights.org/keeper-bio-carrie-richardson/
Keeper Bio: Mathews, Mrs. F.
Date of Service: 1866 1866: Mrs. F. Mathews, is named the First Assistant Keeper at Cherrystone Bar Lighthouse, VA., in June. She resigns 5 months later in November. Her salary was $300/year. (Her husband Samuel Mathews served as Principal Keeper) Sources: Chesapeake Chapter Keeper’s Database; familysearch.org; uslhs.org
Permanent link to this article: https://cheslights.org/keeper-bio-f-mathews/
Keeper Bio: Thomas, Sarah
Date of Service: 1857-1859 1855: George Thomas is named Principal Keeper at Cove Point Lighthouse, MD. His salary was $350/year. 1857: Keeper Thomas dies on duty at Cove Point Lighthouse, MD. 1857-1859: Sarah Thomas, wife of George, is named Principal Keeper at Cove Point Lighthouse, MD. Sources: Chesapeake Chapter Keeper’s Database; familysearch.org; uslhs.org
Permanent link to this article: https://cheslights.org/keeper-bio-sarah-thomas/
Keeper Bio: Hagelin, Mary
Date of Service: 1866-1868 1808: Mary Jennings Hagelin is born in England. 1838: John H. Hagelin is born on September 12th. 1864-1867: John H. Hagelin, son of Keeper Charles Hagelin and Mary Hagelin, is appointed the First Assistant at Cove Point Lighthouse, MD. His salary is $150/year. 1866-1868: Mary Hagelin is appointed the First Assistant …
Permanent link to this article: https://cheslights.org/keeper-bio-mary-hagelin/
Keeper Bio: Cross, Elizabeth
Date of Service: 1860-1863 1860-1863: Elizabeth Cross is named the First Assistant at Craney Island Lighthouse. Her salary is $300/year. (Her husband George Cross served as Principal Keeper) 1861: During the Civil War, the Confederates remove the lens from the lighthouse and cause major damage to the structure. Sources: Chesapeake Chapter Keeper’s Database; familysearch.org; uslhs.org; …
Permanent link to this article: https://cheslights.org/keeper-bio-elizabeth-cross/
Keeper Bio: Mister, Mrs. V.A.
Date of Service: 1865-1870 1865-1870: Mrs. V.A. Mister is named the First Assistant at Craney Island Lighthouse, VA. Her beginning salary is $300/year, and her ending salary is $400/year. (Her husband Solomon Mister served as Principal Keeper) Sources: Chesapeake Chapter Keeper’s Database; familysearch.org; uslhs.org;
Permanent link to this article: https://cheslights.org/keeper-bio-mrs-v-a-mister/
Keeper Bio: DePass, Celestine
Date of Service: 1870 1841: Celestine Butt is born in Virginia. 1870: Celestine DePass, born in Virginia, is named the First Assistant at Craney Island Lighthouse, VA., in June 1870, where she remains until August 1870. (Her husband John DePass served as Principal Keeper) 1882: Celestine DePass dies in April, at the age of 38 …
Permanent link to this article: https://cheslights.org/keeper-bio-celestine-depass/
Keeper Bio: Sturtevant, Mary J.
Date of Service: 1870-1873 1824: Mary Jane Bell is born in Portsmouth, VA. 1842: William P. Sturtevant marries Mary Jane Bell in Portsmouth, VA. On November 15th. 1870-1873: Mary J. Sturtevant is named the First Assistant at Craney Island Lighthouse. Her beginning salary is $400/year, and her ending salary is $420/year. (Her husband William P. …
Permanent link to this article: https://cheslights.org/keeper-bio-mary-sturtevant/
Keeper Bio: Murphy, Ann
Date of Service: 1873 1839: Ann Murphy is born in approximately 1839, in Ireland. 1873: Ann Murphy serves as First Assistant at Craney Island Lighthouse, Va. Her annual salary is $420. (Her husband Patrick Murphy served as Principal Keeper) 1873: Ann Murphy resigns after her husband’s death. Sources: Chesapeake Chapter Keeper’s Database; familysearch.org; uslhs.org
Permanent link to this article: https://cheslights.org/keeper-bio-ann-murphy/
Keeper Bio: Richards, Phoebe D.
Date of Service: 1873-1879 1827: Phoebe Dwight is born in Pennsylvania. 1873-1879: Phoebe D. Richards serves as First Assistant at Craney Island Lighthouse, VA. Her annual salary is $420. (Her husband Elisha Richards, served as Principal Keeper) 1910: Phoebe D. Richards dies. Sources: Chesapeake Chapter Keeper’s Database; familysearch.org; uslhs.org, The Norfolk Virginian, July 22, 1879
Permanent link to this article: https://cheslights.org/keeper-bio-phoebe-richards/
Keeper Bio: Hagelin, John H.
Date of Service: 1864-1867 1838: John H. Hagelin is born on September 12th to parents Charles M. & Mary Hagelin. 1862-1868: Charles M. Hagelin, John’s father, is named Principal Keeper at Cove Point Lighthouse, MD. 1864-1867: John H. Hagelin, son of Keeper Charles Hagelin, is appointed First Assistant at Cove Point Lighthouse, MD. His salary …
Permanent link to this article: https://cheslights.org/keeper-bio-john-hagelin/
Keeper Bio: Richards, Elisha
Date of Service: 1873-1879 1822: Elisha Richards is born in New Jersey. 1870: Elisha’s occupation is listed as a retired sawyer. 1873-1879: Elisha Richards serves as Principal Keeper at Craney Island Lighthouse, VA. His annual salary is $540. (His wife, Phoebe D. Richards, served as his assistant) 1879: Elisha Richards dies on duty as Principal …
Permanent link to this article: https://cheslights.org/keeper-bio-elisha-richards-2/
Keeper Bio: Murphy, Patrick
Date of Service: 1865-1873 1830: Patrick Murphy is born in approximately1830, in Ireland. 1865-1870: Patrick Murphy was a crew member on LV-22, stationed at Wolftrap Station, in the Chesapeake Bay. His annual salary is $750/year. 1872: Patrick Murphy is appointed Principal Keeper at Point of Shoals Lighthouse, VA. His annual salary is $600. 1873: Patrick …
Permanent link to this article: https://cheslights.org/keeper-bio-patrick-murphy/
Keeper Bio: Raabe, William
Date of Service: 1890-1925 1855: Born June 27th in Germany. 1869: Immigrates to the United States from Germany. 1880: Occupation is listed as a Sailor living in Baltimore with his wife, Annie, in the U.S. Census. 1890–1891: Serves as First Assistant at Seven Foot Knoll Lighthouse, MD. His salary is $420/year. 1891: Serves as First …
Permanent link to this article: https://cheslights.org/keeper-bio-william-raabe/
Keeper Bio: Talbott, Joseph Francis
Date of Service: 1883-1922 1857: Born December 10th to in Anne Arundel County, MD. 1876-1879: Serves as an apprentice as a Brass Finisher in Baltimore, MD., at J.H. Register & Sons. 1879-1883: Works as a Fireman with the United States Lighthouse Service. 1883: Serves as Assistant Keeper at Currituck Beach Lighthouse, Corolla, NC., from February …
Permanent link to this article: https://cheslights.org/keeper-bio-joseph-francis-talbott/
Keeper Bio: Wingate, Henry Clay
Date of Service: 1902 – 1927 1862: Born May 19 to parents Thomas and Mary Wingate in Dorchester County, MD. 1880: Occupation is listed as Sailor in the U.S. Census 1889: Henry is discharged from the Army on November 16 (Spanish American War) 1890: Marries Nettie J. Dodge. 1900: Occupation is listed as day …
Permanent link to this article: https://cheslights.org/keeper-bio-henry-clay-wingate/
Lighthouse Keeper recognition ceremony for Keeper George Leikam – August 20th, 2020
In August a Coast Guard civilian Lighthouse Keeper marker was installed at Keeper George Leikam’s grave. Keeper Leikam was the last Lighthouse Keeper at Hoopers Straight Lighthouse. His photo was featured on the 2013 Maryland Lighthouse Challenge $9 Buck for Hooper Straight. The marker was installed at the request of his family living in Fort …
Permanent link to this article: https://cheslights.org/lighthouse-keeper-recognition-ceremony-leikam-august-2020/
Keeper Bio: Sturtevant, William P.
Date of Service: 1870-1873 1820: William P. Sturtevant is born in Edenton, NC. 1842: William P. Sturtevant marries Mary Jane Bell in Portsmouth, VA. On November 15th. 1860: In the U.S. Census, William P. Sturtevant’s occupation is a painter. 1870-1873: William P. Sturtevant, Sr., is named Principal Keeper at Craney Island Lighthouse, VA. His beginning …
Permanent link to this article: https://cheslights.org/keeper-bio-william-sturtevant/
Keeper Bio: DePass, John Jacob
Date of Service: 1870 1826: John Jacob DePass (half Spanish/Portuguese and half Negro) is born in London, England, to parents Abraham & Sarah DePass. 1860: The U.S. Census shows John and his family living in New Orleans, LA. 1861: John DePass enlists in Company E of the 1st Infantry Regiment Louisiana National Guard. DePass was …
Permanent link to this article: https://cheslights.org/keeper-bio-john-jacob-depass/
Keeper Bio: Mister, Solomon T.
Date of Service: 1865-1870 1865-1870: Solomon T. Mister is named Principal Keeper at Craney Island Lighthouse, VA. His beginning salary is $450/year, and his ending salary is $600/year. (His wife V.A. Mister served as First Assistant) Sources: Chesapeake Chapter Keeper’s Database; familysearch.org; uslhs.org;
Permanent link to this article: https://cheslights.org/keeper-bio-solomon-mister/
Keeper Bio: Cross, George
Date of Service: 1853-1863 1853-1856: George Cross is named Principal Keeper at Back River Lighthouse, VA. His salary is $400/year. 1859-1863: George Cross is named the first Principal Keeper at Craney Island Lighthouse, VA. His salary is $450/year. (His wife Elizabeth Cross served as First Assistant) 1861: During the Civil War, the Confederates remove the …
Permanent link to this article: https://cheslights.org/keeper-bio-george-cross/
Keeper Bio: Hagelin, Charles M.
Date of Service: 1862-1868 1812: Charles M. Hagelin is born in Sweden. 1838: John H. Hagelin is born on September 12th. 1862-1868: Charles M. Hagelin is named Principal Keeper at Cove Point Lighthouse, MD. His beginning salary was $350/year. (His wife Mary Hagelin served as First Assistant) 1864-1867: John H. Hagelin, son of Keeper Charles …
Permanent link to this article: https://cheslights.org/keeper-bio-charles-hagelin/
Keeper Bio: Thomas, George
Date of Service: 1855-1859 1855: George Thomas is named Principal Keeper at Cove Point Lighthouse, MD. His salary was $350/year. 1857: Keeper Thomas dies on duty at Cove Point Lighthouse, MD. 1857-1859: Sarah Thomas, wife of George, is named Principal Keeper at Cove Point Lighthouse, MD. Sources: Chesapeake Chapter Keeper’s Database; familysearch.org; uslhs.org
Permanent link to this article: https://cheslights.org/keeper-bio-george-thomas/
Keeper Bio: Mathews, Samuel
Date of Service: 1866 1866: Samuel Mathews is named Principal Keeper at Cherrystone Bar Lighthouse, VA., in March. He resigns 8 months later in November. His salary was $400/year. (His wife Mrs. F. Mathews served as First Assistant) Sources: Chesapeake Chapter Keeper’s Database; familysearch.org; uslhs.org
Permanent link to this article: https://cheslights.org/keeper-bio-samuel-mathews/
Keeper Bio: Richardson, Henry
Date of Service: 1870-1873 1870-1873: Henry Richardson, born in England, is named Principal Keeper at Cape Henry Lighthouse, VA. His salary is $760/year. (His wife Carrie Richardson served as Second Assistant) Sources: Chesapeake Chapter Keeper’s Database; familysearch.org; uslhs.org
Permanent link to this article: https://cheslights.org/keeper-bio-henry-richardson/
Keeper Bio: Creekmore, H.
Date of Service: 1869-1870 1869-1870: H. Creekmore, born in Virginia, is named Principal Keeper at Cape Henry Lighthouse, VA. His salary is $760/year. (His wife Mary Creekmore served as Second Assistant) Sources: Chesapeake Chapter Keeper’s Database; familysearch.org; uslhs.org
Permanent link to this article: https://cheslights.org/keeper-bio-h-creekmore/
Keeper Bio: Harding, William
Date of Service: 1864-1869 1828: William Harding is born in approximately 1828, in Maryland. 1864-1869: William Harding is named Principal Keeper at Cape Henry Lighthouse, VA. His beginning salary is $550/year. His ending salary is $760/year. (His wife Julia A. Harding served as First Assistant) 1870: In the 1870 U.S. Census, William Harding’s occupation is …
Permanent link to this article: https://cheslights.org/keeper-bio-william-harding/
Keeper Bio: Potts, Jean G.
Date of Service: 1864-1872 1864: Jean G. Potts, from Germany, is appointed Principal Keeper at Cape Charles Lighthouse, VA. His beginning salary is $500/year. (His wife Nancy B. Potts served as First Assistant) 1868: Keeper Jean G. Potts is killed in a disagreement by a man he meets walking on the railroad tracks near the …
Permanent link to this article: https://cheslights.org/keeper-bio-jean-potts/
Keeper Bio: Elmore, William M.
Date of Service: 1869-1877 1833: William M. Elmore is born in Northumberland County, VA. 1863: William M. Elmore marries Augusta P. Ashburn in Virginia. 1869-1877: William M. Elmore is named Principal Keeper at Bowlers Rock Lighthouse, VA. His beginning salary is $600/year. His ending salary is $540/year. (His wife Augusta P. Elmore served as Assistant …
Permanent link to this article: https://cheslights.org/keeper-bio-william-elmore/
