Author's posts
Keeper Bio: Tatham, Daniel
Date of Service: 1843-1844 1843: Daniel Tatham is appointed Principal Keeper in April at Bodkin Point Lighthouse, MD. His annual salary is $400/year. 1844: Daniel Tatham passes away in July and his wife, Rosannah Tatham, is appointed Principal Keeper at Bodkin Point Lighthouse, MD. Her annual salary is $400/year. 1849: Rosannah Tatham resigns as Principal …
Permanent link to this article: https://cheslights.org/keeper-bio-daniel-tatham/
Keeper Bio: Gray, John
Date of Service: 1822 1822: Bodkin Point Lighthouse, MD is constructed, and John Gray is appointed Principal Keeper in January. 1822: John Gray dies in August. William B. Barney of the fifth U.S. Naval District, recommends that his widow, Araminta, be appointed Principal Keeper. Stephen Pleasonton endorses his letter and then forwards it to President …
Permanent link to this article: https://cheslights.org/keeper-bio-john-gray/
Keeper Bio: Smith, Mary Caulk
Date of Service: 1868 – 1872 1841: Born on August 10th in Delaware. 1868-1872: Mary C. Smith is appointed the First Assistant at Assateague Lighthouse, VA. Her annual salary is $400/year. (Her husband Charles Smith serves as Principal Keeper) 1908: Mary Caulk Smith dies on March 7, 1894. She is buried at Wilmington Delaware and …
Permanent link to this article: https://cheslights.org/keeper-bio-mary-caulk-smith/
Keeper Bio: Smith, Charles Harwin
Date of Service: 1867-1872, 1874-1881, 1895-1908 1840: Born on September 24th in Delaware County, PA. 1860-1865: Serves as First Mate on the U.S. Transport Steamer, Diamond State. 1865: Moves to Chincoteague, VA., where he serves as the Captain of a small cutter. 1867-1872: Appointed Principal Keeper for the newly constructed Assateague Lighthouse, VA., in 1867. …
Permanent link to this article: https://cheslights.org/keeper-bio-charles-harwin-smith/
Keepers Mascot: Georgia Brown
Mascot 125 is Georgia Brown. Owner Lynne provided this info: Georgia was an abandoned single kitten, in bad shape when she arrived at the Humane Society where I volunteered. I helped nurse her back to health and when she was healthy enough, I adopted her to her forever home. Georgia is a super interactive cat! …
Permanent link to this article: https://cheslights.org/keepers-mascot-georgia-brown/
Keeper Bio: Lawson, Noah Moffett
Date of Service: 1865-1871 1827: Born on December 10 to parents Isaac & Hannah Sterling Lawson in Somerset County, Maryland. 1851: Marries Nancy Wickett Ward on November 4th in Somerset County, MD. 1844-1864: Noah Lawson is a sailor involved in commercial coastal trading from Baltimore to New York. In 1851, he was promoted to Master …
Permanent link to this article: https://cheslights.org/keeper-bio-noah-moffett-lawson/
Keeper Bio: Lawson, Nancy Wickett Ward
Date of Service: 1869 – 1871 1833: Born on April 18 to parents Noah & Patty Anne Ward in Somerset County, MD. 1851: Marries Noah Moffett Lawson on November 4th in Somerset County, MD. 1867-1871: Nancy’s husband, Noah, Serves as Keeper for the newly constructed Janes Island Lighthouse, MD., starting in October 1867. 1869: A …
Permanent link to this article: https://cheslights.org/keeper-bio-nancy-wickett-ward-lawson/
Historical Placard: Thomas Point Shoal Lighthouse (Outdoor)
The second outdoor lighthouse historical display for 2020 featured our own Thomas Point Shoal Lighthouse which was installed at the eastern peninsula of Thomas Point County Park in early September 2020. This location has possibly the best view from the shore of the iconic Thomas Point Shoal Lighthouse that received important structural repairs this year …
Permanent link to this article: https://cheslights.org/historical-placard-lighthouse-outdoor-thomas-point-shoal-lighthouse/
Keeper Bio: Stowe, Cale Ballance
Date of Service: 1913-1924 1889: Cale Ballance Stowe was born on April 12, 1889, to parents Henry B. & Jane Burrus Stowe in Hatteras, NC. 1910: In the U. S. Census, Cale’s occupation is listed as a sailor. 1912: Marries Frances Swain on May 21, 1912, in Hatteras, NC. 1913-1914: Serves as First Assistant at …
Permanent link to this article: https://cheslights.org/keeper-bio-cale-ballance-stowe/
Keeper Bio: Waters, John C.
Date of Service: 1841-1843 1841-1843: John C. Waters is appointed Principal Keeper of Turkey Point Lighthouse, MD. On August 18, 1841. His annual salary is $350. 1843: John is dismissed from duty as Principal Keeper on June 2, 1843. It is not known why he was dismissed, but John Waters wrote a letter on October …
Permanent link to this article: https://cheslights.org/keeper-bio-john-c-waters/
Keeper Bio: Costin, Thomas W.
Date of Service: 1877 – 1910 1845: Thomas W. Costin is born on November 1, in Northampton County, VA. 1877-1883: Thomas Costin is appointed the First Assistant on November 1, 1877, at Cape Charles Lighthouse, VA, with an annual salary of $440.00. 1879: Thomas marries Rosaline Hitchens on January 28, in Northampton County, VA. 1883-1896: …
Permanent link to this article: https://cheslights.org/keeper-bio-thomas-w-costin/
Keeper Bio: Costin, George W.
Date of Service: 1910 1886: George W. Costin is born on October 13 to parents Thomas W. and Ida R. Costin in Piney Point MD. 1883: George’s father, Thomas, is appointed Principal Keeper at Piney Point Lighthouse, MD. 1910: Thomas W. Costin dies on duty, on September 10th, at Piney Point Lighthouse. 1910: George …
Permanent link to this article: https://cheslights.org/keeper-bio-george-w-costin/
Keeper Bio: Taylor, William B.
Date of Service: 1846 – 1849 1802: William B. Taylor is born in St. Mary’s County, MD. 1832: William B. Taylor marries Eleanor Guyther on February 14. 1846-1849: William B. Taylor is appointed Principal Keeper at Piney Point Lighthouse, MD. His annual salary was $350. 1850: His occupation is listed as a farmer in the …
Permanent link to this article: https://cheslights.org/keeper-bio-william-b-taylor/
Keeper Bio: Wilson, Elizabeth
Date of Service: 1873 – 1877 1827+/-: Elizabeth C. Dodge is born in Maryland. 1869: Noah Wilson, age 58, Principal Keeper of Piney Point married Elizabeth Dodge, widow/farmer, age 42, on 30 October 1869 at Piney Point by Rev. Smith. 1869-1873: Noah Wilson is appointed Principal Keeper of Piney Point Lighthouse, MD. His annual salary …
Permanent link to this article: https://cheslights.org/keeper-bio-elizabeth-wilson/
Keeper Bio: Wilson, Noah
Date of Service: 1869 – 1873 1803: Noah Wilson is born in Maryland. 1869-1873: Noah Wilson is appointed Principal Keeper of Piney Point Lighthouse, MD. His annual salary is $520. 1869: Noah Wilson, age 58, Principal Keeper of Piney Point married Elizabeth Dodge, widow/farmer, age 42, on 30 October 1869 at Piney Point by Rev. …
Permanent link to this article: https://cheslights.org/keeper-bio-noah-wilson/
Keeper Bio: Lusby, Robert C.
Date of Service: 1833-1841, 1843 1785: Born on April 12 in Cecil County, Maryland, to parents William and Pamelia Lusby. 1812-1814: Serves in the War of 1812 in the 49 REGT (Veazey’s), Maryland Militia until he was released on September 10, 1814, as an LT. 1815-1817: Sheriff of Cecil County, MD. 1819: Marries Elizabeth Price …
Permanent link to this article: https://cheslights.org/keeper-bio-robert-c-lusby/
Keeper Bio: Lusby, Elizabeth
Date of Service: 1844 – 1862 1786: Born on December 14 to parents Lewis and Mary Lusby, in Cecil, MD. 1819: Marries Robert C. Lusby on December 21. 1833-1841: Robert Lusby is appointed Principal Keeper at Turkey Point Lighthouse, MD, on August 10, 1833, where he remained until August 18, 1841. 1843: Robert Lusby returns …
Permanent link to this article: https://cheslights.org/keeper-bio-elizabeth-lusby/
Keeper Bio: Heard, Henry
Date of Service: 1840 – 1844 1840: In the U.S. Census, Henry I. Heard is listed as residing in the 3rd District, Saint Marys, Maryland. There was a total of 6 Free White persons residing with him and 1 slave. Three of these individuals are employed in agriculture. 1840-1844: Henry J. Heard is listed as …
Permanent link to this article: https://cheslights.org/keeper-bio-henry-heard/
Keeper Bio: Clark, Philip
Date of Service: 1836 – 1840 1802: Birth of Philip Clark 1836-1840: Philip Clark is Principal Keeper at Piney Point Lighthouse, MD., with an annual salary of $350.00. 1850: The U.S. Census lists Philip Clarke age 48 residing in St. Mary’s County, Maryland as a farmer. He is head of household, residing with him is …
Permanent link to this article: https://cheslights.org/keeper-bio-philip-clark/
Keeper Bio: Suter, Charlotte
Date of Service: 1844 – 1846 1840: Charlotte Suter and her husband, Henry Sr., both born in Great Britain, are listed in the U.S. Census as living in St. Mary’s Co. MD. 1841: Henry Suter dies on February 7, at age 71, and is buried at St. George’s Episcopal Church, Valley Lee, MD. 1844-1846: Charlotte …
Permanent link to this article: https://cheslights.org/keeper-bio-charlotte-suter/
Keeper Bio: Phillips, John Adams
Date of Service: 1869 – 1877 1817: Born March 20 to parents Joshua and Mary Phillips in Somerset, MD. 1838: Marries his wife, Anne Jane Stayton on June 5, in Baltimore, MD. They raise 4 children – 3 boys and 2 girls. 1861: Enlists in the United States Navy on June 26 and achieves the …
Permanent link to this article: https://cheslights.org/keeper-bio-john-adams-phillips/
Keeper Bio: Tyler, Charles C.
Date of Service: 1905 – 1919 1859: Born April 13 to parents Thomas and Maria Tyler in Somerset, MD. 1880: Occupation is listed as Seaman in the U.S. Census 1900: Occupation is listed as Oysterman in the U.S. Census 1905–1906: Serves as Second Assistant at Thimble Shoal Lighthouse, VA, with an annual salary of $440. …
Permanent link to this article: https://cheslights.org/keeper-bio-charles-c-tyler/
Keeper Bio: Andersen, Captain Alexander
Date of Service: 1912 – 1937 1869: Born in Norway 1883: Signs on as a mess boy on a ship sailing to Australia, South America, and Africa. 1895: Becomes a naturalized citizen of the United States. 1896: Returns to Norway to marry Ingeborg, and then returns to the United States. 1899: His wife and child, …
Permanent link to this article: https://cheslights.org/keeper-bio-captain-alexander-andersen/
Keepers Mascot: Violet and Oscar
Mascots 120 and 121 are Violet and Oscar Pasek respectively. Owner Matthew provided this info: “Violet Pasek is a 4-year-old, black medium-haired cat, and was a birthday gift for my daughter, Cecilia. Violet is the most cat-like of cats, demanding attention only on her terms. She loves to watch mice on the iPad and gets …
Permanent link to this article: https://cheslights.org/keepers-mascot-violet-oscar/
Keeper Bio: Sterling, Henry Columbus
Date of Service: 1900 – 1937 1872: Born on August 10 to parents George B. and Nancy Clark Sterling in Lawsonia, Somerset County, MD. 1891: Marries Sally Marian Riggin on July 28. They raise 6 children. 1900: Serves as First Assistant at Solomons Lump Lighthouse, MD. His salary is $420/year. 1900-1901: Serves as First Assistant …
Permanent link to this article: https://cheslights.org/keeper-bio-henry-columbus-sterling/
Keeper Bio: Evans, Lorenzo Dow
Date of Service: 1879 – 1900 1831: Born in Maryland 1875: The first Solomons Lump Lighthouse is constructed. It was a square, screwpile on five wrought iron piles. It was painted white with a brown roof and black lantern and exhibited a fixed white light. 1879-1893: Serves as Keeper at Solomons Lump Lighthouse, MD. …
Permanent link to this article: https://cheslights.org/keeper-bio-lorenzo-dow-evans/
Keeper Bio: Shawn, Walter M.
Date of Service: 1895 – 1908 1862: Born on February 14 in Queen Anne’s County, Eastern Shore, MD. 1869-1870: Family moves to Gloucester County, VA. 1880: Works as a farmer. 1888: Works as a lumberman. Marries Virginia E. Davis on December 26. The couple raises three children, Lessie, Linwood, and Estelle. 1895-1901: Serves as …
Permanent link to this article: https://cheslights.org/keeper-bio-walter-m-shawn/
Keeper Bio: Dow, Henry Luther
Date of Service: 1919 – 1954 1884: Born on April 2 at New Point, Mathews County, VA. Keeper Dow was part of the 8th generation of Dows originally immigrating from England. 1909: Marries Hattie May Brooks on December 25. The couple raises two children, Walter Carroll, and Elizabeth Snow. 1910: Works as a sailor on …
Permanent link to this article: https://cheslights.org/keeper-bio-henry-luther-dow/
Keeper Bio: Williams, James Garnett
Date of Service: 1875 – 1919 1855: Born on April 15 in Mathews County, VA 1875: Serves as Second Assistant Keeper at Windmill Point Lighthouse (VA). Annual salary – $400. 1875-1876: Serves as First Assistant Keeper at Windmill Point Lighthouse (VA). Annual Salary – $440. 1876-1907: Serves as Keeper at Windmill Point Lighthouse (VA). …
Permanent link to this article: https://cheslights.org/keeper-bio-james-garnett-williams/
Keeper Bio: Brooks, William Thomas “Billy”
Date of Service: 1909 – 1923 1853: Born on September 3 in Mathews County, VA. 1878: Marries Lucy Jane Marchant on January 31. The couple has six children - Egbert, James, William, Thomas, Golden, and Gladys. 1900: Works as an oysterman. 1909-1911: Serves as Assistant Keeper at Cobb Point Bar Lighthouse, MD beginning November …
Permanent link to this article: https://cheslights.org/keeper-bio-william-thomas-brooks/
