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 …
Category: Heritage-Maryland
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. …
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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: …
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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 …
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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 …
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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) …
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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 …
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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. …
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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 …
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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 …
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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 …
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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 …
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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 …
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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, …
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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 …
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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 …
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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: …
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Keeper Bio: Smoot, Mary E
Date of Service: 1875 – 1882 1837: Mary Brawner is born in 1837 in MD. 1858+/-: Richard M. Smoot marries Mary Brawner in MD. 1875-1876: Mary E. Smoot is appointed First Assistant at Upper Cedar Point Lighthouse, MD. Her salary is $400/year. (Her husband Richard M. Smoot serves as Principal Keeper). 1876-1882: Mary E. …
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Keeper Bio: Smoot, Richard M
Date of Service: 1872 – 1886 1833: Richard M. Smoot is born to parents William & Violetta in MD. 1858+/-: Richard M. Smoot marries Mary Brawner in MD. 1872-1876: Richard Smoot is appointed Principal Keeper at Upper Cedar Point Lighthouse, MD. His salary is $550/year. (His wife Mary Smoot serves as First Assistant). 1876-1886: Richard …
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Keeper Bio: Richards, Elisha
Date of Service: 1873 – 1879 1822: Elisha Richards is born in New Jersey. 1873-1879: Elisha Richards is appointed Principal Keeper at Craney Island Lighthouse, VA. (His wife Phoebe D. Richards is First Assistant). His salary is $540/year. 1879-1879: Phoebe D. Richards is appointed First Assistant at Craney Island Lighthouse, VA. (Her husband Elisha Richards …
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Keeper Bio: Peterson, Sarah E.
Date of Service: 1915 1915: John Peterson dies on duty at Hawkins Point Lighthouse on February 17th at age 75. 1915: John Peterson’s wife, Sarah E. Peterson is appointed Principal Keeper at Hawkins Point Lighthouse, MD., following the death of her husband. She served at this position for approximately 30 days. Sources: Chesapeake …
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Keeper Bio: Peterson, John
Date of Service: 1879 – 1915 1846: John Peterson is born in Germany. 1879-1881: John Peterson is appointed First Assistant at Seven Foot Knoll Lighthouse, MD. His salary is $420/year. 1881-1886: John Peterson is appointed Principal Keeper at Seven Foot Knoll Lighthouse, MD. His salary is $540/year. 1886-1892: John Peterson is appointed the first Principal …
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Keeper Bio: Parkinson, Abram
Date of Service: 1877 – 1880 1853: Abram Parkinson is born in Maryland to parents Abraham and Henrietta Parkinson. 1860: In the U.S. Census, Abram (7), lives with his parents Abraham and Henrietta Parkinson, as well as his sister, Mary Josehine (9). 1870: In the U.S. Census, Abram (16), lives with his father …
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Keeper Bio: Parkinson, Mary Josephine
Date of Service: 1874-1877 1851: Mary Josephine Parkinson is born in Maryland to parents Abraham and Henrietta Parkinson. 1860: In the U.S. Census, Mary (9), lives with her parents Abraham and Henrietta Parkinson, as well as her brother, Abram (7). 1870: In the U.S. Census, Mary (18), lives with her father Abraham, and brother, Abram …
Permanent link to this article: https://cheslights.org/keeper-bio-mary-josephine-parkinson/
Keeper Bio: Parkinson, Abraham
Date of Service: 1869 – 1879 1815: Abraham Parkinson is born in Maryland. 1845: Abraham Parkinson marries Henrietta Marie Hood on March 20th, in MD. 1860: In the U.S. Census, Abraham lives in Annapolis with his wife Henrietta, son Abram, and daughter Mary Josephine. His occupation is shoemaker. 1863: Abraham’s wife, Henrietta Parker …
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