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 Master on LV-22 at the Wolf Trap station, VA. His salary is $750/year.
1870-1874: Samuel Trader is appointed the first Principal Keeper at the new Wolf Trap Lighthouse, VA. (His wife Emma J. Trader serves as 2nd Assistant) His beginning salary is $700/year, and his ending salary is $650/year.
1880: In the U.S. Census, Samuel Trader (66) lives with his wife Emma (63), in Mathews, VA. His occupation is listed as Farmer. He is also appointed Supervisor in Mathews by the Republican party.
1897: Captain Samuel Trader dies on August 20th in Mathews, VA. at the age of 83. He is buried in the Trader Cemetery, Mathews, VA. His obituary notes that Samuel commanded many vessels during his years, was one of the wealthiest men in Mathews, and an “enthusiastic” Baptist. He left behind 2 sons, 1 daughter, and many grandchildren.
Sources: Chesapeake Chapter Keeper’s Database; familysearch.org; uslhs.org; The Free Lance, August 24, 1897
