Date of Service: 1853 – 1861
1802: Born sometime around 1802 in Maryland
1830s: Marries his wife, Susannah in Havre de Grace Maryland. They go on to have five children, 3 daughters, Ellenor, Sarah B. Frances E. and 2 sons, Louis and Samuel.
1850: Per census records, Thomas and his family live in Havre de Grace where his occupation is listed as a harness maker.
1853: Appointed Keeper at Concord Point Lighthouse, Havre de Grace Maryland on April 16
1861: Relived of duties as Keeper at Concord Point Lighthouse.
1870: In the 1870 census, he is listed as living with his wife and 2 children in Baltimore where he works as a harness maker.
1878: Thomas Sutor dies on August 23, at the age of 75. The funeral was held at his home and buried in Spesutia, Harford County Maryland.
Anecdote for Keeper Thomas Sutor:
In April 1887, Thomas Sutor is mentioned in “The Aegis and Intelligencer”, a conservative Unionist newspaper. His son, Louis, was the financial secretary of the Maryland Democratic Club during this time period. In the article, it claims that Thomas Sutor was fired due to his democratic views when Abraham Lincoln became President of the United States. There is no indication to dispute this claim as to why he was replaced with John O’Neill Jr. However, if you think about the political climate during that time, it is very possible that it could be the case. Thomas was replaced on April 12, 1861, scarcely a month after Abraham Lincoln was sworn into office. Thomas Sutor had been Keeper for 8 years at Concord Point, so it is unlikely that the change was due to the quality of his work. Something to ponder….
Source: Friends of Concord Point Lighthouse, Concord Point Lighthouse Keeper’s Personal Histories, Emilia Michalkiewicz (Concord Point Lighthouse)
