Lighthouse Keepers to be Honored, April 13 in Mathews County

The memory of six lighthouse keepers will be kept alive in public ceremonies by members of the Chesapeake Chapter, United States Lighthouse Society and U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary. Everyone interested is invited  to the graveside ceremonies to be held on April 13. Betty Collins, Board Member of the Chesapeake Chapter and Event Coordinator of the Mathews USLHS Grave Marker Ceremonies, states “recognizing lighthouse keepers and the life saving service that they rendered promotes an awareness of lighthouses and maritime history. Through the Chapter Grave Marker Program, we share the unique stories of Chesapeake Bay area lighthouse keepers while bringing families and communities together to honor the past.”

The Keepers to be honored on April 13 in separate graveside ceremonies are:

*Frank Raymond Lewis who served at 6 lighthouses including those at Stingray Point and Great Wicomico. Keeper Lewis assisted rendering aid to the disabled yacht Red Wing.

*Nelson Stanley Atherton who served at 4 lighthouses including Smith Point where he was keeper for 21 years.

 *Levi D. Marchant who served at 3 lighthouses for a total of 38 years, spending 32 years at Stingray Point.  

*Isaac Foster who commissioned the first three- masted schooner in America, The Ferrata, built in 1827 in Mathews County. Foster went on to serve at New Point Comfort and passed away in 1854 while in service working at New Point Comfort.

*William James Diggs who served at 3 lighthouses including York Spit where he survived the 1933 hurricane by holding on to the station bell.

*Wesley Foster Ripley who served 6 lighthouses for a total of 35 years. He passed in 1916 while in service at New Point Comfort Lighthouse.

Please contact Tom Edwards  at 804 725 5022 or [email protected] to learn the schedule and locations of the ceremonies.