For the final Saturday of each month, a different and unique feature will be published. Today’s narrative takes a look at the accomplishments of American lighthouse keeper, Ida Lewis. Saturday’s regular feature, “Trivia’s Facts and More,” will return next week.
A select few face overwhelming challenges in life. Encouraged by a heart filled with perseverance, these trailblazers adopt an attitude where “Can” outplays “Can’t.”
Renowned American lighthouse keeper, Ida Lewis, is recognized as one of the nation’s true heroes. Her dedication to her service as well as rescuing many forlorn boaters in the waters around Newport, Rhode Island, is well-documented.
Idawalley Zorada Lewis begins her life journey on February 25, 1842. Born to parents, Hosea and Zoradia, she becomes a vital, working member of the family by the age of 12.
Her father is appointed as the lighthouse keeper in 1854 at the Lime Rock Light Station. The tiny postage-stamp sized island of Lime Rock is inaccessible by land. In the first few months of Hosea Lewis’ tenure as the keeper, he suffers a stroke. Unable to complete his duties, his wife Zoradia takes over his responsibilities.
Because her mother must also care for her husband’s needs, Ida is called upon to assist with the tending and caring of the lighthouse. Eventually, she will inherit the official position as the lighthouse keeper. These daily duties include:
- Climb the tower and fill the lamp with oil at dusk and at midnight.
- Trim the wick and polish carbon off the reflectors.
- At dawn, put out the light.
Ida becomes an accomplished swimmer and rower. Each day, she pilots the family’s wooden skiff across the harbor in taking her siblings to school. She also brings back provisions from town.
left to right: lime rock light station at newport, rhode island; early portrait of lewis. (courtesy of pinterest)
In the fall of 1958 at age 16, Ida completes her first rescue. Four young men are clinging to their capsized sailboat, and she rows out to bring them safely back to land.
One of Ida’s best known rescues happens on March 29, 1869. A vicious snowstorm covers the Newport harbor, and two soldiers are rowing toward Fort Adams. A 14-year old boy is acting as their guide. The surging waters become too much, and the boat capsizes. The boy disappears in the stormy seas while the two men cling to their sinking boat. Ida and her younger brother row out to the scene and rescue the two men.
Ida’s exploits are reported in newspapers, and one even hails her as the “bravest woman in America.” She meets many famous people, including President Ulysses S. Grant.
In July, 1881, Ida receives the Gold Lifesaving Medal from the U.S. Coast Guard for her heroism in this rescue. Her likeness appears on the cover of Harper’s Weekly, and her photograph is reproduced on postcards.
The Secretary of the U.S. Lighthouse Board, William Windom, offers gratitude and praise for Ida’s courage. Here are some of his words:
“. . . it is peculiarly appropriate that you should receive the national life-saving medal in commemoration of your brave acts as a life-saver, while it is an occasion for added satisfaction that such a memorial of unquestionable heroism should have been won by a woman.”
During her many years of service, Ida is credited with 18 official rescues (and numerous unofficial ones). She completes her last rescue when she is in her mid-60s. On October 24, 1911, Ida dies from a stroke.
In her final years of service, Ida earns an annual salary of $750, which is the highest paid to any lighthouse keeper in the United States. No doubt, her many acts of heroism earn her this high level of compensation.
left to right: painting depicting one of lewis’ rescues, later portrait of lewis, and an image contrasting lewis the woman with the oar of a rescuer. (courtesy of pinterest)
In 1924, the U.S. Coast Guard renames the Lime Rock Light Station. It becomes the Ida Lewis Lighthouse, and it is the only American lighthouse ever named after a keeper.
Ida Lewis becomes a strong role model for future generations of American girls. Her own words proclaim her sustaining faith: “God always gives me the strength to help others in need.”
Previous editions of other narratives of “Overcoming Life’s Insurmountable” can be found from the links below.
Glenn Cunningham, American athlete
Wilma Rudolph, American athlete
Big Sky Buckeye 