Have you ever thought about how AI might have played a role in your family history researchโperhaps without you even noticing? It’s possible that artificial intelligence (AI) has been quietly aiding your family history research all along! It’s fascinating to consider!
AI is revolutionizing the field of genealogy, and you might be surprised by how often you’ve encountered it. For instance, popular platforms like Ancestry.com leverage AI to recommend relevant records (those leafy “hints.”) and unearth potential matches in other family trees. Platforms like 23andMe, AncestryDNA, and MyHeritage use AI to identify potential relatives based on shared DNA.
MyHeritage even offers AI Biographerโข, a tool that generates Wikipedia-style biographies of your ancestors using historical records and information from your family tree.
But AI’s contributions extend far beyond these well-known examples. Even if you’re a beginner in genealogy research, several AI tools can become your research companions:
Versatility Personified: ChatGPT โ This multifaceted AI tackles general genealogy questions and assists you in crafting effective research strategies.
Your Genealogical Gemini: Google’s Gemini โ Similar to ChatGPT, Gemini offers a helping hand with your genealogical inquiries.
The Genealogical Detective, Assistant, and Librarian: Perplexity โ Don’t let the name intimidate you! Perplexity is another AI platform that can be your one-stop shop for family history research queries.
These AI tools act as virtual research assistants, prompting you with questions and guiding you through various aspects of genealogy. Additionally, there are AI tools designed specifically for genealogy research:
Open GeneaGPT: Your AI Research Assistant โ Open GeneaGPT is a tailor-made AI assistant for family history researchers and genealogists.
Genealogy Eyes: Unveiling the Stories Hidden in Your Heirlooms โ Genealogy Eyes helps you analyze images of documents, headstones, and other genealogical artifacts.
Tips to Kickstart Your AI-Powered Genealogy Journey
Embrace the Power of Questions: Begin by using AI platforms to ask basic questions about genealogical research methods.
AI-Driven Brainstorming: Let AI help you generate new ideas for uncovering information about your ancestors.
Demystifying Genealogy with AI: Don’t hesitate to ask AI to explain unfamiliar genealogical terms or concepts.
AI as Your Historical Interpreter: Utilize AI to gain insights into historical documents or understand the context of the time periods you’re researching.
While AI is a powerful tool, it’s crucial to remember that it should complement, not replace, traditional research methods. Always verify the information gleaned from AI with primary sources to ensure the accuracy of your family history.
I hope this revamped blog post, infused with the power of AI, empowers you to delve deeper into your family’s rich tapestry!
36 days. Thatโs all it took for me to dive headfirst into someone elseโs family treeโand spark a passion that would change my life.
It all began one October evening, when a friend shared stories from her trip to the Carolina Renaissance Festival in North Carolina. Among her souvenirs was a family crest bearing her maiden name. Knowing my love for genealogy, she asked the question that sparked it all: โIs this real?โ She hoped to gift something meaningful to her dad for Christmas, and her curiosity opened the door for me to explore her roots.
I offered to research her familyโfor free. As part of my five-year plan to start a genealogy business, I needed experience digging into someone elseโs lineage. She agreed, and the adventure began. That was in 2018.
A Journey Through Time
My friendโs knowledge of her family tree extended to her great-grandparents, along with a few stories passed down through the generations. But as I started piecing together the puzzle, her familyโs history unfolded like a novel.
On her fatherโs paternal line, I quickly found myself tracing branches to France. Her 3rd great-grandfather arrived in New Orleans before 1843, where he married. His father, her 4th great-grandfather, was born in Languemburg, de la Meurthe, France, and tragically died in a train accident.
Her other 4th great-grandfatherโs story read like an epic escape. A wealthy planter in Saint-Domingue (now Haiti), he fled to Louisiana during the Haitian Revolution, aided by faithful slaves who ensured his familyโs safety. The French government compensated him for his losses until his death.
On her fatherโs maternal side, the trail led to France and Germany. Though I could trace her great-grandmotherโs line extensively, her paternal line only reached as far as Germany.
Then came the jackpot: her grandmotherโs maternal line.
Swedish Roots and Scottish Legacies
Her 3rd great-grandfather Green, born in Mississippi, was the son of Lundgren, a Swedish immigrant who arrived in America in 1836. This line stretched back ten generations in Sweden, rooted in the region of Gotland.
Greenโs mother was a Cameron, whose paternal line reached back to her 7th great-grandfather in Scotland. This branch also uncovered Civil War service, land ownership in Mississippi, and connections to the Stanford family, who helped colonize Maryland.
A Stanford ancestor patented a plantation in 1695, fought in the Revolutionary War, and endured six months aboard the infamous British prison ship Jersey. His son continued the familyโs legacy, serving in the War of 1812 and settling in Georgia.
A Gift to Remember
As Christmas approached, I compiled my research onto a flash drive and handed it over to my friend. It felt like giving away a piece of myselfโbut I couldnโt help but sneak peeks at her tree now and then to uncover even more.
So, was the crest she bought at the Renaissance Festival truly hers? A crest with her family name exists, but whether it ties directly to her lineage remains a mystery. Perhaps her new โfamily historianโ will be the one to find out.
Closing Thoughts
This project wasnโt just about tracing names and dates; it was about discovering stories that connect us to the past. It was the spark that led me to start my family history business, Loganalogy, and share the joy of uncovering ancestorsโ stories with others.
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Minnie Baylor Cofer’s roots trace back to her parents, Robert Emmett Cofer and Martha Ann Davisโmy third great-grandparents. While much of their story comes from scattered records and family notes, they were both born in Virginia and married at 23 in Norfolk.
Martha Ann Davis: A Life of Privilege and Transition
Martha was the third of eleven children, coming of age during the tumultuous Civil War era. By 1863, President Lincoln had issued the Emancipation Proclamation, and battles like Chancellorsville raged nearby. Marthaโs granddaughter, Elizabeth Cofer Reed, recalled stories of her grandmother’s privileged upbringing: a private finishing school education, her own carriage with two horses, and never dressing herself until adulthood. Despite this sheltered life, Martha later worked as a professional nurse, as listed in the 1900 census at age 59โquite an accomplishment for a woman of her time.
Martha lived until 78, passing away from heart disease, and was laid to rest beside her husband in Cedar Grove Cemetery, Norfolk City, Virginia.
In my estimate, this is about 1918.The MyHeritage tool estimated this picture to be take circa 1920.
Robert Emmett Cofer: A Skilled Tradesman
Robert was one of ten children, later gaining four half-siblings after his father remarried. Growing up in Surry County, Virginia, Robert learned the craft of carriage making as a teenager, later becoming a wheelwrightโa trade that was invaluable to the Confederate Army.1 After 43 years of marriage, Robert succumbed to dysentery at 67.
The Cofer Familyโs Antebellum Roots
Robert’s father, Isaac Cofer, owned a plantation in Surry County with a fluctuating number of enslaved individuals, peaking at fifteen by 1860. Following the Civil War, Isaac filed a claim for the loss of his enslaved worker, John, highlighting the entanglement of family history with America’s dark past.
Isaacโs wealth diminished significantly by 1870, and he passed away a few years later. His second marriage to Sarah Jones (possibly related to his first wife, Mary C. Jones) adds another layer to the family tree puzzle.
Isaacโs father, Reverend Joseph Cofer, was a Baptist minister and a patriarch of thirteen children. His first wife, Jerusha Lancaster, died young, leaving behind ten children, while his second wife, Martha Wrenn, added three more. Josephโs plantation was substantial, with 25 enslaved individuals and connections to significant events like the crafting of samplers commemorating family deaths.
Innovations and Legacy
Isaacโs half-brother, Thomas Wrenn Cofer, stands out for his inventive spirit. During the Civil War, Thomas patented the Cofer revolver, a weapon used by the Confederate Army. 2Today, these rare firearms fetch thousands of dollars and are a testament to the familyโs historical imprint.
Tracing Back to England
The Cofer line extends to John Coker, who arrived in America in 1635 aboard the Plain Joan.3 He earned his land through the headright system and eventually settled in Surry County, Virginia.4 Records tie the family to influential figures, including Richard Bennett Jr., and suggest English origins in Dorsetshire.
The video below shows an old grist mill owned by the Wrenn family, which stood on Route 677, north of Smithfield. The video is made from scans of a roll of medium format film taken in the late 1960s with a Yashica Model “D” camera. The mill was demolished in 1989 after a pickup went off the road and crashed into it.5
The below article was something I found in my research while writing this blog. A person from my Isle of Wight Facebook page owns the book and supplied the missing page 90 in order for me to complete my notes.
The book title is In the Neatest Manner: The Making of the Virginia Sampler Tradition By Kimberly Smith Ivey
Southampton, Surry, and Isle of Wight Counties Unity A. Delk and Elizabeth M. Cofer worked almost identical samplers to honor the deaths of their respective parents, Wiley Jones Delk and Jerusha Lancaster Cofer (figs. 123 and 124). An earlier sampler, worked by Unityโs older sister, Martha, is not shown here; it commemorates their father’s death. In 1824, four years after the death of Wiley Delk, his widow, Martha Wren Delk, of Southampton County, married Joseph Cofer, a Baptist minister from the Isle of Wight and Surry Counties. One year earlier,Josephโs first wife,
Figure 123 โ Sampler by Unity A. Delk, dated Sept. 5, 1834; attributed to Isle of Wight County, Virginia. Figure 124 โ Sampler by Elisabeth M. Cofer, age sixteen, dated 1834, attributed to Isle of Wight County, Virginia.
I found this information on the Colonial Williamsburg website about aย sampler created by Elizabeth M. Coferย that includes the exact date of Jerusha’s death.6 It would be wonderful to have this, and I am thrilled to have found it! The sampler was passed down in the family to Mary Wrenn Cofer Ballard and was donated to Colonial Williamsburg by her husband, Mr. L. W. Ballard.
A Living History
The Cofer legacy is a tapestry of privilege, hardship, and resilience. From Marthaโs cherished stories to the craftsmanship of Robert and Thomas, every thread connects to the broader narrative of Virginiaโs history. Artifacts like Elizabeth M. Coferโs 1834 samplerโnow at Colonial Williamsburgโoffer tangible links to these ancestors, reminding us of the enduring impact of their lives.
Filby, P. William, Meyer, Mary K.,ย Passenger and immigration lists index: a guide to published arrival records of about 500,000 passengers who came to the United States and Canada in the seventeenth, eighteenth, and nineteenth centuries. 1982-1985 Cumulated Supplements in Four Volumesย Detroit, Mich.: Gale Research Co., 1985, Print (ISBN 0-8103-1795-8) โฉ๏ธ
Every family has its matriarchsโwomen whose lives may feel like distant whispers of the past but whose legacies are woven into the fabric of who we are today. Even though I did not know her, it feels like one of those women is Miriam Baylor Cofer, or “Minnie,” as she was lovingly called. Minnie was my great-great-grandmother, the mother of Ruby Chapman Wescott, my great-grandmother. While her life ended far too soon, it was filled with resilience, music, and familyโa story that spans generations and paints a vivid picture of life in Virginia during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
A Childhood Full of Family and Loss
Born in 1867, Minnie grew up in a bustling household. She was the second of eight children in the Cofer family, though tragedy struck early when her older brother passed away at the tender age of seven. Despite this loss, the Cofer family thrived in Virginia, becoming one of the most prolific families in the region.
When Minnie was just three years old, she lived at homein Norfolk, Virginia. Imagine this: a home filled to the brim with sixteen peopleโher parents, four siblings, grandmother, and six aunts and uncles. The house, valued at $5,400 at the time (the equivalent of nearly $95,000 today), must have been lively and chaotic, filled with the sounds of family life. By the time Minnie turned 11, the Cofer family had moved out of the Davis home and into 61 Queen Street in Norfolk (now Portsmouth) where Minnie grew up alongside her four surviving siblings. That address no longer exists, but I believe it was near where the Court Street Baptist Church is now. (See map below.)
Love, Marriage, and Music
Three days before for twentieth birthday, Minnie married Isaac Burns Chapman in 1887, beginning a new chapter in her life. Together, they had seven children, including my great-grandmother Ruby. Their home was filled with the warmth of music and family. Ruby fondly recalled that both her parents had beautiful alto voices. Isaac, a talented string player in a band during his youth, would accompany Minnie, who played the organ at Court Street Baptist Church in Portsmouth. Singing became part of their familyโs nightly traditionโa legacy of harmony passed down through the generations.
A Life Cut Short
Minnieโs life, though vibrant, was tragically brief. She passed away in 1916 at the age of 49 from cancer of the uterus. She is buried at Cedar Grove Cemetery in Norfolk, Virginia, a place where so many family stories converge.
Remembering Minnie: A Look Through Photos
The photos we have of Minnie give us a glimpse into her personality and presence. One, dated around 1887, shows Minnie at about 19 years old (though, to me, she appears older than that). In another photo, taken in 1916โthe year of her deathโMinnie is seen in a black dress standing beside a woman identified as “Mrs. Halyburton,” another prominent Virginia name. I often noticed that name in many of Ruby’s photos. I believe Mrs. Halyburton became a mother figure in Ruby’s life, as she appears in many pictures even after Ruby was married.
These photos offer more than just a visual record; theyโre windows into her world, one that was rooted in Virginia’s history and her familyโs enduring bonds.
The Legacy of the Cofer Family
Minnieโs story reminds us of the power of family, music, and resilience. From her crowded childhood home in Norfolk to her years as a wife, mother, and organist, she left behind a legacy of love and creativity. The Cofer name, deeply rooted in Virginia, represents a lineage of strength that continues to echo in the lives of her descendants.
Walking in Minnieโs footstepsโthrough stories, addresses, and photographsโgives me a sense of connection to the past. Her life, though distant in time, feels alive in the values and traditions she passed down. Whether it’s through the music of her home, the bonds of her family, or the resilience she demonstrated, Minnie remains an inspiring figure in my family tree.
ย The three pictures below are the same. See the description for each.
Based on the dress style, high collar, and the sepia photograph’s format, this picture likely dates between 1880 and 1895. The visible brooch or floral embellishment, along with earrings, adds a personal, decorative touch, indicating she was dressed for a special occasion. The chain or ribbon with a small crucifix may have symbolic significance or simply reflect the style of the period. (analysis of photo by ChatGPT.) Since this was taken about 1887, I think it was a professional photograph taken before she was married in July of 1887 at the age of 19.
Miriam Baylor Cofer -circa 1887 (the year she was married) according to the back of the photo. Original scanned photo.
Same photo with enhancement made by MyHeritage Photo Restorer- 24 Nov 2024.
Same photo with Enhanced Color Restored feature by MyHeritage- 24 Nov 2024
Court Street Baptist Church abt. 1762- Courtesy of the Portsmouth Public Library
1908
Norfolk & Portsmouth, Virginia 1873-Drie, C. N. Norfolk & Portsmouth, Virginia. [N.P, 1873] Map. Retrieved from the Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/item/75696645/. In the 1880 census they lived on Queen, the next street the census taker visited was Bute.
Minnie is the woman in the dark black dress in both photos below. The photos say about 1916, which is the year she died. The other woman is “Mrs. Halyburton,” another big name in Virginia. Unfortunately, the photos do not say where these were taken. They lived in Bond Avenue and Granville Avenue, the Brambleton area of Virginia today. From what I can find through Google, they lived where the railroad tracks are now in the area.
Final Thoughts
As I look back on the life of Minnie Baylor Cofer, I feel a profound sense of gratitude for the stories that have been preserved and the family ties that continue to connect us. Her life may have ended over a century ago, but her legacy still sings in the voices of her descendants. To me, she will always be more than a name in a family treeโsheโs a symbol of strength and love.
While the majority of the writing is my own, I used ChatGPT to help with some minor rewrites and edits.
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Is That Year Correct? The 1600s? You Betcha! Meet My 10th Great-Grandfather Have you ever wondered what life was like for our ancestors in the 1600s? My 10th great-grandfather, William Hickokโwhose last name can be found spelled as Hicox, Hikox, Hickox, Heacock, or even Hickcockโarrived in America in 1635 aboard the ship Plain Joan1. At about 36 years old, he stepped onto Virginia soil, ready to start a new chapter in his life.2
The Pioneer of Farmington, Connecticut Not long after arriving, William became one of the original settlers of Farmington, Connecticut. This small settlement, primarily established by families from Hartford, began with a land purchase from the local Native Americans in 1640. The early days were challenging, with most landowners still living in Hartford and traveling back and forth to Farmington. Williamโs home lot, purchased in 1645, marked the start of his familyโs roots in the New World.3
Williamโs wife, Elizabeth, is somewhat of a mysteryโhistorians have yet to agree on her maiden name.4 Together, they had two sons, Samuel and Joseph, the latter of whom is our ancestor. Tragically, shortly after acquiring his Farmington land, William passed away while farming.
A Family Torn Apart Elizabeth remarried and had two more children, but in 1655, heartbreak struck again. Her second husband died, and mere weeks later, Elizabeth also passed awayโlikely victims of the smallpox and fever epidemic that swept through New England. This left four young children, ranging in age from 3 to 12, without parents:
Benjamin-6 years, Elizabeth-3 years, Samuel Heacock-12 years, Joseph Heacock-10 years
What became of Samuel and Josephโs upbringing remains unclear. However, Joseph later married Mary Carpenter and fathered five children before his own untimely death in 1687. Their eldest son, also named Joseph, ensured the Hickok line enduredโand from this lineage came one of the most legendary figures in American history.
Wild Bill Hickok: Family Ties to a Legend Yes, that Wild Bill Hickok, the gunslinging icon of the Wild West, is my 4th cousin, five times removed! James Butler “Wild Bill” Hickok is the 5th great-grandson of our William Hickok. His lineage follows this path:
But waitโthereโs more! Did Wild Bill know that his 4th great-grandmother, was accused of being a Salem witch? That story is here, and itโs a tantalizing footnote in our family history.
They Called Him Wild Bill: The Life and Adventures of James Butler Hickok, By Joseph G. Rosa
Was William Hickok a Neighbor of Shakespeare?
Hereโs another twist: William may have been born in London or Stratford-on-Avon, Warwickshire, EnglandโShakespeareโs stomping grounds! According to records, Shakespeareโs birthplace in Henley Street was later leased to a Lewis Hiccox, who converted it into an inn. Could William have been connected to this family? Itโs fun to imagine our ancestor rubbing elbows with the Bard himself!5
The Hickok familyโs journey to Connecticut ultimately brought together other branches of my family tree. John Logan, one of my immigrant ancestors, married Dorcas Root, Joseph Hickokโs granddaughter, and she became my 6th great-grandmother. What a fascinating tapestry of connections!
In 2019, I embarked on a journey to write and self-publish two books about my Logan ancestry. My goal wasnโt fame or fortune; it was to create a legacy for future generations. Since then, I’ve refined my writing skills (hopefully!) and have since re-released updated editions of these books. One of these is The Lowland Logans โ
“But, I am dead. I died in July of 1606. How can they convict me? They took all my lands, all my possessions. They dug up my bones and put them on trial. Yes, they put my bones on trial! And, they found my bones guilty of treason! They said I forfeited my rights because I could not testify. I AM DEAD! I died two years ago. Now they’ve confiscated my property, my lands, and my title was abolished. My heirs were stripped of their titles and holdings, they could not run for office, they were denied the privilege of their noble birth, and my estate, which included lands with four castles and monies valued at over ยฃ29,042. I was a multi-millionaire and they took it all!โ
The second, Descendants of John Logan, Sr. of Washington, Connecticut, is a more traditional genealogy, including photos of the family homestead, historical article excerpts, and treasured memories.
Inspired by a letter from my great-grandfather, I also wrote a Vella series, weaving family history into a non-fictional narrative of lost and rediscovered stories.
You can click on each one to find them in Kindle.
I hope these works inspire future generations to discover the rich, resilient heritage woven into our familyโs story and perhaps even uncover their own.
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Halloween heralds the holiday season, offering a chance to connect with loved ones. Engage family members by asking questions about their past, sharing old photos, and noting details for future generations. Turn memory gathering into a game, using recording devices or index cards for answers. Collect cherished recipes to document family traditions for a memorable gathering.
The holiday season is nearly here! Donโt forget to spend quality time with your loved ones amidst all the preparations, traveling, and shopping. Itโs also a wonderful opportunity to talk to your relatives and gather some family history!
There’s no need for a formal interview; simply weave in a few questions here and there. Bring along some old photos that you’ve been curious about and uncover their stories. A single photograph can evoke memories of loved ones. Most importantly, make sure to note the dates and names of the people in the photos. You may recognize them now, but will you remember who they are two decades from now? What about your children?
Inquire about personal details, such as their childhood nickname and the story behind it. Did they live in a house, an apartment, a city, or a suburb during their upbringing? What professions did their parents or grandparents have? Were they fortunate enough to meet their grandparents or great-grandparents? Where did they spend their formative years? What led them to where they are now?
At the conclusion of each of my Family History Detectives classes, I presented my students with a Family History Mystery to unravel. They were tasked with uncovering their family traditions, including their origins and the individuals responsible for them. Additionally, they explored the significance of cherished recipes passed down through generations.
My aunt gifted me a collection of heirloom photos, many of which were unlabelled. To engage my cousins, aunts, and uncles, I set up a family Facebook page and scanned the images for everyone to help identify them. This initiative not only greatly assisted me but also sparked lively conversations about the “good old days.”
You donโt need to dominate a family gathering with questions and records; instead, turn it into an enjoyable experience. Consider making it a game! Use your smartphone’s recording feature to capture memories. Hand the phone around and ask each family member to share a cherished memory or a meaningful event related to a family member.
Another fun approach involves index cards. Distribute them and pose a question that everyone must answer on their card. Once filled out, circulate the cards for others to read. Thereโs no single approach that works for everyone, so feel free to get creative while gathering valuable family insights.
Donโt forget to ask family members for their favorite recipes from the occasion. Create your own recipe box featuring these dishes. Include notes about the recipe’s origins and any changes made along the way. Be sure to document the date you received the recipe and from whom.
With a little creativity, you can cherish your holiday gathering while enriching your family history.
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As family historians, weโre no strangers to challenges. Our work requires patience and dedication, often navigating through countless records in search of a missing piece to the puzzle. While itโs all part of the journey, there are a few common mistakes and oversights that can hinder progress for beginners and seasoned researchers alike. Letโs explore some of these pitfalls and how to sidestep them, making your genealogy journey smoother and more accurate.
1) Unsourced Family Trees One of the biggest challenges in online research is coming across family trees that lack sources. Without citations, notes, or records to back up the information, it becomes nearly impossible to verify the accuracy of those entries. To avoid this, always make a habit of adding sourcesโwhether itโs a census record, a photo, or even a story passed down from relatives. It helps others (and yourself) to understand where the information originated.
2) Incoherent Information Mistakes happen, but spotting impossible scenariosโlike a person giving birth after their deathโcan feel confusing. Double-checking dates and cross-referencing records can prevent these errors from slipping in. Always remember, consistency is key in genealogy.
3) Duplicate Children When researching large families, especially in the 1800s, itโs important to verify childrenโs birth dates and names. Variations in nicknames across records (like Maggie for Margaret or Polly for Mary) can cause confusion, so be mindful of these when reviewing census records.
4) Unresponsive Genealogy Contacts Itโs always exciting to connect with distant relatives online, but donโt be disheartened if you donโt get an immediate response. While it can be frustrating, remember that people may have busy schedules. A gentle follow-up message is okay, and patience is key.
5) Recycling Unverified Facts Itโs tempting to adopt information from other family trees, but itโs important to verify facts before incorporating them into your own. Always take a moment to check records and sources; this will ensure that your family tree remains accurate and reliable.
6) Unlabeled Photos Photographs of ancestors can be priceless treasures, but unlabeled images can cause confusion. When sharing family photos, be sure to include as much detail as possibleโdates, names, and locations. Even if some details are unclear, adding context helps future researchers.
7) Irrelevant Records Itโs easy to misinterpret a record that seems to match an ancestor, but always consider the geographical and chronological context. If your ancestor spent their life in one place, itโs unlikely they have records in a far-off country without explanation. Keep track of family movements to avoid such missteps.
8) Mythical Surname Coats-of-Arms Be cautious when it comes to purchasing coats-of-arms tied to your surname. Remember, coats-of-arms are granted to specific individuals, not entire families. Itโs always worth researching the actual lineage behind such claims.
Genealogy is an exciting adventure, filled with moments of discovery and connection. While itโs natural to encounter challenges along the way, approaching your research with a discerning eye and a commitment to accuracy will ensure that the stories you uncover are as authentic as the ancestors who lived them. Whether youโre just starting out or diving deeper, keeping these common pitfalls in mind will help make your family history journey all the more rewarding.
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Matthew Midyett โ Our Colonial Pioneer from North Carolina โ My 8th great-grandfather.
Legend has it that Matthew was shipwrecked on Bodies Island in North Carolina and chose to settle there.
Bodie Island, originally โBody Island,โ is reportedly named after a family (Robert Boddy/Boddie) who owned the land. Still, folklore would say that the name resulted from the many shipwrecked bodies that washed ashore.
It appears that the Midyett (Now Midgett or Midgette) line came from France.
Huguenot refugees landing at Dover, from the bicentenary commemorative issue of The Graphic, 1885. Huguenot Library
FraNCe: The French Heritage of North Carolina Paperback โ September 15, 2016
The map legend by H.Moll, geographer, reads: The English Claim the property of Carolina from Lat 29 & c degrees as part of Cabot’s Discoveries who set out from Bristol in 1498,at the charge of King Henry ye 7th but they did not take possession of that country till King Charles the ll’s time in 1663 who granted a patent to divers persons to plant all the territories within the North Lat of 36 deg & so west in a direct line to the South Sea.
Midyett: Midyett families, originally from Normandy, France, were early inhabitants of Bodie Island and the Outer Banks in the late 1600s. “Many Midyett girls married sailors of Black Beard’s three ships. The name was spelled different ways: Midyett, Midyette, Midgett, Midgette, but no matter how you spell it, they all came from Matthew Midyett who landed at Bodie Island, NC around 1600. He was a ship captain and was shipwrecked off the coast of the outer banks.”–Donald Midyett. ย Midyetts helped start the US Coast Guard by establishing life-saving stations on the Outer Banks. Some of the family found their way to Beaufort by 1850.1
William Keith Midgette recently stated on a Facebook group “I recently learned that the South River area of which London Towne was a part where Matthew Midyett lived from the late 1600’s to 1708 was settled by Huguenots, Quakers, and Scottish dissenters, so perhaps the hypothesis that the Midyett’s or Midiate’s were originally Huguenots has some possibilities.”
Miles Midgette “From information I have gathered over the years, it is entirely likely that Matthew Midgett’s forebears were Huguenots. The name originates near Marville (now France) which was part of the Spanish Netherlands for several hundred years and was a hotbed for Protestant fervor. Perhaps a million Protestants fled that region when the French took it over, many ending up in Kent, England as did the Midgett forebears. The name is Spanish for “son of the Archangel Michael”
William Keith Midgette “My hypothesis is that Matthew Midyett’s parents came from the Devon, Exeter, England area based upon the number of Midyett/Midiatt/Mediate’s I found in records of that area from 1500’s to the 1600’s. Whether they originally came from France or Netherlands, I can’t say yet until the link tieing Matthew to his parents is postiviely proven and them to England, but the info that Miles posted is completely plausible.”
Kay Lynn Sheppard is a Midgett by birth and has dedicated her career to genealogy by gathering every document related to Midgett or Midyett history she can find. She has been an invaluable resource for me and countless others. I’m fortunate to stay in regular contact with her.
Regrettably, there is an article that mentions the Thomas Midyett Bible, but Kay discovered that it is a hoax; it never actually existed. Additionally, the article claimed knowing the names of Matthew parents, yet, as Kay points out, there is โnot one shred of evidenceโ to support that assertion. Lastly, while she possesses a copy of the Matthew Midyett will, the original is currently missing from the North Carolina State Archives. Itโs truly unfortunate that individuals would take away from our heritage in this way. The archives are meant for everyone to explore and utilize!
Kay generously provided her ten pages of notes, which also include some from Nancy Frey. Please note that I do not possess copies of all the court records. I’ll include the website or source for the ones I’ve been able to find.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Matthew was born on April 10, 1676, and passed away on December 25, 1734, Christmas Day, on Bodies Island in what was once Currituck County, North Carolina. He wed Judith “Judy” White on July 13, 1702, in Anne Arundel County, Maryland. Judith, the daughter of Samuel Whiteโevidenced by his willโwas born on August 3, 1681, in Anne Arundel County and died on September 26, 1744, on Bodies Island. (The White family is reportedly traceable back to Jamestown, which I will elaborate on in a future blog post once I have the evidence.)
In 1703, court records reveal that Matthew is a ship’s carpenter. The notes indicate that his father was also a boatswain, but there are no existing records regarding his parents to date. During the January court session, William Killburne entered into an apprenticeship with Matthew Midiate to learn the trade of ship’s carpenter.
“Comes hereunto court Mr. Charles Killburne and Rachel Freeborne and bring William Killburne, son-in-law to said Rachel and nephew to said Charles, into court and binds the said William, with his consent, to one, Matthew Midiate, shipcarpenter, to serve the said Matthew till he comes to the age of one and twenty years, being now by the court adjudged to be sixteen years of age the nineteenth day of march next. In consideration whereof the said Matthew undertakes and bindeth himself to do his utmost endeavour to teach the said William Killburne the art or mastery of a ship carpenter and boatwright and also to teach him to read and write so well as he can teach him, and in all other things to do by the said William as it is usual for such masters to do by orphans in the county of Ann Arundel.”ย 2
In June 1703, Mathew Midget recorded his livestock “mark,” which indicated that his cattle had “a crop and two slips in the left ear.” During this period, livestock was allowed to roam freely and graze. The sole method to distinguish one farmer’s animals from another’s was through the use of these registered ear marks.3
In 1703, Judith’s father passed away, bequeathing 10 pounds sterling to Judith and Matthew Midgett in his will.4
March Court 1704
William Bateman vs Matthew Midiate
Command was given to the Sheriff of Ann Arundel County that he should take Matthew Midiate, late of Anne Arundel County, shipwright, if he should be found in this bailiwick and should him safekeep so that he should have his body before the justices of her majesties county court to be held at Annapolis, the second Tuesday of March then next, to answer unto William Bateman of a plea of trespass upon the case etc.
On which second Tuesday of March viz.–the fourteenth of the same month A.D. 1704 comes the said sheriff and makes return that he has taken the body of the said Matthew as commanded etc.
Whereon the said William complains as follows viz.–Matthew Midiate Of Ann Arundel County, shipwright, was attached to answer unto William Bateman of a plea of trespass upon the case.
Whereupon the said William by Clement Davies, his attorney, complained that whereas the said Matthew Midiate at London Town in Ann Arundel County, within the jurisdiction of this court, the 24th day of February in the year 1699 stood indebted to the said William Bateman in the sum of one pound and ten shillings of lawful money, by the particular account herewith brought into court may appear, and the said Matthew being so indebted afterwards, that is to say, the 24th day of February in the year aforesaid, at the county aforesaid, in consideration thereof, did assume upon himself and to the said William Bateman, did then and now, faithfully promise, that he, the said Matthew Midiate, the said sum of one pound and ten shillings to the said William Bateman when thereunto required would well and truly consent and pay, nevertheless the said Matthew Midiate his promise and assumption aforesaid not at all regarding but contriving and fraudentally intending him, the said William Bateman in this behalf craftily and subtley to devise and defraud the aforesaid sum of one pound and ten shillings to the said William Bateman although often knew unto required viz.– the day, year and place last mentioned and at divers times and places knew he hath not paid but the same to pay and content or satisfy to the said William Bateman hath denied and refused and will and doth deny and refuse to the damage of the said William Bateman there paid and sent of lawful money and thereof he brings this suit.
Pledge & John Doe & Richard Roe
June Court 1704
Mathew Midiate due to William Bateman——1 pound 10 shilling for cakes & beer & punch & wine
Matthew Midiate has his attorney, W. Bladen, defend the charges brought against him by William Bateman. The justices of the Court award Mathew Midiate the sum of_____(not specified)__ pounds of tobacco for his costs & charges because William Bateman’s charges proved false.
August Court 1705
Matthew Midiate vs Charles Linthicum
This writ and one other “countermanded by the plaintiffs”
Matthew was again in trouble in January of 1707 along with Thomas MacNamara for breaking into a tobacco barn and stealing one sheep. In June Matthew posted bond for his later appearance, but he did not appear and the bond was forfeited.
In June of 1708, Charles Kilburne sued Matthew for debt. Matthew was not found “in the bailiwick” whereupon the court ordered Matthew’s goods attached. That indeed got Matthew’s attention. Matthew was in North Carolina by this time and appointed Richard Johnson and William Nicholson to represent him in the Kilburne suit. Kilburne promptly sued both men as well as Midgett.
Although Matthew had left Maryland in 1707 or 1708, in 1716 Matthew was ordered to pay William Bladen 24 pounds of tobacco for representing him in the 1704 suit. William was apparently a very patient man.
The move to North Carolina removed Matthew from the Queen’s jurisdiction and put him under the much looser jurisdiction of the Lord’s Proprietors.
In 1712, Matthew was living in Chowan County where he became a bit of a hero when he apprehended a brigantine belonging to Emanuel Low who had fired upon then Governor Edward Hyde and his supporters:
July 12, 1712. โ Upon petition of Matthew Midgett, praying he may be allowed fifty pounds, pursuant to a proclamation for apprehending Emanuel Low, which is to be allowed out of his estate if convicted : Emanuel Low being apprehended and brought before this board, for stirring up sedition and rebellion against this government, and endeavoring to subvert the same, was committed to the custody of the provost marshal therefor.5
Not long after that, in February 1712, Matthew received his first land patent on the south side of Albemarle Sound, 341 acres, land commonly known as White Oak Island, “joining the sound, the swamp and the pocoson and the great swamp”. This had been surveyed by Jonathan Bateman who assigned it to Matthew. 6
State Archives of North Carolinaย
In April of 1712, Matthew received another 360 acres on the northwest side of the Alligator Creek in Chowan precinct of Pasquotank County. This grant was signed by Governor Hyde.
State Archives of North Carolinaย
In 1713, Matthew sat on a grand jury.
However, later in 1713, Matthew was once again in trouble, accused of underhandedly making a patent on another man’s land, knowing that the man had cleared the land but had not gotten the papers filed. Anthony Alexander asked to have Matthew’s right to the land forfeited. The jury ordered that Anthony be granted the patent to the land and that Matthew could “take up any vacant land if there is any left”. 7
Matthew and Emanuel Low appeared to continue their discord. In volume 2 of the Colonial records, starting in 1713, Emanuel Low charged Matthew with breaking into his storehouse during Edward Hyde’s governorship and stealing some rum and sugar. The board concluded that Low’s complaint was “entirely scandalous, damaging, seditious, and untrue.” Perhaps Emanuel never fully forgave Matthew for the incident in 1711.
Mr. Emanuel Low prefering a petition to this board ag’ Mathew Mid-gett therein setting forth that y” said Midgett had feloniously broke open his store house in the time when the Hon ble Edw a Hyde was Gov r hereand had take thereout a quantity of Rum & Sugar &c and pray’s y e Gov rwarr’ to appehend him therefore and it appearing to this board that y”What y* said Midgett did in that regard was done by yยฐ authority of theGovernment and that y” Said Low has been considered & satisfied for y esame. Therefore It is the opinion of this board that y e Same Petition isaltogether’ Scandolous Infamous Seditious and false And therefore it isordered that y” Same be & is hereby rejected as Such.8
In 1717 he patented 200 acres in Currituck Precinct on the sand banks, south of Roanoke Inlet. See below:
State Archives of North Carolinaย
In 1721, Matthew and Samuel Midget were witnesses to a deed from Thomas Peartree to John Fitzpatrick. Matthew signed his name, while Samuel used a mark. Kay is uncertain about the identity of this Samuel Midgett. However, it’s likely that Matthew’s son Samuel, who was born around 1704 and would have been over 16 at the time, could have served as a witness if there were no other adults present.
In 1722, Matthew patents another 80 acres on “an island commonly called Bodyes Island, between Roanoke Inlet and his former survey”.
State Archives of North Carolinaย
In 1727, he patented an additional 1,900 acres on Cow and Bodyes Island, encompassing the entire length of nine and a half miles with a width of 100 poles. This area is described as “the seawall and all the marshland adjacent to it, commonly referred to as Cow and Bodyes Island… with a total length of 9.5 miles and an average width of 100 poles.”
State Archives of North Carolinaย
On December 21st, 1834 Matthew made his will.
In The Name Of God Amen: ye 21st day of December Anno 1734.
I, Mathew MIDYETT, of Body Island that is County of Albemarle being very sick and weak of body but of trew and perfect mind and memory thanks be to the almighty god for it and calling to mind the mortality of my body that it is appointed for all men wonce to die and do therefore put my last will and testament in wrightin therfore and first of all I give and recommend my Soul into the hand of the almity God that gave it and for my body I commend unto the Earth to be buried in a Christian like manner att the Discression of my Exetrs nothing doubting But att the general Resurrection I Shall Resive the Same — and foust [first] of my Disier is that all my lawfull depts be paid and as touching of my worly estate I give as in maner and forme following: Imprimis
Item: I give and bequeth unto my eldest son Samuel MIDYETT one hundred Eakers of Land lying and being on the South Side of Albemarle Sound alway Call his one [own] to him his heirs and asigns for Ever and futhermor I give unto my son Samuel sail cloth anouf to furnish his canneua [canoe] with one Sute of sails to him and his heirs for Ever.
Item I give and bequeth unto my son John MIDYETT one grate pereoarger and and [sic] sails that belong to her and a Small Cornua [canoe] that towes after her to him and his heirs and asines for Ever and fouthermore I give my son John one hamack on this Iland that has always gon by the name of Johns hamack for a prilavage of a stock to him and his heirs and assines.
Item I give and bequeth unto my son Josepth MIDYETT that part of the Iland whereon he now lives to him and his heairs or asines for Ever and Like wise and I give to my son Josepth one old connue called The Seaflower to him his heirs or asines.
Item I give and bequeth unto my Defters ann MIDYETT Cateran MIDYETT Judy MIDYETT, and Dinah MIDYETT Each and Every one of them a fether bed to them and their hears or asins for Ever.
Item I give and bequeth to my son,Samuel MIDYETT that part of the Iland whereon he now lives to him his heirs or asines for Ever and I give to my youngest Daufters Each of them the foust [first] two maire colts that is raised out of my stock to them and their heairs for Ever.
Item I give and bequeth to my sons Marthew MIDYETT and Thos MIDYETT this parte of Iland Wheron I now live from the Dugs Southely to them ther hears an their asines for Ever.
Item: I give my well beloved wife and my two Sons Marthew and Thomas and my younges Doafter Diner the priveleg of the Sea Side & Likwise my will and Desire is that my Son Marthew Shall not have the liberty of selling any part of the Land without he Should Com to his Sanses. Like wise I Give and bequeth to my well be Loved wife and my two Sons Marthew and Thomas and my Daufter Diner all the Rest of my movabel Estate in the house and the Rest of my Stock without to their youse and behoufe and hears for Ever and I Likwis my will and Disire is that all the Rest of my Land on the South Side of albemarle Sound may be Sold according as my Excutors see fitt and the money to be converted to the use of my well beloved wife and two sons Marthew and Thomas and my Dafter Dina to their use for Ever and Likwise my will and Desire is all my pork and pich tars Should fust be sold to purchase a negro and fouthermore I Give and bequeth to my two Sons Marthew and Thomas my two negros that I have already and that I leave to be purchased to them and their heirs and assigns for Ever. But my desire is that if my sons Marthew and Thomas Should Die without having heirs then this part of Dugs Sutherly to be Equely Devided amonkes my three Sons Samuell John and Josepth to them their heirs and assines for Ever and as to the personal Estate if they Should Die my disier is that my Sons and Deafters Should have it Equilily Divided amonkist them.
I Do hare apointe [rest of this line is torn] John, and Josepth to be my hole and lawfull exetrix and excuters and I do hare acknolege this to be my Last will and testament and do make void all and Disanoul all others whersom Ever they Shall apear as witness my hand and seale.
/s/ Matthew MIDYETT
Test before us the Subscribers
Tulle WILLIAMS
Josepth [His JO marke] OLIVER
Mary [her x marke] HUNTER
No Carolina} at a Court held for said Precinct at the Court house the first day of July anno Dom 1735
Currituck }
Present His Majesties Justices
These may Certifie that Tulle WILLIAMS one of the Subscribing Evidences to the Within will appeared in Open Court and Made Oath on the holly Evengilists that he was present and Saw Mathew MIDGETT Sign Seal and Declare the within to be and Contain his Last will and Testament and that the Said Mathew MIDGETT was then and at that time of Sound and disposing Memory and that he also saw Joseph OLIVER and Mary HUNTER signe there names thereto at the the Same time. Then also appeared Judea MIDGETT and Joseph MIDGETT Exx and Exr in open Court and took the Exers Oath in due forme of Law. Ordered by the said Court that the honble Nathl RICE Esqr Secretary of this province have notice thereon and the within Exx and Exr takeing the Oath [two words unreadable] appointed for Exx and Exrs that Letters Testamentory Issue thereon as the Law directs.
[On the back is written: Letters grantd Novemr 7th 1735]
Four days later, Matthew died.
Regardless of how many times Mathew appeared in court, he remains a key figure in our colonial heritage. The Midyett (Midgett) legacy continues to thrive today. Below is an article detailing their history within the US Coast Guard (Lifesaving Service).
This document has a lot more information of his land patents and court cases and was sent to me by Kay Lynn–> ย Matthew Midyett from Kay
She also sent me this information:
John Durant was the King of the Yeopim Indians at that time.ย The Colonial Records have many entries for Durant, including selling of thousands of acres of land.ย Matthew Midgett also stole rum & tobacco from Emanual Low which Low brought suit against him.ย I am enclosing a document on what I have on Matthew.10
Upon complaint of Jno. Durant, a Yawpim Indian, setting forth that when he was out against the Indian enemy under the command of Mathew Midgett, he the said Durant, tooke an Indian slave woman and the said Mathew Midgett took her away from him without any sattisfaction:ย And the matter being heard it is the opinion of this court that the said slave woman did belong to the said Durant, wherefore it is hereby ordered and decreed that the said Mat. Midget doe pay unto the said Durant, ten pounds in consideration of the said slave.
Matthew Midyettโs legacy as a shipwrecked pioneer, ship carpenter, and early settler of North Carolina’s Outer Banks endures through the generations of Midgetts who followed. His adventurous spirit and enduring contributions, from establishing lifesaving stations to navigating turbulent legal waters, have woven his name into the fabric of coastal history. As I continue to uncover more of his life, I am reminded of the strength and resilience that define our family’s roots. The journey of exploring our past is far from overโthere’s always another shipwrecked tale waiting to be discovered.
October commemorated the 150th anniversary of the United States Life-Saving Service, the predecessor of today’s US Coast Guard, along the East Coast!
The United States Coast Guard is recognized for numerous achievements, with its primary focus in the publicโs eye being its mission to assist those “in peril upon the seas.” In fact, every federal agency that contributed to the establishment of the modern Coast Guard played a role in aiding those in distress and working to prevent loss of life at sea.
For instance, the U.S. Lighthouse Service was responsible for maintaining lighthouses and navigational markers to alert ships to potential dangers. Lighthouse Keepers also provided assistance to individuals in peril near their stations. Additionally, there were other agencies, such as the U.S. Revenue Cutter Service, which aided mariners in distress at sea, and the Steamboat Inspection Service, tasked with preventing disasters before they occurred. Among these organizations, the one that significantly shaped the U.S. Coast Guard’s reputation as a lifesaving entity was the U.S. Life-Saving Service. It is essential to explore the history of this Service, as many of the U.S. Coast Guard’s search and rescue practices can be traced back to its foundational work.
During the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, much of the eastern coastline of the United States was sparsely populated. Crews of ships that ran aground could anticipate minimal, if any, assistance. As maritime trade expanded, so did the need for support for vessels wrecked near the shore. Both coasts featured sandbars located 300 to 800 yards offshore. In the event of a storm, ships stranded on these sandbars often broke apart within hours. Very few individuals could endure a 300-yard swim through tumultuous surf with a temperature of 40 degrees.
In 1848, the federal government initiated its involvement in shore-based lifesaving operations. The U.S. Revenue Marine, which later became known as the U.S. Revenue Cutter Service, was tasked with overseeing these stations under the Treasury Department. The Great Carolina Hurricane struck the East Coast in 1854 as a category 4, resulting in numerous sailor fatalities due to a lack of lifesaving stations and poorly maintained equipment, which was sometimes used inappropriately, such as using a lifeboat for mixing mortar or scalding hogs. In response, Congress allocated funds for additional stations, and this time, part of the budget was dedicated to hiring full-time keepers for each facility.
The American Civil War led to the neglect of the government’s lifesaving network along the coast, a situation that persisted until 1870 when another devastating storm caused significant loss of life. In 1871, Mr. Sumner Kimball successfully secured a $200,000 appropriation from Congress, which authorized the Secretary of the Treasury to employ crews of surfmen as needed. Kimball established six-man crews at all stations, constructed new facilities, developed regulations with performance standards for crew members, established station routines and physical requirements, thereby laying the foundation for a more professional organization.
By 1874, the lifesaving stations expanded to cover the Maine coast and ten sites south of Cape Henry, Virginia, including the Outer Banks of North Carolina. The following year saw further expansion to the Delaware-Maryland-Virginia Peninsula, the Great Lakes, and the Florida coast. Eventually, the Gulf and West Coasts were incorporated, along with a station in Nome, Alaska. Four years later, the lifesaving stations were formalized as a distinct agency within the Treasury Department, named the U.S. Life-Saving Service, with Sumner I. Kimball appointed as General Superintendent. The stations were categorized into three main types: lifesaving stations, lifeboat stations, and houses of refuge. Lifesaving stations employed full-time crews during periods with a high likelihood of shipwrecks, typically from November to April, known as the “active season.”
On March 26, 1887, John T. Wescott, my 2nd great-grandfather, was appointed Keeper of Poyners Hill Station, built in 1878. Poyners Hill was 6 miles south of Currituck Beach Lighthouse on the northern Outer Banks.
By the early 1900s, these operations expanded to year-round activity. Many stations were situated in remote areas, requiring crew members to proficiently launch boats from the beach into the surf. The third category, houses of refuge, were located along the coasts of South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida, housing a paid keeper and a small boat, though they did not maintain active rescue operations. Life-Saving District Superintendents reported directly to Kimball, while an Inspector of Life Saving Stations, a Captain in the U.S. Revenue Marine Service, also reported to him. This structure created a system of checks and balances.
The Superintendents were accountable for selecting keepers, who in turn chose their crews. Both keepers and crews underwent evaluations by an inspection board comprised of a Revenue Marine officer, a surgeon from the Marine Hospital Service (later known as the U.S. Public Health Service), and a skilled surfman to assess their health, character, and abilities. Keepers were expected to be physically fit, of good moral standing, literate, under forty-five years of age, and adept at boat handling, particularly in challenging weather. Many keepers had extensive backgrounds in fishing or maritime professions, or they advanced through the ranks of the U.S. Life-Saving Service. While some keepers moved from station to station, many remained at a single station or within close proximity throughout their careers.
The daring rescues undertaken by the U.S. Life-Saving Service captivated the imagination of 19th-century America. The image of a keeper standing tall at the stern of a small boat, gripping his sweep oar and motivating his crew through the towering surf, inspired reporters to craft thrilling stories. Phrases like “soldiers of the surf” and “storm warriors” became popular descriptors for these brave lifesavers. While their rescues were indeed remarkable, the majority of the crews’ efforts focused on rigorous training with rescue equipment, conducting patrols, maintaining lookout duties, and ensuring the general upkeep of their stations.
The men worked from Monday through Saturday, honing their skills with beach apparatus. When district inspectors arrived, the entire drill had to be completed in five minutes; any delays could lead to dismissal. Crews practiced launching and landing their boats through the surf, and to prepare for emergencies, they would intentionally capsize their boats and practice righting them. Training also included signaling, first aid, and maintaining the cleanliness of the station. Although the drills were simple in nature, they were continuously reinforced, ensuring that the crew could respond swiftly and instinctively in critical situations. Additionally, they had another crucial responsibility that occupied a significant part of the surfmen’s daily routine: lookout and patrol duties. During daylight hours, a surfman was designated to monitor the surrounding waters from the lookout tower. To ensure vigilance, no seating was provided in the tower.
The beaches were often “cloaked in ice,” and at their best, resembled “pathless deserts in the night.” The treacherous combination of “soft sand, disorienting snowfalls, fierce winds, and biting cold” frequently threatened to halt the men. Surfmen dressed in oilskins and carried a patrol clock to avoid overlapping with other patrols, along with a pouch of coston signals (the pouch was created by my 2nd great-grandfather Captain John Thomas Wescott, Jr.) These signals functioned like flares, alerting ships that were coming too close to the shore or informing grounded vessels that they had been spotted and assistance was on the way. Mariners were fortunate that beach patrols operated in all kinds of weather. In 1899, for instance, surfmen using coston signals successfully warned off 143 ships at risk of running aground. Notably, in October of that same year, Surfman Rasmus Midgett (my 1st cousin 4x removed) of the Gull Shoals, North Carolina Station, achieved the remarkable feat of rescuing ten individuals from the wreck of the Priscilla while on patrolโall by himself.1
The Life-Saving Service saw its most significant expansion between 1871 and 1881, during which it executed some of its most notable rescues. However, as the nineteenth century approached its end, the Service faced two critical challenges. Firstly, the rise of steam-powered vessels reduced the reliance on sailing ships, making them less susceptible to the whims of the wind and decreasing the likelihood of shipwrecks. Secondly, the Service struggled to adapt to the growing number of gasoline-powered small boats, particularly those used for leisure activities.
Additional issues emerged, including the absence of a retirement system and a lack of compensation for injured crew members. Low salaries made it difficult to recruit new personnel, and without retirement benefits, promotions proved challenging. By 1914, some keepers were in their seventies, manning the traditional sweep oar, while the stroke positions were filled by men in their sixties. Kimball had long sought a retirement system for his staff. In 1914, he concluded that merging the U.S. Revenue Cutter Service with the U.S. Life-Saving Service would benefit both organizations and the nation. Consequently, the legislation establishing the U.S. Coast Guard was enacted on January 28, 1915, which included provisions for retirement for Kimball and many of the senior keepers and surfmen.
My 2nd great-grandfather’s retirement letter.
The U.S. Life-Saving Service exhibited remarkable dedication throughout its forty-four years of operation. During this time, “28,121 vessels and 178,741 individuals benefited from its services.” Remarkably, only “1,455 people lost their lives while under the protection of the Life-Saving Service.” Even as late as 1959, U.S. Coast Guard Lifeboat Stations on the Great Lakes were utilizing a revised version of the Life-Saving Serviceโs drill schedule. Weekly beach apparatus drills continued to be conducted for first aid and signaling practice. Additionally, lookout tower watches were still operational. The ongoing emphasis on practicing with rescue equipment and conducting inspections persists to this day.
The wooden Monomoy pulling surfboat Salisbury Beach LSS, Cape Cod, MA- Photo By: U.S. Coast Guard Historian’s Office
The United States Coast Guard has built upon the solid foundation laid by the U.S. Life-Saving Service and has incorporated its own initiatives, evolving into the recognized authority in maritime search and rescue operations. The introduction of the 36 and 44-foot motor lifeboats, the creation of a dedicated search and rescue school, and the utilization of helicopters have all enhanced the Coast Guard’s stature as the premier agency for those “in peril upon the seas.” Today, the men and women of the U.S. Coast Guard uphold the service legacy established by the U.S. Life-Saving Service crews, and with their advanced equipment, they have surpassed the achievements of their esteemed predecessors.
Massachusetts – Salisbury Beach USLSS Crew, surfboat & cart, no date. Photo By: U.S. Coast Guard Historian’s Office
As we reflect on the legacy of the U.S. Life-Saving Service, we honor the brave men, known as the โsoldiers of the surf,โ whose dedication and sacrifice laid the groundwork for today’s U.S. Coast Guard. Their timeless commitment to rescuing those ‘in peril upon the seas’ continues to inspire the men and women of the modern Coast Guard, who uphold this noble tradition. As we commemorate 150 years, let us remember their courage, their innovation, and the lives they saved along the treacherous coasts of America.
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