Wood Island’s Keepers of the 1840’s
Keeper John Adams served as Wood Island’s fifth Keeper. He was appointed in 1841 and remained in charge until 1845 when he was replaced by Jotham Perkins. This is the story of his tenure.
Coming Soon:
Jotham Perkins
The Sixth Light Keeper at the Wood Island Lighthouse
Can you add any information about these men?
Chronicling Biddeford’s Past:
A Citizen History Project
Welcome
John Adams is such a common name. Deciding which of the men named John Adams was the keeper at Wood Island during the period from 1841-1845 has presented quite a challenge. I have settled on this John Adams primarily because of his age. And yet, an intriguing dilemma/coincidence continues to make me wonder. Another John Adams, somewhat younger, was born in 1802. He would have been the nephew of the man I’ve designated as Wood Island’s Keeper, and in 1841 would have been nearing 40 years old, quite young compared to other 19th century keepers. Strangely, the record shows that following his marriage in 1824 he and his wife Elizabeth Pike Adams, had children every other year between 1825 and 1839. Their tenth child was born in 1845 following a hiatus that exactly coincides with the term that Adams was serving as Wood Island’s Keeper. A coincidence? Or, were the cramped and deteriorating conditions on the Island unwelcoming to a wife and children ranging in age from 1 to 15?
Perhaps some of those old boxes gathering dust in your attic contain letters or documents that would help to piece together a more complete tale of the lives and times of these Keepers during the period that ran from 1840 to 1850. Do you have records or information that might provide clues that might fill the gaps of our historical knowledge?
“Chronicling Biddeford’s Past” is a citizen-history project designed to invite the participation of local residents and other interested folks to participate in the telling of the stories of Biddeford’s past. By sharing the cherished memories that have been handed down from generation to generation, you can be a part of this effort to chronicle some of Biddeford’s most consequential years. If you can help by providing names, dates, images, or tales told from years gone by, please contact us at the address below. We look forward to hearing and learning from you.