The Bravest Woman in America

Hi! My name is Ida Lewis. I'm glad you've dropped by to read my story. People tell me that I had a very interesting life. Looking back, I guess they're right, but I only did what had to be done. Now I'm told that I've become one of the most celebrated women in American history. Imagine.

I was born on February 25, 1842. My mother was Zoradia Walley Lewis. My father was Hosea Lewis, the first keeper of Lime Rock Lighthouse.

In those days the lighthouse was just a short stone tower. There was no light keeper's residence (house.) Every day Father rowed to and from the lighthouse. Our entire family was proud that he had such an important job. He kept the light burning to warn ships at sea of the rocky coastline and rescued those whose ships floundered in the Atlantic's icy grasp.

In 1856, a light keeper's residence was added to the lighthouse on Lime Rock. Our entire family moved in. My siblings (brothers and sisters) and I loved living on the Rock. Have you ever heard the ocean waves crash to shore? I loved the sound. My siblings and I enjoyed swimming in the waters surrounding Lime Rock. We had the whole ocean to ourselves. Because of this, I became an excellent swimmer. I could out-swim everyone in the entire community.

Lime Rock (it was too small to call an island) was completely surrounded by water. The only way we had of reaching the mainland was by boat. In that era (time) it was unusual for girls to handle boats. Since I was the oldest child, it was my responsibility to row my sisters and brothers to the mainland every day so they could attend school. The boat was very heavy, but I managed to become skilled at rowing through the crashing waves of the Atlantic. I loved the ocean and was not afraid. I did give it the respect it deserved. I was taught that not to respect the ocean could mean death.

Once our family moved to Lime Rock, I helped Father tend the light. In 1857, he had a stroke. He was no longer able to perform his duties, so I took over. Mother was also in poor health, but between us we were able to keep the light burning. In 1872, father died. At that time Mother was the official lighthouse keeper. Though I tended the light, Mother held the official title of lighthouse keeper until 1879. That year I received the official appointment. I was the light keeper of Lime Rock. This delighted me. My yearly salary was $500.00, which was a lot of money in those days.

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