|
Reprinted courtesy of Delaware River and Bay Lighthouse Foundation, Inc.
The Bombay Hook Lighthouse, known to some as the Smyrna River Lighthouse, was built in 1831 just south of the Smyrna River near the banks of the Delaware River. The lighthouse was a white brick, two-story dwelling with a short tower leading to the lantern room on the roof. The 1901 light list further described the house as possessing lead-colored trimmings, green shutters and a black lantern.
When initially constructed, the lighthouse was a one-story building. Following an inspection and subsequent recommendations in 1838 by Lt. William D. Porter, the structure was elevated in 1841 to a two-story building to allow the light emitting from the lantern room to be visible above the seasonal fogs that were common in the area.
Duncan Stewart served as the light’s first keeper until his death in 1854 at the age of 92. Keeper Stewart’s oldest daughter Margaret Stewart assumed her father’s duties as principal keeper in 1854. Actually, Margaret was tending the light prior to her official appointment.
A lighthouse inspector’s report in 1851 indicated that Duncan Stewart’s daughters conducted the work around the station and kept it “neat and clean.” Margaret maintained her post as principal keeper of the light until her resignation in 1862. On December 22, 1862, Captain Joseph B. Benson, of Smyrna, Delaware, was appointed the new keeper of Bombay Hook Lighthouse.
Captain Benson and his wife Mary Elizabeth raised 11 children in the lighthouse during his tenure as keeper. Mary Elizabeth Benson died in 1893. Captain Benson served as keeper at Bombay Hook Lighthouse until his death in 1908 at the age of 78. His second wife, Malitlda (Forman) Benson served briefly as keeper after her husband’s death. William J. Salmons, formerly Second Assistant Keeper at Cape Henlopen Lighthouse (DE), transferred to Bombay Hook Lighthouse and assumed the duties of principal keeper on February 14, 1908.
Keeper Salmons was replaced four years later on April 11, 1912 by Edward W. Long, a former First Assistant Keeper for Cape Henlopen Lighthouse. Later that same year, the Bombay Hook Lighthouse was deemed obsolete due to the newly constructed Smyrna River Range Lights and was discontinued. The Bureau of Lighthouses eventually sold the surplus property in 1929 to a private party who owned adjacent land. Eventually, the land would come back under the jurisdiction of the government and was given to the Woodland Beach Wildlife Area (operated by the Delaware State Division of Fish & Wildlife).
Around 1974, the Delaware State Division of Fish & Wildlife decided to demolish the former lighthouse due to the hazard it evolved into over the years from vandalism and a series of fires.
To learn more about Delaware River and Bay Lighthouses: Delaware River & Bay Lighthouse Foundation, Inc., P.O. Box 708, Lewes, DE 19958. 302-644-7046. www.delawarelights.org
Following is Bombay Hook Lighthouse Keeper Joseph B. Benson’s obituary in the Smyrna Times, January 8, 1908. (Courtesy of Keeper Benson’s great granddaughter June Benson Gautieri.)
“Captain Joseph B. Benson Dead: Aged lighthouse keeper of the Bombay Hook Lighthouse passes away suddenly Saturday evening last of a heart attack.”
Captain Joseph B. Benson, for forty-six years keeper of the lighthouse, fell to sleep Saturday evening at 5 p.m. with apparently no warning, aged 78 years. He had been in feeble health for sometime and while crippled with rheumatism, was able to get about. He was in Smyrna Friday attending to business and Saturday evening had been out milking the cow. Returning to the house, he sat in his easy chair and remarked to his wife that he felt tired and asked if she would mind going to the tower to tend after the light. She responded and was gone only a few minutes and returned to find him gasping his last. Death resulted from heart failure. The news of the Captain’s sudden death was carried to neighbors and word was brought to Smyrna as soon as possible. It was a shock to his friends and sad to all who heard it. Funeral services were held this morning at Asbury M.E. Church, Rev. Robert Watt officiating, and internment was made in the family burying ground in Odd Fellows Cemetery.
Captain Benson was the son of Benjamin Benson and Maria (Shewell) Benson, and was born in Smyrna March 18, 1830. His father was a prominent carriage maker in this town, a member of the well-known firm of Benson & Catts under whom a number of Smyrnians learned their trade. Captain Benson was apprenticed at carriage making and continued in the business until 1962 when President Lincoln appointed him keeper of the Bombay Hook Light. In the 46 years that has passed, he has been faithful to his duties amid some very trying experiences. He enjoyed the distinction of being the oldest light keeper in his district. From only three lighthouses between Smyrna and Philadelphia, he saw service increase to over 30. During the war, Capt. Benson was a member of the Home Guards Sixth Delaware Regiment, but because of his appointment to Bombay Hook, was not called upon in active service. In politics, he was a Republican, having become a member of the party after the dissolution of the Whig party. No one could ever question his Republicanism. He was true to the core. He was a staunch Methodist and when he could, attended M.E. Church.
On February 12, 1852, he was united in marriage to Mary Elizabeth, daughter of John and Lydia (Denney) Crockett. She died February 19, 1893. Twelve children blessed the union.
On April 2, 1895, Capt. Benson married again, his second wife being Mrs. Matilda, daughter of the late Arthur and Margaret (Elbert) Forman, a sister of Mrs. Alexander Faries of Smyrna.”
This story appeared in the
October 2001 edition of Lighthouse Digest Magazine. The print edition contains more stories than our internet edition, and each story generally contains more photographs - often many more - in the print edition. For subscription information about the print edition, click here.
All contents copyright © 1995-2024 by Lighthouse Digest®, Inc. No story, photograph, or any other item on this website may be reprinted or reproduced without the express permission of Lighthouse Digest. For contact information, click here.
| 