A Newspaper Article from the Past…
Pomham Rocks Lighthouse, Rhode Island (Photo courtesy of Jeremy D’Entremont)
C.H. Salisbury, the first keeper of Pomham Rocks Lighthouse (1871 to 1893), was no doubt faithful to his duties based on his long tenure (22 years) at the offshore sentinel, but he also appears to have been proficient at helping save lives along the Providence River as well. According to the Providence Evening Press, during a three month period from May through July 1876, keeper Salisbury was credited with saving six lives.
Providence Evening Press, 11/14/1876
Narrow Escape from Drowning – Six Lives Saved by One Man this Summer
Pomham Rocks Lighthouse was first lit on Dec. 1, 1871 and is located approximately 800-feet offshore along the Providence River. (USCG Photo)
“Yesterday afternoon Mr. James Brown (formerly a police officer of this city) and his brother-in-law took a small boat at Cedar Grove wharf and started out to fish. They had not proceeded far, when, by some means, their boat upset and they were both in the water.
Capt. C.H. Salisbury of the Pomham Lighthouse saw the accident and immediately set out to rescue the victims. Two other men who also saw the accident went to the assistance of the parties in danger. They succeeded in getting Mr. Brown’s brother-in-law ashore, and resuscitating him.
Capt. Salisbury also reached Mr. Brown and took him ashore in time to bring him to, but there was none too much time in either case. This is the sixth person Capt. Salisbury has saved from drowning within a few months, viz: three in May, two in June and the one yesterday.”
