Lewis, Ida (1842-1911)

Title

Contributor

Phillip, Emelda

Source

Ida Lewis, Image

birthday

1842-02-25

Birthplace

Newport, RI

Death Date

1911-10-24

Occupation

Lighthouse Keeper

Biographical Text

Ida Lewis was known for her heroism recuing people from the seas. She was the oldest of four children of Captain Hosea Lewis. In 1857, Ida's family moved to Lime Rock Light in Newport. When her father suffered a stroke, Ida took on the responsibilities of caring for him while also maintaining the lighthouse. By age 15, Ida was known as the best swimmer in all of Newport. Although she was doing most, if not all the work throughout her childhood, Ida was not officially appointed as the keeper until 1879. She was at one point the highest paid lighthouse keeper in the nation because of her saving various lives. Ida made her first rescue when she was only 12 years old, coming to the assistance of four men whose boat had capsized. Her most famous rescue happened in 1869 when she rescued two soldiers, Sgt. James Adams and Pvt. John McLaughlin. In 1881, she was awarded the Gold Lifesaving Medal from the US government. She is credited with saving 18 lives but unofficial reports suggest the number could be as high as 25. Throughout her lifetime, Ida was referred to as "the Bravest Woman in America".

In 1870, Ida married Captain William Wilson of Black Rock, Connecticut. Two years later, they separated and she returned to Lime Rock. Ida made her last recorded rescue at the age of 63. She died of a stroke in 1911 at the age of 69. Flags were at half-staff throughout Newport. Today, Lime Rock is known as Lewis Rock in honor of Ida.

Bibliography

Ida Lewis, Wikipedia

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