Lighting the Way: A Genealogist’s Guide to Lighthouse Keeper Records

Last month, I shared the story of my postmaster ancestor and offered tips for researching postmasters in federal records, focusing on resources available through the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). This month, I’m continuing the theme of federal service by exploring the life of my ancestor, Frank H. Glover, who served as a lighthouse keeper at Point Betsie, Michigan. Researching lighthouse keepers presents unique challenges, but with the right approach to federal records, it’s possible to uncover details about their service. In this post, I’ll share helpful tips and resources for tracing lighthouse keepers through federal archives.

Glover, Hattie L. "Fenn", Frank H. Glover lighthouse keeper appointment. In The Holy Bible: with Revised New Testament. Chicago: GW Borland & Co., 1882. Original owned in April 2025 by Brenda Leyndyke, [address for private use], Kalamazoo, Michigan.

A Beacon of History: Early Lighthouse Service

Lighthouse keeping became a federal responsibility in 1789 when Congress transferred oversight to the Treasury Department. While early record-keeping was limited, appointments were often made by government officials and may appear in Treasury documents or even Congressional records. If your ancestor served before 1852, you may need to search regional archives or maritime museums.

The Lighthouse Board and Improved Record-Keeping

The formation of the U.S. Lighthouse Board in 1852 marked a turning point in record-keeping. Lighthouse districts were organized, and annual reports detailed personnel changes, repairs, and supply deliveries. Most of these records, including employment logs and correspondence, are now housed in Record Group 26 (U.S. Coast Guard) at NARA.

Frank H. Glover: Second Assistant Lighthouse Keeper

I first learned of Frank’s lighthouse service from a newspaper clipping tucked inside his wife’s Hattie Fenn’s Bible. It stated that he had been appointed second assistant lighthouse keeper. Knowing that lighthouse keepers were federal employees I knew I needed to look at NARA Record Group 26 for records. Frank’s appointment aligned with the Lighthouse Service era (1910–1939), when records became more standardized and often include details such as salary, dates of service, and transfers.

After 1939: The Coast Guard Takes Over

In 1939, the Lighthouse Service was merged with the U.S. Coast Guard. If your ancestor served beyond this date, the Coast Guard Historian’s Office or NARA may have service records. Veterans' records, if applicable, can also provide insight into their time at the lighthouse.

Tips for Finding Lighthouse Keepers in Federal Records

·       Start with what you know: family Bibles, newspaper clippings, oral histories.

·       Search NARA’s Record Group 26 for personnel files, annual reports, and logbooks.

·       Look for regional Lighthouse District records (Point Betsie was part of the 11th District).

·       Use Civil Service employment records for appointments after 1883.

·       Don’t forget census records, city directories, and maritime museum collections.

          While federal records are essential, local sources can also offer leads. Maritime museums, local newspapers, and historical societies often hold photos, journals, or visitor logs. Check to see if the lighthouse in question has any records or information.  These can help fill in the daily life details that government forms overlook.

National Archives Record Groups

Researching lighthouse keepers involves exploring a variety of federal records, many held at the National Archives in Washington, D.C. These resources can provide appointment details, job descriptions, logs, and correspondence related to keepers from the early 19th century onward.

1. Registers of Keepers (1848–1912) – Microfilm M1373 holds registers of lighthouse keepers, indexed by station and last name.
2. Keepers’ Logbooks (from 1872) – These logs document daily or monthly activity, including personnel changes. Logs vary in detail and are found in RG 26 Entries 80, 330, P-65, and 159.
3. 1928 Job Descriptions – Keepers completed two-page forms detailing their duties and dates of service during a salary reclassification (RG 26 Entry 111).
4. Field Records and Letters – Letters from keepers about routine station issues may be found in district office volumes (RG 26 Entries 3, 5, 6, 8, and 9).
5. Retirement Cards – Nine boxes of USCG retirement cards summarize employee service (RG 26 Entry 7).
6. Nominations and Appointments – Indexed correspondence and databases track lighthouse appointments and personnel changes (RG 26 Entries 16, 17I, 24, 32, 82, 85, and 259).
7. Pre-1848 Appointments – Letters sent by lighthouse administrators to local customs collectors document early appointments (RG 26 Entries 17C and 18).
8. Federal Registers of Employees – Listings of keepers, inspectors, and officials under the Treasury Department, often located at Archives II, College Park.
9. Letters to the Secretary of the Treasury – Appointment confirmations sent to the Secretary from 1852 to 1908 (RG 26 Entry 31).
10. Oaths of Office – Keepers signed oaths found in RG 217 Entry 282, covering 1865–1894.
11. Personnel Files – Civil Service files for keepers post-1896 are held at the National Personnel Records Center in St. Louis.

 Some portions of Record Group 26 (RG 26) have been digitized and are available online through the National Archives Catalog and partner sites. However, most records remain available only onsite at National Archives locations.            

 1. National Archives Catalog – Limited RG 26 records such as photographs, lighthouse plans, and some logbooks are digitized. Search "Record Group 26 lighthouse" and filter results by "Available Online": https://catalog.archives.gov
2. Registers of Lighthouse Keepers (Microfilm M1373) – These records are not digitized on the NARA website but may be available via:

·        FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org)

·       Some libraries with NARA microfilm collections

·       Occasionally through the Internet Archive

·       For the most comprehensive research, in-person visits to NARA (particularly Washington, D.C.) or contacting maritime archivists may be necessary.

 Conclusion

Tracing Frank H. Glover’s service at Point Betsie gave me great appreciation for the dedication lighthouse keepers showed in protecting mariners. The path through federal records isn't always easy, but persistence helps. Have you discovered a lighthouse keeper in your family tree? I’d love to hear your story!

Links

https://www.archives.gov/research/lighthouses

https://www.archives.gov/research/military/coast-guard/lighthouse-service

https://www.archives.gov/research/guide-fed-records/index-numeric/001-to-100.html

https://www.archives.gov/research/military/logbooks/lighthouses.html

https://uslhs.org/resources/finding_information/libraries_archives/national-archives

https://uslhs.org/gr/inventory/light_station_states.php?notify=Y

https://library.doc.gov/digital-exhibits/lighting-americas-beacons

https://lighthousehistory.wordpress.com/research/uslhs/

AI Disclosures

This blog post used the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) tools at ChatGPT4o. While the content reflects my ideas, writing, and research. AI was used for headings, grammar, and spelling editing.

ChatGPT4o suggested blog post titles based upon my writing and ideas and I selected the one with edits to enhance the blog experience.