03/21/2025
The St. Marks Lighthouse has had two women as keepers. Both assumed duties after their husbands died. The first, Mrs. Ann Dudley served from Apr. 1850 until Aug. 1854. In 1851 after the death of Needham Dudley, one of the worse hurricanes in history hit the area. She petitioned Congress for compensation for her losses:
"The Committee of Claims, to whom was referred the memorial of Ann Dudley, have had the same under consideration, and report:
"The memorialist has been for several years keeper of the light-house at St. Mark's, Florida. She, with her family and several boarders, resided at the light-house, about ten miles from St. Mark's, at which latter place she obtained her supplies of provisions, except what she was able to raise from her garden. She also raised hogs, poultry, &c. By the unusual gale of August, 1851, which submerged a large portion of the town of St. Mark's, the breakwater which protected the light-house was washed away, and nearly all of Mrs. Dudley's improvements, stock, furniture, and provisions, amounting, as she says, to the value of $1,113, were swept away and destroyed; and she prays that Congress will grant her relief."
She was denied.
