Edward L. Rollingson

Father of Keeper Joseph R. Rollingson and Keeper Clarence P. Rollingson.

Drowned on August  8, 1916 while returning to Point au Fer Reef Lighthouse.

Louis Buras letter dated August 10, 1916:

This is to inform you that I just heard from George Carty, who has reported the Keeper, E. L. Rollingson, passed out of the river about 3 o'clock, p,m., Tuesday, and has not been heard of since, The motor boat, No, 32, was picked up about three miles north of Shell Island Bayou in good condition. The only thing wrong was the ignitor tip, which was stuck, but from all appearances, when the boat stopped the Keeper thought he had run out of oil and trying to put some in the tank got rolled overboard. So I have the boat now in charge.

Mr. Rollingson is said to have left Morgan City, La., about 3 P.M. August 8, 1916, in motor boat No. 32 to return to the Point Au Fer Reef Light Station, and has not been heard from since. The boat was found sometime later in good condition, with screwtops off gasoline tank and oil can, about three miles north of Shell Island Bayou where it had evidently beached itself. It is believed that enroute the engine stopped and the Keeper in endeavoring to refill the tank lost his balance end was rolled overboard and drowned. To date, the body has not been recovered, although diligent search has been made. In view of these circumstances, it is believed that there is no question but that Mr. Rollingson has been drowned.