Robert Saunders

Drowned on November 14, 1718 while serving as a temporary keeper at Boston Light.

Boston News-Letter for November 17, 1718:

"There being a necessity to supply Mr. Worthylakes place to keep up the lights on that island, Capt. Robert Saunders and two others, viz [namely] John Chamberlin and one Brad[d]uck, were appointed to go down, who accordingly went on Fryday [November 14] last, to the Light House about three a clock, and a ship coming in from sea put out a waft [beckon]; and Capt. Saunders with the other two went on board her, and Capt. Saunders inquired, if they wanted a pilot, seeing they made a sign for them. The master said, no, he only wanted to know what news; whereupon Capt. Saunders told him, that if had known so much we would not have ventur’d aboard in such stormy weather, so returning to their boat to come on shore; a saw of wind overset her, Capt. Saunders & Bradduck both drowned, Mr. Chamberlin swam directly to the shore, but rested upon...rocks, ere he got on shore, where he laid before the fire and begun to revive, and is now lying sick in Boston."