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First Name:
William
Last Name:
Torton
Type: Light Keeper
Collection / Donor:
Middle Initial:
D.
Born:
1828
Died:
1923
Place(s)
Place:
Title / Position:
Principal Lighthouse Keeper
Cause of Termination:
Retired
Year Started:
1876
Year Departed:
1915
Begin Salary:
500
End Salary:
516
Source:
Registers of Lighthouse Keepers
More Information
Entered by:
Entered Date:
Oct 12, 2018
Published in the Sun, from Maryland, Oct 12, 1915
AGED LIGHT KEEPER TO RETIRE
W. D. Torton has been on duty every day for 39 years Wilmington, Del. Oct 11 Having kept his lights trimmed and burning for 39 years for the benefit of mariners sailing the Delaware river and bay, William D. Torton, aged 88 years, who has served as light keeper at Deep Water Point rear light from the time it was first used, will retire on October 31. Arthur Hopkins, present keeper of the Reedy Island front light, will suceed Mr. Torton, who plans to spend the remainder of his days at Pennsgrove, NJ where he was born. The veteran light keeper was placed in charge of the lighthouse when it was completed in 1876, and each day since he has climbed the 128 steps to the lights.