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Idawally
Zorada Lewis
b. Newport, RI, February 25,
1842
d. Newport, RI, October 24,
1911
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The heroine of "Lime Rock" and "the Grace Darling of
America."
Second child and oldest daughter of four. Parents were Captain Hosea Lewis
and Idawalley Dordia Willey, formerly of Hingham, MA, and Block Island,
respectively.
Rowed her siblings to and from school and brought supplies to lighthouse.
Accomplished swimmer, master handler of the oars.
Credited with saving 18 lives - the most notable rescues occurred in 1858,
1866, 1867, and 1869.
National publications pick up her story. Receives letters of praise, congratulations,
offers of marriage.
July 4, 1869, duly honored in Newport. Boat (named Rescue) is presented
by citizens as a token of appreciation. Presentation held at Washington
Square. Upwards of 4,000 people attend.
Met then President Ulysses Grant in Newport, who said in part, "I am happy
to meet you, Miss Lewis, as one of the heroic, noble women of the age."
October 23, 1870, weds William H. Wilson of Black Rock, Bridgeport.
Marriage doesn't last long, never divorced. Legend has it that her true
marriage and love is Lime Rock.
January 21, 1879, officially appointed Lightkeeper. In all, kept 50 year
vigil at lighthouse.
Recipient of numerous medals, e.g.: Gold Lifesaving Medal of U.S. Lifesaving
Service.
Fallacies: meets President Grant at lighthouse; special act passed by Congress
in her appointment; referred to as the first female lighthouse keeper and
first woman to receive a congressional medal.
Controversy surrounds her death.
Buried in the Common Burial Ground, marked by an unusual gravestone
of anchor and oars.
Birthplace still stands at 283 Spring street.
The family home and lighthouse is now the Ida Lewis Yacht Club.
Memorabilia on exhibit at the Newport Historical Society.
Ida Lewis book excerpt
Lime Rock, Newport, RI, ca. 1869
Bibliography
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