Harry C. Claiborne
Encyclopedia
Harry C. Claiborne was an American
lighthouse keeper
.
in 1887. In 1889 he was made head keeper of the Pass a l'Outre Light. In 1895 he was transferred to the Bolivar Point Light
near Galveston, Texas
. He was on duty when the Galveston Hurricane hit the station on September 8, 1900. 125 people eventually took refuge inside the light tower, including Claiborne's family and that of the assistant keeper; Claiborne oversaw their care until further help was forthcoming. In 1915, he again cared for 50 hurricane refugees who took shelter in the tower.
Claiborne died on duty at the Bolivar Point station in 1918.
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
lighthouse keeper
Lighthouse keeper
A lighthouse keeper is the person responsible for tending and caring for a lighthouse, particularly the light and lens in the days when oil lamps and clockwork mechanisms were used. Keepers were needed to trim the wicks, replenish fuel, wind clockworks and perform maintenance tasks such as cleaning...
.
Biography
He was born in January 1859 in New Orleans. He began his career as assistant keeper of the Southwest Pass Light in LouisianaLouisiana
Louisiana is a state located in the southern region of the United States of America. Its capital is Baton Rouge and largest city is New Orleans. Louisiana is the only state in the U.S. with political subdivisions termed parishes, which are local governments equivalent to counties...
in 1887. In 1889 he was made head keeper of the Pass a l'Outre Light. In 1895 he was transferred to the Bolivar Point Light
Point Bolivar Light
Point Bolivar Lighthouse is a historic lighthouse in Port Bolivar, Texas, that was built in 1872. It served for 61 years before being retired in 1933, when its function was replaced by a different light....
near Galveston, Texas
Galveston, Texas
Galveston is a coastal city located on Galveston Island in the U.S. state of Texas. , the city had a total population of 47,743 within an area of...
. He was on duty when the Galveston Hurricane hit the station on September 8, 1900. 125 people eventually took refuge inside the light tower, including Claiborne's family and that of the assistant keeper; Claiborne oversaw their care until further help was forthcoming. In 1915, he again cared for 50 hurricane refugees who took shelter in the tower.
Claiborne died on duty at the Bolivar Point station in 1918.