Brazos Santiago LightHose

Hello All,

I am new here. I am looking to see if anyone has any info on the Brazos Santiago Lighthouse, more specifically lighthouse keepers. My great grandfather, Francisco Garza was an assistant then Keeper but not sure of dates. It would have to be between 1910 to 1940 or so. I know he had a 32 year stint there. I found an article from the State of Texas Hist Society which mentions his name and that which is stated above but no dates. Port Isabel's history does not reflect it either. Any info is grratly appreciated..

I believe it's located between South Padre Island and Mexico ...the map below shows the Brazos Pass.

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Brazos+Santiago+Pass,+Texas+78521/@26.0806488,-97.2269224,12z/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x866faded4335d37d:0x4a4777922d665ec7

Here is an article from Lighthouse Digest

http://www.foghornpublishing.com/Digest/database/uniquelighthouse.cfm?value=766

Hello Gabriel,

I found your great grandfather in both the 1910 and 1930 US Census for Port Isabel, Cameron County, Texas.

His occupation is listed as 'Lighthouse Keeper' both times.

There is more family information in the census data, but nothing specific to life at the lighthouse.

I hope this helps. Leave a note here if you have questions.

Rick

Thank you both for the info. It was helpful.. Its just odd that Port Isabel itself does not acknowledge his service. I believe he served 32 years. Again thanks for the info. Much APPRECIATED!

Gabriel

Visit or contact the National Archives in St. Louis and you should be able to get a copy of Garza's personnel file. It's normally $70 for them to photocopy the file and mail it to you. If you or a friend/relative can visit in person (appointment required) then you pay exact photocopy costs only (25 cents/page). Some of the personnel files are pretty extensive, some are pretty slim.

Alternatively, in the Washington DC National Archives they have Retirement Record Cards on file - Record Group 26 Entry 7(A-1) - for keepers who served during that time period. It's a single card with brief info, but will list dates he was assigned, transferred, and/or promoted. I don't know if they are able to find it, photocopy it, and mail it to you, but you or a friend can visit in person if you go to DC.