In the December 2002 issue of Lighthouse Digest we published a brief request that we were searching for a photograph of Rear Admiral David B. Harmony (1832-1917) who was Chairman of the Light-House Board in late 1800’s.
Shortly thereafter we heard from Pepi Masciana of California, who is a great-grandson of Harmony and was able to furnish us with a photograph. About the same time we located a photo in the collection of the Naval Historical Foundation.
Buried in Arlington National Cemetery, Harmony had an illustrious career. During the Civil War he was executive officer of the USS Iroquois at and participated in the bombardment of Forts Jackson and St. Philip, the capture of New Orleans and engagements at Vicksburg. He was commander of the USS Tahoma and USS Sebago, West Blockading Squadron from 1864-1865. He was at the capture of Mobile in 1865. In his career he also commanded the US Frolic, USS Portsmouth, USS Kearsarge, USS Plymouth and other vessels. He served as Chairman of the Lighthouse Board from 1889-1891.
Now on display at the Museum of Lighthouse History in Wells, Maine is this original Notice To Mariners issued by him on Sept. 14, 1889 along with this photograph of him.
And yet another piece of lighthouse history has been put together for display at one location for the public to learn from and enjoy.
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