Erasmus S. Midgett

In August of 1899 Erasmus (Rasmus) S. Midgett (1851-1926), Outer Banks native and surfman with the United States Life-Saving Service, performed one of the most daring and remarkable rescues in the annals of the USLSS. Single-handedly, and risking his own life, surfman Midgett saved ten sailors from the wrecked barkentine, Priscilla. You can read the story here: http://ncpedia.org/biography/midgett-erasmus-s.

Erasmus S. Midgett,
Image from the Library of Congress

For his bravery and heroism, Midgett was awarded the gold life-saving medal.  The Washington Times honored Rasmus Midgett with a full page article in their edition of August 7, 1904. It is titled "Rasmus S. Midgett, A Hero Where Work Demands Heroism."

This month's Ocracoke Newsletter relates the story of the prohibition-era rum runner Messenger of Peace that brought much pleasure to the residents of Portsmouth. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news062115.htm.