I’ve been told that I’m long overdue in explaining our unique names, so I guess I should finally do it.  We are named for my Mom’s ancestors who lived in the 1800s on Star Island at the Isles of Shoals off the coast of New Hampshire.

Lemmy was named after Lemuel Caswell.  Lemuel was a bit of a character, and was frequently mentioned in nineteenth accounts by visitors to the islands.  In addition to being a fisherman and an inn keeper, he also sought creative ways to earn money.  Even if that meant selling off pieces of the infamous Smuttynose Murders House to curious tourists.  A fellow Shoaler later recalled, “Lem Caswell refused to repair any part of that house, claiming that he was able to make more money by allowing people to come and see it and by selling the pieces of the house as souvenirs.”  Although that house disappeared in the hands of tourists, Lemuel’s inn is still on Star Island and comprises the right half of the current hotel.

I’m named after Lemuel’s brother Charles William.  Sadly Charles William died in infancy.  My Mom was always struck by a description of Charles William’s mother, Sally, by missionaries who thanked her for bestowing “every kindness and attention” during their visit.  At the time Sally was mourning the death of her three year old daughter who died just weeks earlier, and about to give birth to Charles William.  Life at the Isles of Shoals was not easy, and in some small way Mom thinks by naming me after Charles William it is paying tribute to this strong woman.  Perhaps someday I’ll grow into that name.

Asa really dodged a bullet with his name.  Originally Mom wanted to name him after Lemuel’s other brother, Origen!  But luckily Dad intervened.  Although Origen was described as a quiet man “loved by all,” Dad didn’t want to get more weird looks at the dog park when he called our names.  So Mom compromised and named him after Lemuel’s uncle, Asa.  Asa was a bit of curmudgeon, but had a dry wit.  He also gave very sage advice.  Once when reprimanding someone he said, “Look here, young feller, when I was of your age I kept my mouth shut.  Then nobody knew I was a cussed fool!”  I often remind our Asa of this sound recommendation, especially when he is barking at his imaginary friend!

Despite our illustrious namesakes, sadly dogs are NOT allowed on Star Island.  But Mom and Dad claim it is a nice place to visit.  If you’re a human interested in going, please visit StarIsland.org.  If you’re a dog, you can see the Isles of Shoals from the beaches of Rye, NH and Fort Foster in Kittery, ME.  If you’d like to read more about where our namesakes lived, we suggest Celia Thaxter’s Among the Isles of Shoals.