It has been brought to my attention that we have some new friends who would like to know the story behind our names. Lemmy, Asa and I are named after Mom’s ancestors who lived in the 1800s at the Isles of Shoals on a tiny island off the coast of New Hampshire, called Star Island.
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. Yes, you read that correctly. Before there was a beer by that name, there was an island called Smuttynose at the Isles of Shoals where a a sensational murder took place in 1873. The dramatic court case was covered nationally, and tourists were willing to buy pieces of wood from the house. 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 end of the current hotel.
Life at the Isles of Shoals wasn’t easy in the 1800s. After the collapse of the fishing industry, many of the residents lived in poverty. I’m named after Lemuel’s brother Charles William. Sadly Charles William died in infancy. My Mom was always struck by the many descriptions of Charles William’s mother, Sally. In one glowing description of her, missionaries thanked Sally for bestowing “every kindness and attention” while staying in her humble home during their visit to Star Island. 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. 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,” which would be the perfect description of Asa, Dad didn’t want to get weird looks at the beach when he called his name. 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 should remind our Asa of this sound recommendation, especially when he is telling his goofy jokes!
Despite our illustrious namesakes, sadly dogs are NOT allowed on Star Island. However, we can see the Isles of Shoals from the beaches of New Hampshire and Fort Foster in Kittery, ME. If you’re a human and would like to visit, you can learn more at StarIsland.org. There are also several books written about the people who called these islands home. We recommend an account written by someone who knew our namesakes, Celia Thaxter’s Among the Isles of Shoals.
