The O'Neal Genealogy Association Newsletter

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TOGA NEWS Volume III, Issue 10, October, 2003

The sword had a handsomely-ornamented gilt scabbard, on which was the following inscription:
"PRESENTED TO THE GALLANT JOHN O’NEIL FOR HIS VALOR AT HAVRE DE GRACE, BY PHILADELPHIA – 1813."
In Charles’s caricature just mentioned, a British officer, who has arrested the bold cannonier and confronts him, is made to say,
"I tell you what, Mr. O’Neil, you are certainly a brave fellow, but as a prisoner of war must go on board with us."
They did not keep him long, for on the 10th, seven days after his capture, he wrote to a friend in Baltimore, saying,
"I was carried on board the Maidstone frigate, where I remained until released three days since."
His letter opened with the quaint sentence,
"No doubt before this you have heard of my defeat;" and this was followed by a brief narrative of the affair."
-End quoted article-

As with many stories, this one has been told and retold many times. You can search the web and find many different variations of the story. In one, all the prisoners of war are hung, except the Hero, John O'Neil, who is treated with respect and released for his brave deeds. In yet another variation, John is being held prisoner aboard the British ship and is scheduled for execution. His 15 year old daughter rows out to the ship, boards her and requests an audience with the admiral. She begs for the life of her father. Touched by her stirring request, John is released and the daughter given a sword and some trinkets for her bravery.

As stated in the text above, the townsfolk were so proud of their Hero that he was awarded the post of Lighthouse Keeper when the lighthouse was built. Family legend has it that when John died, his son took over the post and his grandson Harry O'Neil took over after him. Unfortunately, the chain was broken here. In 1920 Harry O'Neil was let go and replaced by an automatic system. Below is some information on the Lighthouse in case you would ever like to visit.