Anna Newhoff
NCR Reporter
A Nassau County man was honored posthumously with a U.S. Lighthouse Service grave marker.
A dedication ceremony was held Nov. 22 at Jones Cemetery in Callahan to honor Amos Beauregard Buford. He was born Oct. 20. 1862 in Boulogne. In 1888, he married Viola L. Pendarvis, also from Nassau County, and together they had four children.
Buford began his career in 1890 as second assistant keeper at the St. Augustine Lighthouse. He was quickly promoted to first assistant keeper for two years, then appointed head keeper at the St. Johns River Lighthouse in Mayport, first lit Jan. 1, 1859.
Buford tended to the St. Johns River light for more than three decades. He served as head keeper until his death Nov. 23, 1925. He was buried in Jones Cemetery.
The Mayport Lighthouse Association hosted the ceremony with the West Nassau High School JROTC posting the colors, and “The Star-Spangled Banner” was performed by Gail and Danny Roberts. The couple also performed “Legend of the Lighthouse.”
Buford’s biography was read, followed by remarks from his descendants. After the Lighthouse Keeper’s Prayer was read, the family gathered at The Pig Bar-B-Q in Callahan.
With this grave marker, Buford will forever be memorialized for his service of guiding mariners safely in and out of the St. Johns River.
reporter@nassau
countyrecord.com