Archives West Finding Aid

Georgianna Pearson (1848-1881) arrived in Washington Territory in May of 1864 with her father Daniel and older sister Josephine. They were part of the first "Mercer girls" group travelling with Asa Shinn Mercer from Lowell, Massachusetts. Her mother Susan, brother Daniel Orlando and youngest sister Flora followed in two years. Josie and Georgie took up teaching positions near Coupeville on Whidbey Island, while Daniel Pearson became a watchman at the Puget Mill in Port Gamble. Josie died suddenly in August of 1864, and Daniel moved to Whidbey Island to be with Georgie. When Red Bluff Lighthouse's first keeper resigned in November 1864, Daniel was appointed Keeper. Georgie was named his assistant, becoming the first female lighthouse assistant in Washington Territory. She was paid $500 per year. In 1867 Georgie married Charles Townsend Terry (1835-1922) and her sister Flora took over the assistant keeper's duties and the lighthouse logbook.