Eli Doughty

In 1844 Martin and Mary Doughty (Douty) welcomed a son they named Eli into the population of approximately 300 residents that inhabited the tiny settlement of Broadwater, on Hog Island. Settled in 1692, this island lies across the bay from Willis Wharf, Virginia, and is one of the larger barrier islands running along the Atlantic coast of Virginia's Eastern Shore. Little is known of Eli's early years but it would be a logical assumption that, like most other 'islanders', his life would be tied to the water.

In 1866 he married Margaret Elizabeth, and the couple would ultimately raise a large family of four sons and two daughters. The 1870 Census records indicate that he and his young family were living in East...