His impressive monument at 3 Spring Cemetery, Hancock Co., WV is marked as, "Samuel Cobele BURNELL 1826-1904, A faithful Lighthouse Keeper for over 30 years at Brown's Island".
The Steubenville Sesquicentennial 1797-1947, pg 29, states. .Although river traffic had been booming along the Ohio River since 1830,safety of passengers and property depended solely on the pilot's knowledge and his steady hand in guiding his ship around the shoals and through the narrow channels. Now in 1870 the Federal government stepped in to make the pilot's job an easier one. A light system marking the channel day and night was established along the river from Pittsburgh to its mouth and down the Mississippi.
Like other institutions, growing and changing through the years, the river trade had its stock of characters. The advent of the marking lights, developed one of them. He was Samuel Burnell. For many years Burnell was known as the hermit of Brown's Island where he tended the government lights.
And the "20th Century History of Steubenville, and Jefferson County", pg. 231 gives further detail on this individual.
No account of the Ohio River would be complete without reference to Samuel Burnell, the "hermit" who came to this vicinity about 1870 and took charge of the Government Lights in the vicinity of Brown's Island. He built a little cabin among the thick hillside forest, just visible from passing boats, and there he lived alone, doing his own cooking and household chores. When the boats passed they would sound their whistles, he would come out and salute, and then retire to his cabin again. His manner of life and reticence concerning his previous career led to a great deal of imaginary creations, the old familiar one of a love affair of course coming first, and when that was worn out mysterious hints of a "past" took their place, none of which probably had any foundation. He had a least one grown-up son, who lived in the neighborhood, took the daily papers, was up on current events, and was familiar with prominent public men. He came to Steubenville whenever necessary to procure provisions or transact other business, and was always cordial and hospitable to visitors. The writer was well acquainted with him and secured what was probably the only photograph of him, taken at his forest home, he complying with the request to pose without hesitation. He remained there until the infirmities of age compelled him to relinquish the place and was taken away by his son, with whom he remained until his death, so there is no mystery about that part of his life at least.
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