A Child of the Sea; and Life Among the Mormons

"A Child of the Sea; and Life Among the Mormons" by Elizabeth Whitney Williams is a memoir that recounts the author's life, especially her childhood on Beaver Island in the early 1900s. The story begins with vivid memories of her family's work as lightkeepers, showing her deep connection to the water and her brother's heroic rescue when she nearly drowned. As the story progresses, it weaves in the historical context of James Jesse Strang's Mormon community establishing themselves on the island, giving glimpses into their beliefs and contrasting them with the author's family's lifestyle as they navigated the changing social landscape, blending personal stories with observations of a community shaped by faith, resilience, and the challenges of early American life.