Career
Fish, a medical doctor, served in a number of government posts overseas before returning to fight for the Union in the American Civil War. He died in 1891, when Emily was 50. Soon after her husband"s death Emily"s son-in-law, an official with the United States Lighthouse Service, informed her of a vacancy at the Point Pinos Light in California.
During her 21 years as keeper, from 1893 to 1914, Fish brought rich soil to the lighthouse grounds, and planted grass, hedges, and trees.
She also kept French poodles, Holstein cows, thoroughbred horses, and chickens. She became well regarded in the area for her entertaining ability, and always received the highest marks for keeping the station tidy.