The settlement drew several families when hostilities of the War of 1812 erupted and the settlers fled to the Cleveland area where Mrs. Wolcott and Mr. Bull died.  When the settlers returned in 1817, they found only the Wolcott log house still standing.  It was believed the Indians had spared it from the torch because Mrs. Wolcott had befriended hungry Indians when they came to her door. 

Benajah was a very sociable fellow, much in demand whenever an occasion called for music, for he was a fiddler.  He was called to play at Cleveland when that community celebrated their first 4th of July.  

When it was learned a lighthouse was to be built at Rocky Point, Benajah was highly recommended and received the commission, which  paid an annual stipend of  $350.  With his future secure he proposed marriage to Rachel Miller, a schoolteacher.  He contracted with Wm. Kelley, builder of the lighthouse, to construct a stone home for his bride.  This home was erected two miles southwest of the lighthouse and was purchased in 1989 by the Ottawa County Historical Society.  It has been restored and is site for historic reenactments.  It is said to be the oldest house in Ottawa County. 
Little is known of the duties of Benajah at the light.  He was responsible for keeping the 13-lamp Argand lens lit with whale oil during navigation, and to maintain the property.   He also organized rescue efforts.  

Benajah and son, William, died of cholera in 1832, contracted from the bodies that had washed up on the shore.  He served a scant 10 years.  He was 68 years old.  His widow, Rachel Wolcott was appointed.  She was the first woman lighthouse keeper on the Great Lakes.