Identification & Site Information:

• Name: Ann Jane Brown (also known as A.J. Brown and Ann J. Brown)

• Type: Wooden Schooner

• Built At: Port Hope, Ontario, Canada

• Construction Year: 1842

• Builder: Not specified

• Dimensions:

• Tonnage: 99 gross tons

• Ownership: Marsh & Co., Port Hope, Ontario

• Commander: Captain Thomas Slight

• Final Location: Approximately 10 miles southeast of Picton, Ontario, Lake Ontario

• Date of Wreck: December 13, 1856 (or November 1856 in some accounts)

• Cargo: Merchandise (specifics unknown)

Vessel Type Description:

The Ann Jane Brown was a wooden Schooner, a two-masted vessel typical of the Great Lakes in the mid-19th century. These schooners were integral to regional trade, valued for their speed, agility, and ability to carry substantial cargo. With a Gross Tonnage of 99 tons, the Ann Jane Brown was well-suited for short- to medium-haul transport of goods like timber, coal, and merchandise.

History:

Construction and Early Service:

Built in 1842 in Port Hope, Ontario, by Marsh & Co., the Ann Jane Brown was named after a family member of one of its owners, possibly a relative of William Marsh. Commanded by Captain Thomas Slight, the vessel served the growing trade routes of Lake Ontario.

Notable Incidents:

1. May 30, 1845 – Capsizing:

The Schooner capsized off Point Aux Barques. While the vessel was salvaged, the incident marked the beginning of a challenging operational history.

2. 1853 – Rebuild:

After over a decade of service, the Ann Jane Brown was Rebuilt at Port Hope, receiving structural modifications to improve its durability and performance.

3. 1854 – Grounding:

The vessel went ashore at Wicked Point. Though little is known about this incident, it demonstrated the Schooner’s repeated exposure to navigational hazards.

The 1856 Blizzard and Tragic Loss:

On its final voyage in December 1856, the Ann Jane Brown encountered a severe blizzard and gale on Lake Ontario while carrying a full cargo of merchandise. The vessel struck a reef approximately 10 miles southeast of Picton, Ontario, and was declared a Total Loss.

The tragedy claimed the lives of:

• Captain Thomas Slight

• First Mate George Campbell

Two crew members perished in the incident, highlighting the treacherous conditions of Lake Ontario during the winter months.

Efforts to salvage the vessel were made, but its eventual fate remains unclear. The merchandise onboard was lost, further compounding the financial impact of the disaster.

Final Disposition:

The Ann Jane Brown was declared a Total Loss after striking a reef during a storm. The vessel was destroyed by the storm’s force, with its remains scattered across the lakebed.

NOTMARs & Advisories:

• Current Status: No active Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) are associated with the wreck.

• Advisories: The site is not marked and remains unexplored, making it inaccessible to casual divers without historical expertise.

Located By & Date:

The exact wreck location has not been pinpointed, though historical accounts place it roughly 10 miles southeast of Picton, Ontario, in Lake Ontario.

Current Condition & Accessibility:

The wreck is presumed to be heavily deteriorated, scattered, or buried beneath sediment after over 150 years. Accessibility for diving or exploration is challenging due to the lack of precise location and condition details.

Resources & Links:

1. Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Maritime History of the Great Lakes

2. David Swayze Shipwreck File: Archival records of Great Lakes shipwrecks.

3. Great Lakes Ships Database: Comprehensive vessel histories for the region.

Conclusion:

The Ann Jane Brown is a poignant example of the resilience and dangers of maritime trade on the Great Lakes during the 19th century. Despite enduring multiple incidents, the vessel served the region’s economy for over a decade. Its tragic loss in a blizzard underscores the perils faced by sailors of the time, where unpredictable weather could turn a routine voyage into catastrophe. Though largely unexplored, the Ann Jane Brown remains an essential part of Great Lakes maritime history, its story a testament to the bravery and hardships of those who navigated these inland seas.

Keywords:

• Ann Jane Brown

• A.J. Brown

• Lake Ontario Shipwreck

• Picton Wreck

• Wooden Schooner

• Great Lakes Maritime History

• Blizzard 1856

Glossary:

• Schooner: A type of sailing vessel with two or more masts and fore-and-aft rigged sails, used widely on the Great Lakes for cargo transport.

• Gross Tonnage: A measure of a ship’s overall internal volume.

• Reef: A ridge of rock or sand near the water’s surface, often hazardous to navigation.