Identification & Site Information

• Name: Black Hawk (later known as Emery Fletcher, Elizabeth, and possibly George Suffle)
• Date Built: 1833
• Builder: J.K. Lockwood
• Place Built: Fairport, Ohio
• Material: Wooden
• Dimensions:
  • Original: Unknown length, beam, depth (Tonnage: 51 30/95 old style)
  • Post-Rebuild (as Emery Fletcher): 69’5” x 19’10” x 6’10” (21.2m x 6m x 2.1m) | Tonnage: 81 24/95
• Final Status: Last known as Elizabeth (or possibly George Suffle after another Rebuild); details remain unclear.
• Ownership Changes: Multiple owners, including R.W. Skinner, H. Phillips, P.H. Green, John Becker, Ezra Honeywell, Mr. Hick, and D. Jackson.

Early History and Construction

The Schooner Black Hawk was constructed in 1833 by J.K. Lockwood in Fairport, Ohio. Initially owned by R.W. Skinner, the vessel was part of the growing fleet that navigated the Great Lakes, essential to the 19th-century trade network. It featured a single Deck and two masts, with a small tonnage indicative of early schooners built for versatility and local transport.

Ownership Changes and Early Incidents

After its sale to H. Phillips in 1834 and later to P.H. Green in 1837, the Black Hawk encountered its first major mishap in July 1838, capsizing off the Chagrin River. It was later towed to safety and returned to service. The vessel continued operations under several owners, serving the bustling trade routes of the Great Lakes.

Rebuild and Renaming: Emery Fletcher

In 1841, the Schooner was driven ashore in Milwaukee during a gale. This necessitated extensive repairs, and by 1843, it was Rebuilt and renamed Emery Fletcher, with its dimensions enlarged. It was re-enrolled in Buffalo, New York, from 1845 to 1849, reflecting its reintegration into Great Lakes shipping.

Continued Service and Further Incidents

The Emery Fletcher endured numerous challenges, including a beaching in Racine, Wisconsin (1847), and sinking near Cunningham Island in Lake Erie (1850). These incidents were indicative of the hazards faced by Great Lakes vessels.

By 1851, ownership had passed to John Becker and Ezra Honeywell of Cleveland. The Schooner continued its active role in regional commerce.

Final Years and Name Changes: Elizabeth and Possibly George Suffle

In 1865, under the ownership of Mr. Hick from Port Burwell, Ontario, the vessel was renamed Elizabeth. By 1866, it was sold to D. Jackson of Montreal, Quebec. Some records suggest another Rebuild, with the vessel potentially emerging as George Suffle in Port Burwell, although this remains uncertain.

Legacy

The Black Hawk’s evolution—through multiple names, owners, and rebuilds—illustrates the adaptability and resilience of schooners on the Great Lakes. Its varied history mirrors the era’s challenges, marked by shipwrecks, rebuilds, and economic demands. Despite its eventual disappearance, the vessel’s long service life and transformations make it a symbol of 19th-century maritime history.

Related Incident: The Elizabeth (Christian Island, 1873)

A Schooner Elizabeth, built in 1865 by Broders in Owen Sound, Ontario, adds a parallel narrative. It was salvaged after running aground near South Bay, Manitoulin, but ultimately stranded and wrecked at Christian Island in Georgian Bay during an 1873 storm. While likely unrelated, the similar names emphasize the widespread reuse of vessel names and their significance in maritime lore.

Resources & Links

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes

• David Swayze Shipwreck File

• Great Lakes Ships Database

• Historical archives from Cleveland and Buffalo shipping registries.

Suggested Keywords

Black Hawk, Emery Fletcher, Elizabeth, George Suffle, Schooner, Great Lakes shipwreck, Lake Erie, Fairport Ohio, Port Burwell Ontario, maritime history, vessel reconstruction, 19th-century shipping, Schooner evolution.