Shipwreck Report: Schooner Conductor

Identification & Site Information

• Vessel Name: Conductor
• Vessel Type: Wooden Schooner
• Year Built: 1849
• Builder: Constructed in Pigeon Bay, Ontario
• Rebuild: 1853 in Amherstburg, Ontario, modified to a three-mast topsail Schooner
• Tonnage: 250 Tonnage (Old Style)
• Cargo at Loss: Corn
• Final Disposition: Wrecked on November 24, 1854, during a storm on Lake Erie, driven aground on Long Point

Vessel Type Description

The Conductor was originally a two-mast wooden Schooner designed for freight transport. Its single-Deck configuration made it suitable for carrying agricultural commodities like flour and corn across the Great Lakes. After its 1853 Rebuild, the vessel was converted into a three-mast topsail Schooner, increasing its cargo capacity and versatility for longer voyages.

Construction and Early Operations:

The Schooner Conductor was built in 1849 in Pigeon Bay, Ontario, reflecting the growing demand for cargo vessels during the mid-19th century. Initially used for transporting flour between Sandwich, Ontario, and Buffalo, New York, the vessel played an active role in the regional trade economy.

Rebuild and Modifications:

In 1853, the Conductor underwent significant modifications in Amherstburg, Ontario. The addition of a third mast and topsail rigging increased its tonnage and sailing efficiency, preparing it for more ambitious voyages.

Final Voyage & Tragic Loss

• Date: November 24, 1854
• Route: Amherstburg, Ontario, to Toronto, Ontario
• Cargo: Corn

Incident Details:

The Conductor was caught in a severe blizzard while traversing Lake Erie. The storm’s ferocity, combined with obscured Visibility, caused the crew to lose sight of the Long Point Lighthouse. Powerful winds drove the vessel aground on the southern side of Long Point, approximately half a mile offshore.

As the storm battered the Schooner, the crew took refuge in the rigging to avoid being swept away by the freezing water. The vessel’s structure began to disintegrate under the relentless pounding of the waves, leaving the sailors stranded and at the mercy of the elements.

Heroic Rescue by Abigail Becker

Abigail quickly sprang into action, lighting a beach fire to both guide the stranded sailors and provide warmth to the freezing crew. However, as she watched, she realized the men were too weak to swim to shore on their own. Without hesitation, she waded into the icy waters, battling the freezing temperatures and treacherous waves to reach them. One by one, she carried each sailor to safety, undeterred by the storm’s brutal force. Against all odds, she successfully rescued every member of the crew.

Her incredible bravery did not go unnoticed. In recognition of her heroic actions, Abigail was awarded a medal by the American Life Saving Association. The Seamen’s Union presented her with $1,000 in gold as a token of their gratitude. The Canadian Parliament further honored her with a 100-acre land grant near Long Point, acknowledging her selfless courage. Among the many tributes she received, one particularly meaningful gift was a Bible, a symbol of the deep respect and admiration for her extraordinary heroism.

Final Disposition of the Vessel

The Conductor was declared a Total Loss. It sank during the storm and broke apart, leaving only remnants of its structure scattered near Long Point.

Legacy

The story of the Conductor and Abigail Becker remains a powerful testament to human courage and resilience. Her bravery has become an enduring symbol of the interconnectedness of Great Lakes communities and the selflessness often required in the face of maritime disasters.

Resources & Links

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes Database: Maritime History of the Great Lakes
• Great Lakes Ships: Archival details of 19th-century schooners.
• David Swayze Shipwreck File
• Local Historical Societies: Records of Long Point and the Becker family’s contributions.

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The wreck of the Schooner Conductor serves as a reminder of both the dangers of 19th-century Great Lakes shipping and the extraordinary bravery of individuals like Abigail Becker, whose actions turned tragedy into a tale of heroism.