EMILY (1840, Schooner)

Identification & Site Information:

• • Name: EMILY
• • Year Built: 1840
• • Vessel Type: Schooner
• • Hull Material: Wood
• • Number of Decks: 1
• • Tonnage: 108 tons (old measurement)
• • Final Location: Grand River, Ontario
• • Date of Loss: November 18, 1852
• • Cause of Loss: Wrecked in a great storm
• • Final Cargo: Wheat

Vessel Type Description:

The EMILY was a traditional wooden Schooner, a common sight on the Great Lakes during the mid-19th century. Schooners like the EMILY were prized for their speed and agility, especially in the unpredictable conditions of the Great Lakes. These vessels were essential to the growing commerce of the time, transporting goods such as wheat, coal, and staves between bustling ports from Buffalo to Detroit and beyond.

History:

The EMILY had a storied and eventful career on the Great Lakes, reflective of the challenges faced by mariners during the age of sail. Built in 1840 and first enrolled in Portland, the vessel quickly became a key player in the regional trade networks. However, her time on the lakes was marked by a series of mishaps and disasters.

In her early years, the EMILY suffered storm damage in Buffalo during a gale on October 2, 1840. Just two years later, on August 31, 1842, she collided with the Schooner ACORN on Lake Erie, resulting in the sinking of the ACORN and the loss of one life. Merely two months after that tragic incident, the EMILY herself capsized off Long Point, Lake Erie, on October 20, 1842, leading to the loss of eight lives.

Despite these early challenges, the vessel continued her service, shifting her registration to Sandusky, Ohio, by 1845. In 1846, the Schooner ran aground near Sleeping Bear Dunes on Lake Michigan but was successfully released and returned to service. By 1848, she was enrolled at Presque Isle and actively ran routes between Buffalo, Detroit, and Erie, carrying coal and staves.

The final chapter of EMILY’s life came in the fall of 1852. After going ashore at Fairport in October, she met her demise on November 18, 1852, wrecked near Grand River, Ontario, during a powerful storm. All hands were lost, marking a tragic end to the Schooner’s turbulent history.

Final Disposition:

The EMILY was completely wrecked in the storm of November 1852. With all crew lost and the vessel beyond salvage, she became one of the many ships claimed by the treacherous waters of the Great Lakes. Her final resting place near Grand River, Ontario, serves as a somber reminder of the perils faced by early mariners.

Located By & Date Found:

• Located By: No documented discovery of the wreck.
• Date Found: Unknown.

Notices to Mariners & Advisories:

• NOTMARs: None currently issued for this wreck site.
• Advisories: No specific advisories; however, divers should exercise caution when exploring historical wreck sites in Lake Ontario.

Resources & Links:

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes
• Great Lakes Ships Database
• David Swayze Shipwreck File
• C. Patrick Labadie Collection

Conclusion:

The EMILY’s story reflects both the promise and peril of maritime life on the Great Lakes in the 19th century. Her multiple mishaps and eventual loss highlight the unforgiving nature of the lakes, where even experienced sailors could fall victim to sudden storms and treacherous waters. Despite her tragic end, the EMILY played an essential role in the commerce and development of the region, and her legacy continues to be a part of Great Lakes maritime history.

Keywords: Great Lakes Shipwrecks, EMILY Schooner, Lake Erie Maritime History, 19th-Century Sailing Vessels, Presque Isle Schooners, Grand River Ontario Shipwrecks, Great Lakes Maritime Disasters.