Identification & Site Information:

• Name: J. Emory Owen (later renamed F.A. Meyer)

• Former Names: J. Emory Owen

• Builder: Detroit Dry Dock Company, Detroit, Michigan

• Date Built: 1888

• Measurements (original and after Rebuild):

• Length: 256.4 ft (78.2 m) / 256.33 ft (78.1 m)

• Beam: 38.5 ft (11.7 m) / 38.42 ft (11.7 m)

• Depth: 19.8 ft (6.0 m) / 15.66 ft (4.8 m)

• Gross Tonnage: 1739.53 tons / 1264 tons

• Net Tonnage: 1292.47 tons / 1034 tons

• Cargo Capacity: 2700 tons

• Date Lost: December 18, 1909

• Location of Wreck: 22 miles east of Southeast Shoal, Lake Erie

• Cause of Sinking: Foundered due to ice damage

• Crew: Rescued by the propeller Mapleton

Vessel Type:

The J. Emory Owen/F.A. Meyer was a wooden bulk freighter, designed for the transport of heavy cargoes like lumber and other bulk goods. Its robust triple-expansion steam engine and scotch boilers made it a reliable vessel for long-haul trips across the Great Lakes.

Description:

Construction and Early Years

The vessel began service as the J. Emory Owen, constructed in 1888 by the Detroit Dry Dock Company, a significant shipbuilder in Michigan during the late 19th century. The freighter was built to accommodate the growing demand for bulk cargo transport on the Great Lakes, a critical artery for the Midwest’s industrial and agricultural economy.

In 1905, the vessel was renamed F.A. Meyer after undergoing a substantial Rebuild in Buffalo, New York. This marked a significant shift in its career, equipping it for continued service despite the challenges it had already faced.

Notable Incidents:

1. 1891: Machinery breakdown at Sault Sainte Marie, Michigan.

2. 1895: Ran aground near Lakeside, Illinois, losing its consort, the Nicholson.

3. 1898: Grounded twice—once on Grosse Point in the Detroit River and again near Middle Island in Lake Huron.

4. 1903: Partially burned and sank in Sturgeon Bay Ship Canal, Lake Michigan, but was salvaged.

5. December 18, 1909: Encountered ice in Lake Erie and Foundered.

Final Voyage and Sinking:

The F.A. Meyer departed Boyne City, Michigan, for Buffalo, New York, carrying a load of lumber. Navigating through the icy waters of Lake Erie proved disastrous. The ship succumbed to the pressure of the ice 22 miles east of Southeast Shoal. Thanks to the timely arrival of the propeller Mapleton, the crew survived. However, the ship was a Total Loss, marking the end of its storied service.

Historical Significance:

The J. Emory Owen/F.A. Meyer exemplifies the challenges of navigating the Great Lakes during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. As a wooden bulk freighter, it served during a transformative period in maritime history when steel ships began to replace wooden ones. The vessel’s endurance through multiple rebuilds and accidents highlights the resilience of Great Lakes mariners and their vessels in the face of adversity.

Located By & Date Found:

Specific details about the wreck’s discovery or exploration are not documented. Its resting site in Lake Erie remains an area of interest for researchers and divers.

NOTMARs & Advisories:

• Hazards: The site may be dangerous due to submerged wreckage and strong lake currents.

• Advisories: Seasonal ice and weather conditions can affect navigation in the area.

Resources & Links:

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes

• David Swayze Shipwreck File

• Bowling Green State University Great Lakes Archives

Conclusion:

The story of the J. Emory Owen/F.A. Meyer reflects the hardships of maritime trade in the Great Lakes. From construction in Detroit to its tragic demise in Lake Erie, the vessel played an integral role in transporting goods vital to regional economies. Its sinking in 1909 underscores the dangers faced by those who worked these waters, particularly during the harsh winter months. Today, the legacy of the F.A. Meyer endures as a symbol of resilience and determination in Great Lakes maritime history.