Hannah Counter – Comprehensive Historical Overview

Identification & Site Information

• Name: Hannah Counter
• Vessel Type: Two-Masted Wooden Schooner
• Year Built: Pre-1846 (exact year unknown)
• Built At: Garden Island, Ontario
• Builder: Calvin Cook & Co.
• Master Carpenter: John Counter
• Original Owner: Dexter D. Calvin, Garden Island, Ontario
• Registry Location: Canada

Construction and Specifications

• Hull Material: Wood
• Number of Decks: 1
• Rigging: Schooner with square Stern
• Dimensions: Length: 91.1 feet (27.8 m) Beam (Width): 17.9 feet (5.5 m) Depth: 9.6 feet (2.9 m)
• Tonnage (Old Style): 136 tons
• Masts: 2

Chronology and Operational History

• 1846 – Rebuilt: The Hannah Counter underwent significant repairs or upgrades in March 1846, likely to maintain seaworthiness and adapt to changing shipping demands.
• 1848 – Ashore at Sandusky, OH (April 18): The Schooner went ashore near Sandusky, Ohio, during a voyage but was salvaged and returned to service.
• 1848 – Ownership Change: By September 16, 1848, the vessel was owned by Timothy Dunn, reflecting the common practice of vessels frequently changing ownership as trade routes and economic needs shifted.
• 1850 – Ashore at Huron, OH (November 8): While carrying a cargo of Pig Iron and Railroad Iron, the Schooner ran ashore near Huron, Ohio. This incident highlights its role in transporting industrial cargo vital to the expanding North American railway industry.
• 1851 – Final Wreck at Long Point (October 5):

The Hannah Counter met its end near Long Point, Lake Erie, after being wrecked in a storm. Tragically, three lives were lost in the incident.

Final Disposition

• Date of Loss: October 5, 1851
• Cause: Wrecked in a storm
• Location: Near Long Point, Lake Erie
• Casualties: 3 crew members lost

The Schooner was likely overwhelmed by rough weather, a frequent hazard for Great Lakes vessels in the mid-19th century. Long Point was notorious for shipwrecks due to its shallow waters and unpredictable storms.

Trade and Role

The Hannah Counter primarily operated on Lake Ontario and Lake Erie, carrying bulk goods such as timber, iron, and other cargo essential to the Great Lakes economy. Its frequent runs between Canadian and U.S. ports made it a critical part of the regional trade network.

Ownership and Builders

• Dexter D. Calvin: Original owner and part of the Kingston Stave Forwarding Company, which dominated lumber and stave shipping in the region.
• Calvin Cook & Co: The shipyard on Garden Island responsible for its construction. Cook’s shipyard was a key player in 19th-century shipbuilding in the Kingston area, producing robust schooners for the growing Great Lakes trade.
• John Counter: A respected master carpenter, likely responsible for the ship’s sturdy design. Counter’s expertise contributed to Garden Island’s reputation for high-quality vessel construction.

Significance

The Hannah Counter exemplifies the vital role of schooners in mid-19th-century Great Lakes commerce. It served as a multipurpose cargo carrier, reflecting the rapid economic growth of the Great Lakes region during this era. Its loss at Long Point highlights the hazards faced by mariners navigating these unpredictable waters.

Sources and References

• Canadian Registers
• Erik Heyl: Early American Steamers
• Maritime History of the Great Lakes
• Great Lakes Ships
• C. Patrick Labadie Collection: A significant archive of maritime history, particularly Great Lakes vessels.