Identification & Site Information

• Name: Louis Wells (also recorded as Jarvis Wells or J. Wells in some records)
• Official Number: 14619
• Former Names: None officially documented, but alternate names noted in various sources
• Date Built and Launched: 1857
• Builder: Lewis Wells, Vermilion, Ohio
• Home Port at Time of Loss: East Saginaw, Michigan (Owned/operated by W. Ogden)
• Specifications:  Length: 123 ft (37.49 m) Beam (Width): 26 ft (7.92 m) Depth of Hold: 10 ft (3.05 m)
• Gross Tonnage: 209 tons
• Date Lost: November 19, 1879
• Place of Loss: Near Sand Beach (now Harbour Beach), Lake Huron, Michigan
• Type of Loss: Driven ashore and destroyed by storm
• Loss of Life: Reports vary, with 2 to 4 crew members lost
• Cargo at Time of Loss: Lumber

Vessel Type

The Louis Wells was a wooden Schooner-Barge, a vessel originally designed as a Schooner but later adapted—or built with the intention—to be towed by steam tugs. Schooner-barges retained masts and minimal rigging, often used to stabilize the vessel during heavy weather, but relied primarily on steam tugs for propulsion. This design was particularly common in the lumber trade, where fleets of barges could be towed in convoy, maximizing cargo transport efficiency across the Great Lakes.

Description

Built in 1857 by Lewis Wells in Vermilion, Ohio, the Louis Wells measured 123 feet in length, with a 26-foot beam and a 10-foot depth of hold, totaling 209 gross tons. Constructed during the height of the Great Lakes lumber boom, she was designed to transport large quantities of timber from Michigan’s heavily forested regions to industrial centers along the Great Lakes.

Her wooden Hull would have been crafted from durable hardwoods such as oak for structural integrity, with pine planking commonly used for flexibility and Lighter weight. Like many Schooner-barges of the era, she was likely towed by a steam-powered Tug while laden with cargo but could still operate under sail if needed.

Operational History

Operating primarily out of East Saginaw, Michigan, under the ownership of W. Ogden, the Louis Wells was an active participant in the Great Lakes lumber trade—one of the most significant industries in the region during the 19th century. Her voyages typically involved transporting lumber from Michigan’s dense forests to urban centers like Chicago, Cleveland, and Buffalo, where rapid industrialization and population growth drove immense demand for building materials.

Throughout her career, she may have also operated under the names Jarvis Wells or J. Wells, reflecting either informal naming conventions, changes in ownership, or clerical variations in shipping registries.

Final Voyage and Loss

On November 19, 1879, while carrying a load of lumber, the Louis Wells was caught in a severe gale on Lake Huronnear Sand Beach, now known as Harbour Beach, Michigan. This area of Lake Huron is notorious for its treacherous shoals and exposure to strong storms, particularly during the volatile late-autumn shipping season.

The vessel was driven ashore by the storm, and relentless waves began to pound her wooden Hull to pieces. Despite efforts by the crew to manage the situation, the combination of high winds, massive waves, and freezing conditions made survival and rescue efforts extremely challenging.

Tragically, 2 to 4 crew members lost their lives in the wreck. The exact number of fatalities varies in historical records, possibly due to inconsistent reporting or the chaotic nature of the storm. The survivors likely endured harrowing conditions before being rescued, possibly with assistance from the U.S. Life-Saving Service, which operated along the Lake Huron coast during this period.

Final Disposition

The Louis Wells was declared a Total Loss shortly after the incident. Given the extent of the destruction—described as being “pounded to pieces”—there would have been little left to salvage beyond scattered wreckage and any recoverable cargo or hardware.

The remains of the vessel likely settled in shallow waters near Harbor Beach, though the shifting sands and strong currents of Lake Huron may have buried or dispersed the wreckage over time.

Located By & Date Found

Nil – No confirmed discovery of the wreck has been reported. However, the Harbor Beach area is known for numerous shipwrecks, and remnants of the Louis Wells may still exist beneath the lake’s shifting sands.

NOTMARs & Advisories

Harbor Beach (formerly Sand Beach) is known for its reefs and shallow waters, which have claimed many vessels over the years.

Mariners are advised to exercise caution when navigating near the shoreline, especially in adverse weather conditions.

Resources & Links

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes
• Great Lakes Vessels Database (BGSU)
• David Swayze Shipwreck File
• U.S. Life-Saving Service Heritage Association
• Harbour Beach Maritime Museum

Suggested Keywords, Categories, and Glossary Terms

Keywords: Louis Wells, Jarvis Wells, schooner-barge, Lake Huron shipwreck, Harbour Beach wreck, Sand Beach maritime history, Great Lakes lumber trade

Categories: Shipwrecks of Lake Huron, 19th Century Maritime Disasters, Great Lakes Schooner-Barges, Storm-related Shipwrecks

Glossary Terms:

• Schooner-Barge: A vessel originally built as a Schooner or designed to resemble one but primarily used as a Barge towed by steam tugs.
• Driven Ashore: A maritime term describing a vessel pushed onto land or shallow areas by wind and waves, often resulting in wreckage.
• Pounded to Pieces: A phrase describing the destruction of a vessel due to relentless wave action after being grounded.
• U.S. Life-Saving Service: A federal agency (predecessor to the U.S. Coast Guard) responsible for rescuing shipwrecked mariners along U.S. coastlines, including the Great Lakes.

Conclusion

The Louis Wells exemplifies the dangers of Great Lakes shipping during the 19th century, particularly for vessels engaged in the lumber trade—an industry that fueled the rapid growth of cities across the Midwest. Her loss near Harbor Beach in 1879 highlights the devastating impact of autumn storms on vulnerable wooden vessels. Despite the tragedy, the survival of some crew members and the enduring historical records of her service help preserve the story of the Louis Wells within the rich tapestry of Great Lakes maritime history.