The Scow-Schooner S.B. Conklin: A Story of Service and Loss on Lake Erie

Identification & Site Information

• • Vessel Name: S.B. Conklin
• • Vessel Type: Scow-Schooner
• • Built By: Parsons
• • Place of Construction: Vermilion, Ohio
• • Year Built: 1867
• • Dimensions:
• • Length: 88 feet (26.8 meters)
• • Beam: 21 feet (6.4 meters)
• • Depth: 7 feet (2.1 meters)
• • Gross Tonnage: 101.20 tons
• • Final Resting Place: Black River, near Lorain, Lake Erie
• • Date of Sinking: May 1883

Vessel Type Description

The S.B. Conklin was a wooden scow-Schooner, designed for transporting heavy cargoes such as limestone. With its flat-bottomed Hull, the vessel was well-suited for operations in shallow waters and ports along the Great Lakes. Scow-schooners like the S.B. Conklin were integral to the stone trade, particularly in regions like Kelley’s Island, where limestone quarrying was a major industry.

History

Construction and Early Years (1867):

• Built in Vermilion, Ohio, by Parsons, the S.B. Conklin was constructed to meet the growing demand for cargo transport on the Great Lakes. Its design reflected the utilitarian needs of the stone trade, emphasizing durability and capacity.

Role in the Stone Trade:

• • The S.B. Conklin served as a vital link between Kelley’s Island and Cleveland, transporting limestone essential for construction and industry.
• • Owned by multiple stakeholders, including Durand and Captain Thomas Sanders, the vessel became a familiar sight along the Lake Erie coastline.

The Fateful Storm (May 1883)

Encountering the Squall:

• • While en route during one of its regular trips, the S.B. Conklin was caught in a sudden and severe storm near Black River, close to Lorain.
• • Seeking shelter, the Schooner attempted to find safety but ran aground on the rocky shore. The impact caused significant damage to the vessel.

Salvage Efforts:

• • Two steam pumps were deployed, and the Tug BOLTON provided assistance in a desperate attempt to save the vessel.
• • Despite these efforts, the storm’s intensity and the vessel’s weakened state overwhelmed the crew.

Tragic End:

• During the night, the S.B. Conklin broke apart under the relentless force of the storm. The steam pumps onboard were also lost, sealing the vessel’s fate.

Final Disposition

The S.B. Conklin rests at the bottom of Lake Erie, near Black River. Its remains have become part of the underwater landscape, marking the site of its final stand against the elements.

Legacy and Historical Impact

Maritime Challenges:

• The sinking of the S.B. Conklin highlights the inherent risks of maritime trade on the Great Lakes during the 19th century. Sudden storms, treacherous waters, and limited safety measures posed constant threats to vessels and their crews.

Cultural Significance:

• The story of the S.B. Conklin serves as a reminder of the bravery and resilience of the sailors who worked tirelessly to sustain commerce and industry on the Great Lakes.

Lessons for Modern Mariners:

• The vessel’s demise underscores the importance of maritime preparedness and the need for advanced safety protocols, lessons that continue to resonate in today’s shipping practices.

Resources & References

• Great Lakes Ships: Comprehensive historical data on vessels.

• David Swayze Shipwreck Files: Detailed accounts of Great Lakes shipwrecks.

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Archival records and historical insights.

Conclusion

The sinking of the S.B. Conklin is a poignant chapter in the Maritime History of the Great Lakes. From its role in the stone trade to its tragic end in a fierce storm, the vessel’s journey reflects both the promise and peril of Great Lakes navigation. Resting near Black River, the S.B. Conklin continues to evoke the courage and tenacity of those who braved these waters in pursuit of opportunity and progress.