IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION

• Vessel Name: WILLIAM R. HANNA (also known as W.R. HANNA)
• Type: Scow-Schooner
• Builder: W. Hanna, Sandusky, Ohio
• Year Built: 1857
• Official Number: 26669
• Dimensions: Length: 86 feet (26.2 meters) Beam: 22 feet (6.7 meters) Depth: 6 feet (1.8 meters)
• Gross Tonnage: 103
• Location: Kelleys Island, Lake Erie
• Coordinates: N 41° 37.091’, W 82° 40.849’
• Depth at Wreck Site: 8 feet (3 meters)

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION

The W.R. HANNA was a scow-Schooner, a type of flat-bottomed sailing vessel designed for hauling heavy cargo, particularly in shallow waters like those found in Lake Erie. Built from wood, the vessel featured a robust but simple design suited for transporting bulk goods, such as limestone and ice, across the Great Lakes. The vessel’s flat bottom and wide beam provided stability, although it was more vulnerable to capsizing in squalls.

HISTORY

The W.R. HANNA was launched in 1857 and operated for nearly three decades, primarily in the Great Lakes region. The vessel had several owners throughout its service life, reflecting the high demand for durable cargo vessels during this era.

Notable Incidents

• November 1870: While en route from Saugatuck to Chicago, the W.R. HANNA capsized in a squall off Milwaukee. The crew was rescued by the Schooner TWO CHARLIES, and the vessel was towed into Milwaukee Harbor by the U.S. Revenue Cutter ANDREW JOHNSON. Further damage occurred when the Bark CLYDE struck the capsized ship. Despite reports of a Total Loss, the W.R. HANNA was salvaged and repaired. At the time, the vessel was owned by A.H. Peer of Port Huron and commanded by Captain Dix.
• November 14, 1886 (possibly October 14):The vessel met its final fate in the north bay of Kelleys Island, Lake Erie, during a violent storm with wind gusts of up to 60 mph. While carrying a cargo of limestone blocks, the W.R. HANNA was driven ashore and wrecked. The crew clung to the main rigging as the ship rolled over, just 500 feet from shore. Their cries for help went unheard during the night, but they were rescued at daybreak by the Propeller Steamer H. LOUELLA WORTHINGTON. At the time, the vessel was owned by Captain Bedford and commanded by Captain Frank Provonsharack.

FINAL DISPOSITION

The W.R. HANNA was last reported wrecked near Kelleys Island in 1886, although it was salvaged following the incident. Its ultimate fate after recovery remains unclear, with no records of further service.

CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY

The wreck site lies in 8 feet (3 meters) of water near Kelleys Island in Lake Erie. The shallow depth makes it accessible for snorkelers and divers, although the wreck’s wooden structure has likely deteriorated over time due to the lake’s environmental conditions. Some remnants may still be visible, offering insight into the construction and design of 19th-century scow-schooners.

RESOURCES & LINKS

• David Swayze Shipwreck File: Comprehensive historical records and details of the W.R. HANNA.
• Great Lakes Historical Society: Archival materials and shipwreck records for vessels like the W.R. HANNA.
• Ohio Shipwrecks: https://www.ohioshipwrecks.org/shipwreckdetail.php?Wreck=17
• NOAA Great Lakes Environmental Research: Information on conditions affecting wreck sites in Lake Erie.
• Great Lakes Ships – W.R. Hanna C. Labadie Collection
• Wikipedia – Kellys Island
• Google Maps – Kellys Island

CONCLUSION

The W.R. HANNA, also known as the WILLIAM R. HANNA, was a resilient scow-Schooner that navigated the Great Lakes for nearly 30 years. Despite enduring multiple incidents, including capsizing and collisions, the vessel was salvaged and repaired repeatedly until its final wreck in 1886 near Kelleys Island. The site serves as a historical reminder of the challenges faced by 19th-century mariners and the importance of scow-schooners in Great Lakes commerce.

KEYWORDS

W.R. HANNA, William R. Hanna, Scow-Schooner, Kelleys Island Shipwreck, Great Lakes History, Lake Erie Shipwrecks, Limestone Transport Vessel, 19th-Century Maritime History, Swayze Shipwreck File.