Identification & Site Information

• Name: G.M. ABELL (Other Names: JOHN YOUNG, GEORGE M. ABELL, ABLE)

• Official Number: 10219 (as GEORGE M. ABELL)

• Type: Brigantine / Schooner

• Built: 1853, by J. & J. Abbey in Port Robinson, Ontario

• Dimensions:

• Length: 97 feet 5 inches (29.7 meters)

• Beam: 20 feet 3 inches (6.2 meters)

• Depth: 9 feet 5 inches (2.9 meters)

• Tonnage:

• 198 tons (as JOHN YOUNG)

• 146.51 tons (as GEORGE M. ABELL)

• Home Ports:

• Dunkirk, Ontario

• Cleveland, Ohio

• Hamilton, Ontario

• Final Location: Lake Erie (exact wreck site unknown)

Vessel Type Description

The G.M. ABELL, originally built as the JOHN YOUNG, was a wooden Brigantine Schooner. Its carvel construction and standing bowsprit made it a versatile cargo vessel suitable for the rough conditions of the Great Lakes. With two masts and a robust design, the vessel was commonly employed for transporting goods across the lakes, enduring years of service and multiple incidents.

History

Construction and Early Service:

• 1853: Built by J. & J. Abbey in Port Robinson, Ontario, and launched as the JOHN YOUNG. Registered as a Class C vessel with a tonnage of 198 tons, it served ports in Ontario and Ohio, including Dunkirk, Hamilton, and Cleveland.

• 1858 Incident: Capsized off Erie, Pennsylvania. The crew was rescued, and the vessel was towed to Buffalo by the Steamer Missouri.

• 1861 Incident: Sprang a leak on Lake Erie, underwent repairs, and later collided with the Brig Walbridge near Bar Point. Both vessels were repaired.

Transition and Renaming:

• 1864: Renamed GEORGE M. ABELL (or ABLE) under new ownership by James Murray in Dunkirk, Ontario. Continued as a cargo vessel, transporting goods across the Great Lakes.

• 1871: Re-registered in the U.S. with a tonnage of 146.51 tons under the official number 10219. Operated out of Cleveland, Ohio.

Final Voyage:

• August 29, 1871: The vessel encountered a severe storm on Lake Erie. Unable to withstand the weather, the G.M. ABELL broke apart, marking the end of its nearly two-decade career. Specific details of the incident, including salvage attempts or crew fate, remain undocumented.

Final Disposition

The G.M. ABELL was lost in a storm on Lake Erie on August 29, 1871, breaking apart in the violent weather. The exact location of the wreck remains unknown, with no formal discovery or documentation of its final resting place.

Legacy

The history of the G.M. ABELL is emblematic of the challenges faced by mid-19th-century maritime vessels on the Great Lakes. Its series of incidents, including capsizing, leaks, collisions, and eventual loss, reflect the perilous nature of navigation during that era. Despite its ultimate demise, the vessel’s nearly 20 years of service stand as a testament to its resilience and the skill of its builders.

Resources & Links

1. Great Lakes Ships: Historical data on vessels operating in the region.

2. Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Detailed records of Great Lakes maritime history.

3. David Swayze Shipwreck File: Comprehensive database of shipwrecks and maritime incidents.

Tags

#GreatLakesShipwrecks #LakeErie #Brigantine #Schooner #MaritimeHistory #ShipwreckResearch

Conclusion

The G.M. ABELL, built as the JOHN YOUNG, was a hardworking vessel that embodied the economic and industrial importance of Great Lakes shipping during the mid-19th century. Its service life, marked by resilience in the face of multiple incidents, highlights the challenging conditions of the time. The vessel’s loss in 1871 remains a poignant reminder of the risks faced by mariners and the unforgiving power of the Great Lakes.