Identification & Site Information

•Wreck Name: AINSWORTH (possibly H. AINSWORTH)

•Type: Wooden Schooner

•Build Year: Possibly 1842 (constructed by Luther Moses in Cleveland, Ohio)

•Location: Near Fort Ontario, Oswego, New York, Lake Ontario

•Date of Incident: November 20, 1846

•Condition: Total wreck due to storm damage; dismasted and thrown onto beam ends

•Cargo: Salt, destined for Cleveland, Ohio

Vessel Type Description

The AINSWORTH was a wooden Schooner, a versatile vessel type widely used in the 19th century for transporting goods across the Great Lakes. Schooners like the AINSWORTH were known for their agility and capacity, enabling them to carry diverse cargoes such as lumber, grain, and salt between ports. These vessels were integral to Great Lakes trade during this period, often braving severe weather to maintain commerce.

History

The Storm of November 20, 1846

The AINSWORTH was moored at the West Pier in Oswego, New York, awaiting calmer weather before continuing its journey to Cleveland with a cargo of salt. A sudden and severe northwest gale developed, overpowering the Schooner’s moorings. The vessel was blown off course and collided with rocks near Fort Ontario.

•Damage Details:

•The AINSWORTH was dismasted and thrown onto its beam ends.

•The Schooner was rendered a Total Loss.

Another vessel, the Canadian Schooner GRAMPUS, was wrecked alongside the AINSWORTH during the same storm. Carrying a heavy load of oak timber, the GRAMPUS broke amidships and was declared a complete loss.

Rescue Efforts

The crews of both vessels were rescued the following morning by members of the Revenue Cutter Service using a Yawl from their Cutter. No lives were lost, which was a fortunate outcome given the intensity of the storm.

Possible Connection to H. AINSWORTH

There is mention of a Schooner named H. AINSWORTH, built in 1842 by Luther Moses in Cleveland, Ohio. It is possible this was the same vessel, though conclusive evidence connecting the two records is lacking.

Final Disposition

The AINSWORTH was declared a Total Loss after its wreck near Fort Ontario. There is no record of salvage or recovery efforts for the vessel, suggesting that it remained at the site of the wreck.

NOTMARs & Advisories

No current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) pertain to the wreck of the AINSWORTH. The wreck is believed to have deteriorated over time, with no modern reports documenting its exact location or condition.

Resources & Links

1.David Swayze Shipwreck File: Shipwreck Data

2.Maritime History of the Great Lakes Website: Historical Archive

3.Buffalo Courier: November 24, 1846 (Historical Newspaper)

4.Onondaga Gazette: Baldwinsville, N.Y., November 30, 1846 (Historical Newspaper)

5.The Argus, Kingston: December 1, 1846 (Historical Newspaper)

Keywords

AINSWORTH, H. AINSWORTH, Schooner, Lake Ontario shipwreck, Oswego, Fort Ontario, Great Lakes maritime history, 19th-century storms, GRAMPUS wreck, Revenue Cutter Service.

Conclusion

The loss of the AINSWORTH in November 1846 underscores the harsh realities faced by schooners on the Great Lakes during the 19th century. While the vessel’s exact origins and potential connection to the H. AINSWORTH remain unclear, its wreck near Fort Ontario provides a vivid reminder of the challenges of early maritime commerce. The dramatic rescue of the crews highlights the bravery and dedication of the Revenue Cutter Service during this turbulent era in Great Lakes history.