Wreck Report: Schooner C.H. JOHNSON

Identification & Site Information

•Vessel Name: C.H. JOHNSON

•Vessel Type: Schooner

•Date Built: 1870

•Place Built: Marine City, Michigan

•Home Port: Cleveland, Ohio

•Owner: Capt. Henderson

•Tonnage:

•Gross: 332.47 tons

•Net: 315.85 tons

•Dimensions:

•Length: 137.2 feet (41.8 meters)

•Width: 26.1 feet (7.96 meters)

•Depth: 12.0 feet (3.66 meters)

•Cargo at Time of Loss: Stone

•Valuation: $4,000

Incident Summary

•Date of Incident: September 23, 1895

•Location: Near Gros Cap

•Time: Approximately 2:00 a.m.

•Cause: Struck a rock

•Final Disposition: Vessel broke apart

•Casualties: None; all crew members were rescued.

Vessel Type Description

The C.H. JOHNSON was a Schooner designed for carrying bulk cargoes such as stone, a common load for vessels operating on the Great Lakes during the late 19th century. With a robust construction typical of its era, the Schooner had significant carrying capacity and operated efficiently in the demanding conditions of Great Lakes shipping.

History

Built in 1870 in Marine City, Michigan, the C.H. JOHNSON was registered in Cleveland, Ohio, and served primarily as a cargo Schooner on the Great Lakes. Owned by Capt. Henderson, the vessel was employed in transporting materials such as stone and other bulk goods.

On September 23, 1895, while en route with a load of stone, the C.H. JOHNSON struck a rock near Gros Cap in the early hours of the morning. The collision caused the vessel to break apart. Despite the significant damage, all crew members were safely rescued, avoiding loss of life. The Schooner was valued at $4,000 at the time of its loss.

Final Disposition

The C.H. JOHNSON broke apart upon striking the rock and was a Total Loss. While its exact final resting place near Gros Cap remains significant in maritime history, there are no records of salvage or recovery of the vessel.

Resources & Links

•Maritime History of the Great Lakes Database: Maritime History of the Great Lakes

•David Swayze Shipwreck File: David Swayze Shipwreck File

•Great Lakes Shipwreck Database: Great Lakes Ships

Conclusion

The loss of the C.H. JOHNSON serves as a poignant reminder of the risks faced by Great Lakes vessels during the 19th century. Though the Schooner was a Total Loss, the survival of her crew underscores the resilience of those who operated these vessels. The C.H. JOHNSONremains a part of Great Lakes maritime history, representing the challenges and dangers of early cargo shipping.

Keywords

•Great Lakes Schooner

•Gros Cap wreck

•19th-century shipping loss

•Stone cargo vessel

•Maritime history