The Schooner Col. A.B. Williams was a sturdy two-masted wooden vessel, well-suited to the demanding conditions of the Great Lakes. Built in 1856 by D. Rogers in Big Sodus, New York, this Schooner was a model of the craftsmanship common in the 19th century. Over her eight years of service, the Col. A.B. Williams traversed the Great Lakes carrying vital cargo between key ports, with coal being her primary freight at the time of her final voyage.

Specifications

• Type: Wooden Schooner, 2-masted

• Builder: D. Rogers, Big Sodus, New York

• Year Built: 1856

• Dimensions:

• Length: 110 feet (33.5 meters)

• Beam (Width): 24 feet (7.3 meters)

• Depth: 10 feet (3 meters)

• Tonnage: 342 tons (old style measurement)

Originally enrolled in Oswego, New York, the Schooner was later owned by Granger, Bates, and Morley, merchants from Big Sodus. By 1863, she was registered under the ownership of Morley & Brothers of Sodus, New York, with a registered tonnage of 242 tons (220 metric tonnes). Under the command of Captain Granger, with Captain Morley as the ship’s master, the vessel served a vital role in transporting cargo across the Great Lakes.

The Fateful Collision

On June 5, 1864, the Col. A.B. Williams set sail on what would become her final journey. She was bound for a port on Lake Huron, carrying a full load of coal. Around 3 a.m., as she sailed approximately 3 miles (4.8 kilometers) off Port Sanilac, Michigan, the Schooner collided with the ore-laden Bark Twilight. The collision was devastating: the force of impact split the Col. A.B. Williams’ Hull, and the ship quickly began to take on water, ultimately sinking to a depth of 85 feet (26 meters).

Miraculously, there were no casualties reported in the accident. The crew of the Col. A.B. Williams was rescued by a small boat launched from the Twilight. The quick response from the Twilight ensured that the Schooner’s crew members escaped safely from the rapidly sinking vessel.

Aftermath and Recovery

Following the wreck, a few personal items belonging to the crew floated to the surface. A Tugboat, the Prindiville, located and retrieved these items several days later, serving as solemn reminders of the Schooner’s sudden and tragic loss.

Legacy and Significance

The Col. A.B. Williams exemplified the reliable construction typical of schooners crafted by D. Rogers at Big Sodus. However, even this robust build could not prevent disaster on the often unpredictable waters of the Great Lakes. Nighttime navigation posed unique hazards, as Visibility was limited and the risk of collision with other vessels was heightened. In the case of the Col. A.B. Williams, the collision with the Twilight resulted in a rapid, irreversible sinking, underscoring the ever-present danger that sailors faced.

Today, the wreck of the Col. A.B. Williams rests in the cold depths of Lake Huron, approximately 85 feet (26 meters) below the surface, three miles (4.8 kilometers) from the shore. While no longer visible, the story of the Col. A.B. Williams lives on as part of Great Lakes maritime history, a reminder of both the resilience and vulnerability of schooners navigating these busy waters.

The incident involving the Col. A.B. Williams is more than just a historical footnote. It illustrates the precarious nature of 19th-century shipping on the Great Lakes, where skilled sailors, well-built vessels, and strategic planning often met the formidable power of the open water. This Schooner’s story, though one of loss, continues to highlight the challenges and risks of navigating the Great Lakes during an era when maritime transport was critical to regional economies and the livelihood of countless sailors.

References

1. Chicago Inter Ocean

“Two Schooners Collide with Fatal Effect in the Waters of Huron,” April 13, 1882.

Provides a detailed account of Schooner collisions in Lake Huron, including reports on the Col. A.B. Williams and other vessels.

2. Evening News, Detroit

“Down to Death,” April 12, 1882.

Offers coverage on maritime accidents and the dangers faced by schooners on the Great Lakes, with references to ship collisions and rescue efforts.

3. Port Huron Daily Times

“The Schooner Col. A.B. Williams Goes Down on Lake Huron And Four of The Crew Drowned,” April 12, 1882.

A local account that details the events surrounding the sinking and aftermath of shipwrecks in the region.

4. Detroit Free Press

“Collision on Lake Huron,” April 13, 1882.

This source provides insight into the risks of Lake Huron navigation and recounts eyewitness reports from incidents like the Col. A.B. Williams collision.

5. Inland Seas (Winter 1996, p. 276)

This publication by the Great Lakes Historical Society offers in-depth information on maritime history, shipwrecks, and underwater exploration of Great Lakes vessels.

6. Schooners in Peril by James L. Donahue

This book provides historical accounts of schooners on the Great Lakes, highlighting shipwrecks, rescues, and the perils of maritime life in the 19th century.

Online Resources

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes: maritimehistoryofthegreatlakes.ca A comprehensive digital archive of Great Lakes maritime history, including historical newspaper reports, ship registries, and accounts of shipwrecks.
• Great Lakes Shipwreck Preservation Society: Great Lakes Shipwreck Preservation Society An organization dedicated to preserving and documenting shipwrecks on the Great Lakes, with detailed resources on historic vessels like the Col. A.B. Williams.
• NOAA Marine Sanctuaries: NOAA Sanctuaries NOAA’s website includes information on marine sanctuaries like Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary, which preserves and studies shipwrecks in the Great Lakes.
• Great Lakes Shipwreck Research: Great Lakes Shipwrecks A resource focusing on the research and preservation of shipwrecks across the Great Lakes, featuring specific details on notable wrecks, history, and archaeological studies.
• Shipwreck Stories: shipwreckstories.com A site dedicated to recounting the tales of shipwrecks across the Great Lakes, including personal accounts, ship logs, and in-depth histories.
• 3DShipwrecks – Col A.B. Willams

3D Model – Col A.B. Williams

Col AB Williams by 3DShipwrecks on Sketchfab