Identification & Site Information

•Name: Henry Doville (also known as H. Dovell, Doveil)

•Vessel Type: Wooden Schooner

•Tonnage: 67 tons

•Built: 1844 by H. Doville in Big Sodus, NY

•Homeport: Oswego, NY

•Owned By: Wm Hunter & Co., Sodus, NY

•Cargo: Approximately 4,000 bushels of wheat

•Sinking Date: October 18, 1855

•Location: Off Oak Orchard, NY, Lake Ontario

•Coordinates: [GPS coordinates currently unavailable]

•Depth: [Depth not documented]

Vessel Type Description

The Henry Doville was a classic wooden Schooner with fore-and-aft rigging on two masts, a design highly valued for its maneuverability and speed. Its relatively modest size and 67-ton capacity made it ideal for transporting medium-sized loads, such as grain, across the Great Lakes. This vessel type was an integral part of mid-19th-century commerce, allowing for efficient cargo transportation between ports.

History

Construction and Purpose: Built in 1844 by its namesake in Big Sodus, NY, the Henry Doville was one of many schooners that sustained the bustling maritime trade on the Great Lakes. Operating out of Oswego, NY, the ship served a vital role in moving essential goods like wheat, coal, and lumber between the ports.

Final Voyage: On October 18, 1855, while en route from Toronto to Oswego with a cargo of approximately 4,000 bushels of wheat, the Henry Doville encountered a powerful storm on Lake Ontario near Oak Orchard, NY. The storm inflicted severe damage on the vessel, causing it to leak uncontrollably. Despite the crew’s efforts to manage the crisis, the ship succumbed to the storm’s ferocity and sank. All crew members tragically lost their lives, a somber reminder of the perils faced by sailors during the region’s storm-prone autumn months.

Located By & Date

The wreck of the Henry Doville has not yet been located. Its final resting place remains a mystery, continuing to intrigue maritime historians and underwater archaeologists.

Resources & Links

•David Swayze Shipwreck File: For further details on the Henry Doville and other Great Lakes shipwrecks.

•Great Lakes Maritime History Resources: A repository of historical information on Great Lakes shipping.

•Lake Ontario Shipwrecks – Great Lakes Now: Insights into Lake Ontario’s maritime history and shipwrecks.

•Minnesota Historical Society – Shipwreck Archives: Explore maritime history resources.

Conclusion

The Henry Doville represents the hazards faced by Great Lakes mariners in the mid-19th century, particularly during stormy seasons. The tragedy of its loss and the ongoing mystery of its wreck location emphasize the challenging nature of maritime operations in the Great Lakes region. The Henry Doville remains a topic of significant interest for historians and shipwreck hunters alike.

Keywords

Henry Doville, Wooden Schooner, Lake Ontario, Shipwreck, Great Lakes Maritime History, Oak Orchard NY, 19th Century Shipping, Wheat Transport, Great Lakes Storms, Maritime Tragedy