Identification & Site Information:

• Name: Charles J. Kershaw (commonly referred to as Kershaw)
• Type: Steam Screw Vessel
• Built: 1874, Bangor, Michigan
• Home Port: Cleveland, Ohio
• •ncident: Wrecked on Chocolay Reef near Marquette, Michigan, during the storm of September 30, 1895.

Vessel Type Description:

The Kershaw was a Steam Screw Vessel, a type of cargo ship propelled by a single screw (propeller) powered by steam. Built in the mid-19th century, the vessel was designed for heavy freight transport across the Great Lakes. Steam screw vessels of this era represented the transition from sail-powered ships to mechanically propelled cargo carriers, crucial for moving large loads of materials such as ore, coal, or lumber.

Incident Details:

On September 30, 1895, the Charles J. Kershaw encountered one of the Great Lakes’ most violent storms, which ravaged the region. Near Chocolay Reef, south of Marquette, Michigan, the ship ran aground amidst treacherous conditions. The storm caused the vessel to break in two, severely damaging its structure.

The wreck endangered the lives of the 13 individuals onboard, who narrowly escaped drowning. The survival of the crew was a testament to their resilience and the swift response during the emergency.

Salvage Efforts:

Following the disaster, salvage operations were led by Captain Hemminger using the wrecking Steamer FERN. Efforts included:

•Utilizing dynamite to dismantle the vessel’s machinery and other valuable components.

•Recovering and raising the salvaged parts for resale, ensuring some economic recovery from the catastrophic loss of the ship.

Final Disposition:

The Kershaw was a Total Loss, with its remains left on Chocolay Reef. The dismantling of machinery and salvage work by Captain Hemminger marked the final chapter of the ship’s service.

Located By & Date:

The wreck site of the Kershaw is known to be near Chocolay Reef, but no modern records detail further exploration or mapping of the site.

Resources & Links:

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes
• David Swayze Shipwreck File
• US Coast Guard Historical Archives
• 3DShipwrecks – Charles J. Kershaw

3D Model – Charles J. Kersaw

Charles Kershaw by 3DShipwrecks on Sketchfab

Conclusion:

The story of the Kershaw underscores the challenges of navigating the Great Lakes during severe storms. Its loss near Chocolay Reef highlights the vulnerability of 19th-century vessels to nature’s forces and the resourcefulness of salvage crews like Captain Hemminger’s, who turned disaster into an opportunity for recovery.