Schooner-Barge William Treat (1856–1883)

Identification & Site Information

• Name: William Treat
• Other Names: None
• Official Number: 26170
• Vessel Type at Loss: Wooden Schooner-Barge (originally built as a Brig)
• Builder: William Treat, Euclid, Ohio
• Year Built & Launched: 1856
• Specifications:  Length: 146 ft (44.5 m)  Beam: 35 ft (10.7 m)  Depth: 11 ft (3.4 m)
• Gross Tonnage: 389 GT
• Date Lost: October 3, 1883
• Location of Loss: Port Albert, Ontario (north of Goderich), Lake Huron
• Cause of Loss: Storm (became unmanageable and was Abandoned)
• Loss of Life: None
• Cargo at Time of Loss: Lumber

Vessel Description & Service History

The William Treat was a large, wooden Brig built in 1856 in Euclid, Ohio, by William Treat. Originally rigged as a Brig, she was later converted into a Schooner-Barge for bulk freight transport.  Part of the growing trend of Barge consorts, she operated under tow by steam tugs rather than relying solely on wind power. Primarily carried lumber, grain, and coal across Lake Huron, Lake Michigan, and Lake Erie. As steam-powered vessels took over long-distance transport, Schooner-barges like William Treat allowed steam tugs to haul multiple cargo-laden vessels efficiently, increasing profitability.  Owned by various interests during her career, she was operated on major timber and industrial trade routesbetween Michigan, Ohio, and Ontario.

Final Voyage & Loss (October 3, 1883)

On October 3, 1883, the William Treat was bound from Bay City, Michigan, to Detroit, carrying a load of lumber. She was in tow behind the Tug J.P. Clark, along with several other barges.  During a storm, she became unmanageable, wallowing heavily in the waves.  The Barge ahead of her, Seminole, was forced to cut her loose in order to save the rest of the tow.  She was Abandoned near Sand Beach (now Harbor Beach, Michigan) on September 27 and drifted for nearly a week.

Crew Survival & Rescue

Part of her crew paddled 20 miles to shore on a makeshift raft after she was Abandoned.  The remaining crew members and the wreck itself eventually came ashore on the Canadian side of Lake Huron on October 3.  No lives were lost, but the vessel was declared a Total Loss.

Final Disposition & Salvage

Declared a Total Loss due to storm damage.  No known salvage efforts.  Remains likely scattered or buried in shallow waters near Port Albert, Ontario.

Located By & Date Found

No confirmed modern discovery of the wreck site.  Possible wreckage may exist near Port Albert, Ontario.

NOTMARs & Advisories

Lake Huron’s “Shipwreck Alley” has claimed numerous vessels, particularly wooden Schooner-barges that were vulnerable when detached from their tow. Storms on Lake Huron could quickly overwhelm Barge consorts, especially when a crew had limited ability to maneuver without the power of a steam Tug.  The use of tow barges was efficient but dangerous, as seen in cases like William Treat, where an unmanageable vessel had to be cut loose to prevent further casualties.

Resources & Links

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes: http://www.maritimehistoryofthegreatlakes.ca
• Great Lakes Maritime Database (GLMD): https://greatlakeships.org
• David Swayze Shipwreck File: https://usace.contentdm.oclc.org
• Great Lakes Vessel Database (BGSU): https://greatlakes.bgsu.edu/vessels

Conclusion

The William Treat was a former Brig converted into a Schooner-Barge, part of a fleet of bulk cargo vessels operating under tow across the Great Lakes. Lost in a severe storm in 1883, she was Abandoned after being cut loose from her tow. Though her crew survived, her wreck remains undiscovered near Port Albert, Ontario. Her loss is a reminder of the risks faced by lumber schooners and tow barges on the Great Lakes.