M.J. Cummings – Maritime Owner in Oswego, New York

M.J. Cummings was a prominent figure in Oswego, New York, during the late 19th century, actively involved in the ownership and management of Great Lakes vessels. Cummings owned the schooner Cortez, a wooden cargo vessel designed for freight transport on the Great Lakes. Oswego, located on Lake Ontario, was a strategic port and shipping hub, making it an ideal base for maritime entrepreneurs like Cummings, who capitalized on the growing demand for bulk transport of commodities like grain, coal, and lumber.

Ownership of the Cortez

Under Cummings’ ownership, the Cortez played a vital role in the transport of grain across the lakes. In November 1880, the vessel was loaded with 19,000 bushels of wheat in Milwaukee and was en route to Oswego when it met a tragic end. The Cortez ran aground near Sandy Creek, roughly 20 miles east of Oswego, in a severe storm. Although the crew survived, the vessel and its cargo were lost. This disaster was significant not only for Cummings but also for the local economy, as the loss of the wheat cargo impacted the region.

Impact and Legacy

As an investor in Great Lakes shipping, M.J. Cummings contributed to the bustling maritime economy of Oswego and the broader Lake Ontario region. His ownership of the Cortez underscores the risks maritime investors faced due to the unpredictable conditions of the lakes. Figures like Cummings were crucial to the development of lake shipping during the 19th century, as they facilitated trade and commerce between Great Lakes ports, supporting the transport of essential goods and helping connect lakeside communities.

Cummings’ legacy, along with that of the Cortez, serves as a reminder of the economic impact and personal risks associated with Great Lakes shipping, where even well-prepared vessels were at the mercy of the elements. The story of the Cortez reflects the resilience and dedication of investors, crews, and maritime entrepreneurs who navigated these waters in pursuit of trade and opportunity.

Resources for Further Research

For additional insights into M.J. Cummings, Oswego’s maritime history, and the Cortez:

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes: A repository for historical data on Great Lakes shipwrecks and owners, including records on the Cortez

• Oswego Historical Society: Archives and resources on Oswego’s maritime economy in the 19th century

• Great Lakes Ships Database: Provides information on vessels owned by figures like M.J. Cummings