Identification & Site Information

•Vessel Name: Gleniffer

•Type: Wooden Schooner

•Year Built: 1873

•Builder: Port Robinson, Ontario

•Owner (Original): James Norris, St. Catharines, Ontario

•Hull Material: Wood

•Decks: One

•Masts: Three

Dimensions and Tonnage

•Length: 134 feet (40.8 meters)

•Beam: 26.1 feet (8.0 meters)

•Depth: 11.5 feet (3.5 meters)

•Gross Tonnage: 338.41 tons

•Net Tonnage: 314.59 tons

Vessel Type Description

The Gleniffer was a three-masted wooden Schooner designed for cargo transportation across the Great Lakes. Its construction in Port Robinson and design reflect the era’s reliance on sailing vessels for regional trade. Over time, it served various owners and routes, often being towed by steamers to expedite voyages.

History

Operational Incidents

•August 1878: Sustained minor damage after a collision with the Schooner Grace Murray on Lake Huron.

•November 1880: Heavily damaged during a gale near Port Colborne, Ontario, while carrying a load of corn from Toledo, Ohio, to Kingston, Ontario.

•November 1882: Ran aground on Bird Island reef at the entrance to the Niagara River but was subsequently repaired in Port Robinson, Ontario.

•1883: Damaged in another Lake Erie gale.

Towage

The Gleniffer was frequently towed by steamers including:

•Lincoln

•Celtic

•L. Shickluna

•Lisgar

Grounding and Repairs

•November 1889: Ran ashore at Port Credit while en route from Charlotte to Toronto. The crew was rescued, and the vessel was later raised and sold to McSherry.

•1891: Underwent a significant Rebuild in Toronto.

Ownership Changes

•1898: Purchased by J.O. Nisbet of Detroit, Michigan, and registered with a home port in Sarnia, Ontario.

Final Incident

•Date: June 27, 1902

•Circumstances:

•The Gleniffer was being towed by the Steamer Seaman, alongside the vessel Lothair, when it collided with the Steamer Admiral near the S.E. Star Island dock in the St. Clair River.

•The collision caused the Gleniffer to sink.

•Aftermath:

•The wreck was deemed hazardous to navigation and later blown up by the U.S. Corps of Engineers to clear the waterway.

Significance

The Gleniffer exemplifies the evolution of maritime trade on the Great Lakes, from reliance on sail-powered vessels to the integration of steam-assisted towage. Its career, marked by frequent incidents and extensive repairs, reflects the challenges of operating wooden schooners in the harsh and unpredictable conditions of the Great Lakes.

Wreck Condition and Current Status

•The Gleniffer’s wreckage was destroyed by dynamite shortly after its sinking in 1902, leaving no significant remains.

•The precise location of the wreck is no longer accessible for diving or exploration.

Resources & Links

1.Maritime History of the Great Lakes: A detailed repository of the Schooner’s historical records and incidents.

2.David Swayze Shipwreck File: Comprehensive data on shipwrecks like the Gleniffer and their final incidents.

3.U.S. Corps of Engineers Reports: Documentation of the wreck clearance efforts in the St. Clair River.

Keywords

Gleniffer, Schooner, St. Clair River Shipwreck, Bird Island Reef, James Norris, Wooden Hull, Admiral Collision, Great Lakes Maritime History.