Horace H. Badger (Formerly Gillett, Kate)

IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION

• Type: Schooner (Initially two-masted, later three-masted after Rebuild)

• Original Name: Gillett, Kate

• Later Name: Horace H. Badger

• Hull Material: Wood

• Official Number: 14164

• Final Disposition: Lost on June 11, 1903, after striking the Cleveland breakwall during a storm

VESSEL DIMENSIONS

• Length: 129.00 ft (39.32 m)

• Beam: 30.16 ft (9.19 m)

• Depth: 9.66 ft (2.94 m)

• Gross Tonnage: 263.51 tons

• Net Tonnage: 250.36 tons

HISTORY

Construction and Early Years

The Schooner Gillett, Kate was built in 1867 in Conneaut, Ohio, by J.J. Miller. It was initially rigged as a two-masted Schooner and registered in Cleveland, Ohio, receiving its first enrollment on August 1, 1867.

The vessel served as a testament to the craftsmanship of wooden shipbuilding in the Great Lakes during the late 19th century. It played an essential role in transporting goods, including coal and other cargo, across the lakes.

Rebuild and Name Change

The vessel underwent a significant transformation in 1882. After a wreck near Marinette, Wisconsin, it was Rebuilt in Chicago, Illinois. During this Rebuild, the Schooner was enlarged and converted from two masts to three, enhancing its cargo-carrying capacity. On November 2, 1882, its name was changed from Gillett, Kate to Horace H. Badger.

Ownership History

The Schooner changed hands multiple times over its service life. Some of the notable owners included:

• Captain A. Button et al

• Lake & Judson

• Taylor & Canfield

• T.W. Harvey

• L.S. Sullivan of Toledo, Ohio

Incidents and Resiliency

The Horace H. Badger was no stranger to adversity, surviving multiple wrecks before its final loss:

• September 1895: Declared lost near Cross Village, Michigan.

• September 1896: Declared lost near Alpena, Michigan.

Despite these incidents, the Schooner was salvaged and continued its service on the Great Lakes until its ultimate demise.

Final Voyage and Loss

On June 11, 1903, during a storm on Lake Erie, the Horace H. Badger struck the breakwall in Cleveland, Ohio. The vessel, carrying a cargo of coal, was lost. Despite the violent conditions, there were no fatalities among the crew. The wreckage marked the end of the Schooner’s eventful history.

SIGNIFICANCE

The Horace H. Badger represents the resilience of Great Lakes schooners during a time of evolving ship technology and challenging maritime conditions. Its repeated survival of wrecks and eventual loss illustrate the hazards faced by mariners on the Great Lakes, as well as the enduring importance of these vessels in regional commerce during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

REFERENCES & LINKS

• Great Lakes Ships

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes

• David Swayze Shipwreck File

• Bowling Green State University – Historical Vessel Collection

This detailed account provides a comprehensive look into the life of the Horace H. Badger, its significance in maritime history, and its place within the broader story of Great Lakes shipping.