IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION

• Name: J.C. Lockwood (later renamed Case)

• Type: Wooden-Hulled Propeller Freighter

• Other Names: Case

• Built: 1889, Cleveland, Ohio

• Builder: Thomas Quayle & Sons

• Tonnage:

• Gross: 2,278 tons

• Net: 1,901 tons

• Dimensions:

• Length: 286 feet (87.2 meters)

• Beam: 42.42 feet (12.9 meters)

• Depth: 22 feet (6.7 meters)

• Ownership:

• Original Owner: J.C. Lockwood of Milan, Ohio

• Renamed and Owned by: F. B. Case (as Case)

• Final Location: Near East Sister Island, Lake Erie

• Year of Loss: May 1, 1917

• Coordinates: Not specified

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION

The J.C. Lockwood, later renamed Case, was a wooden-hulled propeller freighter designed for bulk cargo transport on the Great Lakes. Built in 1889 by Thomas Quayle & Sons in Cleveland, Ohio, it was robustly constructed to handle heavy cargo such as coal and grain. These vessels were vital during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, contributing significantly to the industrial and economic growth of the Great Lakes region.

HISTORY

The J.C. Lockwood began service as a bulk freighter, initially owned by its namesake, J.C. Lockwood of Milan, Ohio. In April 1899, it was renamed Case, reflecting its new managing owner, F. B. Case. The vessel underwent several changes in ownership during its operational life, adapting to the dynamic demands of Great Lakes shipping.

Over its career, the freighter faced multiple incidents:

• 1906: The vessel developed a significant leak and had to be beached at Port Washington, Wisconsin, to prevent sinking.

• 1907: A collision near Amherstburg, Ontario, in the Detroit River led to the Case sinking temporarily. The ship was salvaged and repaired.

• 1917: On May 1, the vessel encountered its final disaster. During a storm on Lake Erie, the Case began leaking severely. To prevent sinking, the crew beached the vessel near East Sister Island. While abandoning the ship, a fire broke out, quickly engulfing the freighter. The ship burned and was declared a Total Loss, though the cargo of coal was salvaged.

FINAL DISPOSITION

The Case burned and sank on May 1, 1917, near East Sister Island in Lake Erie. The ship was entirely destroyed by fire, marking the end of its service. Despite the vessel’s destruction, the coal cargo was successfully salvaged.

NOTMARs & ADVISORIES

There are no current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) related to the wreck of the Case. The wreck’s exact location remains undocumented, making it challenging to identify or explore.

LOCATED BY & DATE

The wreck of the Case has not been located or documented. The general area near East Sister Island in Lake Erie is presumed to be the final resting place of the vessel.

CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY

Given the circumstances of its destruction by fire and subsequent sinking, it is unlikely that significant remains of the Case exist today. The site may hold historical interest, but the wreck’s inaccessibility and deterioration over time make it challenging to investigate.

RESOURCES & LINKS

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes

• David Swayze Shipwreck File

• Great Lakes Ships Database

• Bowling Green State University Archives

ADDITIONAL NOTES

The Case’s history is emblematic of the perilous conditions faced by Great Lakes freighters during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Its transition from the J.C. Lockwood to the Case reflects the evolving ownership and operational demands of the era. The ship’s fiery demise during a storm serves as a poignant reminder of the unpredictable and hazardous nature of Great Lakes navigation.

DIVING NOTES & RECOMMENDATIONS

The wreck of the Case has not been identified or explored, limiting its accessibility for divers. Other shipwrecks in the Lake Erie region may offer more tangible exploration opportunities for maritime enthusiasts.

TAGS

• Lake Erie

• Wooden Freighter

• 19th Century Shipwreck

• Great Lakes Maritime History

• East Sister Island Wreck

• Fire and Storm Disasters

CONCLUSION

The J.C. Lockwood, later renamed Case, was a testament to the industrious spirit of Great Lakes freighters, serving for nearly three decades before succumbing to a storm and fire in 1917. Its story, though tragic, is a reminder of the resilience of the maritime community and the challenges faced by those who navigated the Great Lakes.