J. Averill – Milwaukee, Wisconsin

J. Averill – Shipbuilder of Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Overview

J. Averill was a shipbuilder based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, active during the mid-19th century. While not much detailed biographical information is readily available, he is known to have been involved in the construction of Great Lakes sailing vessels, particularly wooden barks and schooners, during Milwaukee’s early years as a shipbuilding center.

Notable Vessels Built by J. Averill

One of the few documented vessels attributed to J. Averill is:

• Ark was a wooden two-masted schooner built in 1844 by Averill in Chicago, Illinois. At 72 feet in length and weighing 50 tons, she was a modest-sized vessel typical of the early schooners that supported the Great Lakes maritime trade in the mid-19th century. Schooners like the ARK were essential for transporting bulk materials, especially in the growing commercial hub of Chicago, which was rapidly establishing itself as a key port city.
• Utica (1846) – A three-masted wooden bark, 131 feet long, built in Milwaukee. The Utica was owned by J. Leavenworth of Chicago and was lost on November 17, 1854, when it ran aground and broke apart at Buffalo Harbor, Lake Erie, during a storm.

It is likely that Averill constructed other vessels, but detailed records are scarce. Many small shipbuilders of the 19th century did not maintain extensive documentation, and their work was often overshadowed by larger shipyards.

Milwaukee Shipbuilding in the 19th Century

During the mid-1800s, Milwaukee became a growing center for shipbuilding on the western shores of Lake Michigan. The city’s location made it a key hub for shipping grain, lumber, and other goods to eastern markets. Early shipyards, such as those operated by Averill and others, built wooden sailing ships to meet the increasing demand for lake transportation.

By the late 19th century, Milwaukee’s shipbuilding industry was dominated by larger yards producing steam-powered vessels, and smaller wooden shipbuilders like J. Averill likely faded from prominence.

Legacy & Impact

Though limited information exists on J. Averill, his work contributed to Milwaukee’s early maritime economy. The ships built in Milwaukee, including the Utica, helped facilitate trade and settlement across the Great Lakes.

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