Schooner Trial (1857–1883)

Identification & Site Information

• Name: Trial (also seen as R. Trial)
• Official Number: 24233
• Vessel Type at Loss: Wooden Schooner (originally built as a sloop) 
• Builder: Rand, Manitowoc, Wisconsin (some sources suggest Cleveland, 1853)
• Year Built & Launched: 1857
• Specifications: Gross Tonnage: 36 GT
• Date Lost: November 15, 1883
• Location of Loss: Just southwest of the harbour entrance at Muskegon, Michigan, Lake Michigan
• Cause of Loss: Storm (stranded and wrecked while attempting to make harbour)
• Loss of Life: None (both crew members rescued)
• Cargo at Time of Loss: None (reported to be empty)

Vessel Description & Service History

The Trial was a small, wooden sailing vessel, originally built as a sloop but later converted into a Schooner. She was constructed in 1857 at Manitowoc, Wisconsin, though some sources suggest she was built in Cleveland in 1853.  One of the few Clinker-built vessels on the Great Lakes, meaning her Hull was constructed with overlapping planks, a method more commonly used in smaller boats and European-style vessels.  Owned by Samuel Hanson of Milwaukee, the Trial was used for cargo transport between Milwaukee, Manistee, and other Lake Michigan ports.  Her master at the time of loss was Captain Peter Hanson. The vessel sustained heavy damage in 1869 and underwent major repairs in 1878, suggesting she had already suffered from multiple mishaps before her final wrecking.

Final Voyage & Loss (November 15, 1883)

On November 15, 1883, the Trial was approaching the Muskegon harbour when she was caught in a violent storm.  She attempted to reach safety but was stranded just southwest of the harbour entrance.  The storm pounded the vessel, quickly breaking her apart.  The U.S. Lifesaving Service responded heroically, forcing their surfboat through a mass of heaving logs and debris to rescue the crew of two.  The vessel broke up in place, becoming a Total Loss.

Final Disposition & Salvage

• Declared a Total Loss after breaking up in the storm.
• No known salvage efforts.
• Wreck remains likely deteriorated near Muskegon harbor.

Located By & Date Found

No confirmed modern discovery of the wreck site.  Potential remains may exist near Muskegon, Michigan, but are likely scattered.

NOTMARs & Advisories

Muskegon’s harbor was historically difficult to navigate during storms, leading to many shipwrecks near its entrance.  The small size of the Trial made her particularly vulnerable to high waves and strong winds. The Clinker-built Hull construction was uncommon for Great Lakes vessels, making her a rare example of early shipbuilding techniques in the region.

Resources & Links

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes: http://www.maritimehistoryofthegreatlakes.ca
• Great Lakes Maritime Database (GLMD): https://greatlakeships.org
• David Swayze Shipwreck File: https://usace.contentdm.oclc.org
• Great Lakes Vessel Database (BGSU): https://greatlakes.bgsu.edu/vessels

Conclusion

The Trial was a small but resilient Schooner, operating on Lake Michigan for over 25 years before being wrecked in a storm near Muskegon in 1883. Thanks to the bravery of the U.S. Lifesaving Service, her crew survived, but the vessel was completely destroyed. While her remains have not been located, she stands as a testament to the challenges faced by early Great Lakes sailors.