IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION

Vessel Name: Jessie Anderson

Year Built: 1861

Builder: G. Woodworth, Sandusky, Ohio

Type: Wooden Schooner

Dimensions:

•Length: 114 feet (34.7 meters)

•Beam (Width): 26 feet (7.9 meters)

•Depth: 10 feet (3 meters)

Tonnage:

•Gross: 252 tons

•Net: 209 tons

Owner: M. & J. Ryan, Detroit, Michigan

Final Voyage:

•Cargo: 14,000 bushels of wheat

•Departure: Port Colborne

•Destination: Oswego

Date of Wreck: October 22, 1871

Final Location: Off Long Point Cut, Lake Erie

Casualties: Approximately six, including Captain J. Ryan, First Mate William Brown, and stewardess Emily J. Philips.

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION

The Jessie Anderson was a wooden-hulled Schooner, a type of sailing vessel designed for transporting cargo across the Great Lakes. Built for durability and capacity, it was frequently employed in the grain trade, moving large quantities of wheat and other goods between key ports. The Schooner’s three-mast rigging allowed for efficient navigation under sail, a hallmark of vessels operating in the mid-19th century.

HISTORY

Construction and Early Service

Built in 1861 in Sandusky, Ohio, the Jessie Anderson was constructed during a time when schooners were essential for the burgeoning Great Lakes trade. With its significant capacity and sturdy construction, the vessel quickly became an asset for its owners, M. & J. Ryan, in Detroit. For over a decade, the Jessie Anderson was integral to the movement of grain and other goods across the lakes, demonstrating the vital role such schooners played in the economic development of the region.

The Final Voyage

The Schooner set sail on October 22, 1871, loaded with 14,000 bushels of wheat, bound for Oswego. It encountered trouble less than a week into its journey, foundering in Lake Erie under unclear circumstances. Possibilities for its loss include a sudden collision or the vessel springing a leak, as was common with aging wooden schooners subjected to the relentless conditions of the lakes.

Tragic Loss of Life

The disaster claimed the lives of the entire crew, estimated to be six individuals, including Captain J. Ryan and First Mate William Brown. Notably, stewardess Emily J. Philips was also among those lost. The complete absence of survivors underscored the peril faced by sailors navigating the Great Lakes, especially during the unpredictable fall storm season.

Discovery of the Wreck

In June 1873, the Tug W. A. Moore discovered the remains of the Jessie Anderson. Only twelve feet of the vessel’s masts were visible above the waterline, serving as a somber reminder of the tragedy. The sight of the wreckage brought closure to the mystery of the Schooner’s fate, but it also emphasized the need for continued improvements in maritime safety.

FINAL DISPOSITION

The wreck of the Jessie Anderson remains submerged off Long Point Cut in Lake Erie. Its condition as reported in 1873 indicated significant submersion, with much of the structure underwater. The site is a poignant reminder of the inherent risks of maritime trade during the 19th century.

NOTMARs & ADVISORIES

No specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) have been identified regarding the wreck of the Jessie Anderson. Mariners should exercise caution in the vicinity of Long Point Cut due to the historical presence of submerged hazards.

RESOURCES & LINKS

•David Swayze Shipwreck File: [Access historical details about the Jessie Anderson and similar vessels.]

•Maritime History of the Great Lakes: [Explore detailed accounts of shipwrecks and maritime incidents in the region.]

CONCLUSION

The loss of the Schooner Jessie Anderson off Long Point Cut, Lake Erie, is a sobering chapter in the history of Great Lakes navigation. Built to serve the vital grain trade, the Schooner and its crew were tragically lost during an era of frequent and often devastating maritime accidents. While the wreck serves as a memorial to those who perished, it also highlights the importance of advances in vessel construction and navigation safety that have since transformed the Great Lakes shipping industry.

KEYWORDS

Jessie Anderson, Lake Erie shipwreck, 19th-century Schooner, grain trade, Great Lakes maritime history, Long Point Cut, M. & J. Ryan.