Identification & Site Information

•Wreck Name: TIMOTHY BAKER

•Other Names: Tim Baker, T. Baker

•Vessel Type: Wooden Schooner

•Year Built: 1857

•Builder: S. Ruggles, Milan, Ohio

•Official Number: 24156

•Dimensions:

•Length: 122 feet (37.2 meters)

•Beam: 25 feet (7.6 meters)

•Depth: 10 feet (3 meters)

•Tonnage:

•Gross: 224 tons

•Net: 215 tons

•Final Disposition: Wrecked and broke apart on October 8, 1888, near Pelee Island, Lake Erie

Vessel Type Description

The TIMOTHY BAKER was a wooden Schooner, a versatile sailing vessel commonly used on the Great Lakes during the 19th century for bulk cargo transportation. Known for their speed and maneuverability, schooners like the TIMOTHY BAKER were essential for the transport of commodities such as lumber, coal, and grain. These vessels played a critical role in the economic development of the Great Lakes region.

History

The TIMOTHY BAKER was launched in 1857 by S. Ruggles in Milan, Ohio. Over its 31-year career, the vessel underwent several repairs and ownership changes, reflecting its value as a workhorse of Great Lakes commerce.

Significant Events

•1867 Reconstruction: Extending its service life with significant updates.

•1882 Grounding at Windmill Point: The vessel was repaired after running aground.

•October 1887 Incident: Ran aground in Toboco Bay on the west shore of Saginaw Bay. Freed by tugs and taken to Bay City for drydock repairs.

•Legal Incident: Captain Thomas Burke and mate Hiram Henderson were accused of assaulting a seaman during a voyage. This led to legal proceedings that culminated in fines and settlements.

Final Voyage

On October 1, 1888, the TIMOTHY BAKER set sail, carrying lumber. The vessel encountered a fierce storm near Pelee Island, Lake Erie. Driven aground by the storm, it sustained catastrophic damage and broke apart a week later, on October 8, 1888. Tragically, it is believed all crew members aboard were lost. The Schooner’s enrollment was surrendered in November 1888 in Port Huron, Michigan.

Final Disposition

The TIMOTHY BAKER remains in pieces near Pelee Island, where it succumbed to the elements during the storm. The vessel’s story reflects the dangers schooners faced, particularly during the unpredictable autumn storms on the Great Lakes.

NOTMARs & Advisories

•Current Status: No specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) are associated with the wreck. While the general location of the wreck near Pelee Island is known, it poses no significant navigational hazard today.

•Advisories: Local divers and historians are aware of the site, but it has not been officially located or extensively explored.

Located By & Date

•Discovery: The wreck of the TIMOTHY BAKER has not been definitively located in modern times. The remains are presumed to be scattered near Pelee Island in Lake Erie.

Resources & Links

•Maritime History of the Great Lakes

•Great Lakes Ships Database: Detailed vessel histories and shipwreck information.

•David Swayze Shipwreck File: Comprehensive information on Great Lakes shipwrecks.

Conclusion

The TIMOTHY BAKER is a poignant reminder of the inherent risks of maritime life on the Great Lakes. From its construction in 1857 to its tragic loss in 1888, the Schooner epihttps://shotlinediving.com/wp-content/uploads/52895851813_b64678c0f7_c.jpgized the resilience of vessels and crews operating in challenging conditions. The loss of the TIMOTHY BAKER and its crew serves as a solemn chapter in the history of Great Lakes shipping, contributing to the rich tapestry of maritime heritage in the region.

Keywords

•TIMOTHY BAKER

•Schooner

•Lake Erie

•Pelee Island

•Great Lakes Shipwrecks

•19th-Century Maritime History

•Storm Wreck

•Wooden Vessel

The TIMOTHY BAKER’s story, like many Great Lakes shipwrecks, offers insight into the trials of early maritime commerce and the enduring legacy of those who navigated these vast inland seas.