Identification & Site Information

•Vessel Name: H.N. JEX (formerly known as FRONTENAC)

•Type: Wooden Propeller Vessel

•Year Built: 1868

•Built At: Cleveland, Ohio

•Material: Wood

•Dimensions:

•Length: 41.3 meters (135.5 feet)

•Beam: 7.9 meters (25.8 feet)

•Depth: 3.4 meters (11 feet)

•Tonnage:

•Gross: 447.37 tons

•Net: 334 tons

•Engine: High-pressure single-cylinder engine with Firebox Boiler

•Location: 15 miles off Long Point, Lake Ontario

Vessel Type Description

The H.N. JEX, originally launched as FRONTENAC, was a wooden propeller vessel designed for dual service as a passenger and package freighter. Built for the Northern Transportation Co. of Ogdensburg, New York, it featured two decks and a high-pressure engine that powered it across the Great Lakes. At 135.5 feet in length, the vessel was among the larger wooden ships of its time, well-suited to meet the transportation demands of the late 19th century.

History

Initial Service as FRONTENAC

•Built in 1868, the vessel began operations for the Northern Transportation Co., supporting trade and passenger travel.

•Renamed and Rebuilt multiple times during its career, it demonstrated the adaptability of wooden vessels of the era.

Notable Incidents

•1877: Ran ashore at 40 Mile Point in Lake Huron.

•1890: Collided with the pleasure Steamer CYCLONE in Cleveland, Ohio.

•Multiple Rebuilds: Underwent significant modifications to extend its service life.

Final Years as H.N. JEX

By 1921, the vessel was registered as H.N. JEX and was primarily engaged in coal transport. On August 16, 1921, it was carrying 550 tons of coal across Lake Ontario when it Foundered 15 miles off Long Point. Locals on the Canadian side reported seeing a fire on the lake, believed to be from the vessel’s final moments.

•Crew Survival: All crew members were rescued by the propeller LEHIGH, preventing any loss of life.

Final Disposition

The H.N. JEX sank on August 16, 1921, marking the end of its operational life. The wreck lies at an undisclosed location in Lake Ontario, 15 miles off Long Point. The sinking is attributed to the vessel’s age and the severe weather conditions often encountered on the Great Lakes.

NOTMARs & Advisories

There are no specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) related to the wreck of the H.N. JEX. Mariners in the region are advised to remain vigilant due to the general hazards of navigating the Great Lakes.

Located By & Date

The wreck has not been publicly located or surveyed. Its precise coordinates remain unknown, and no exploration efforts have been documented.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The wreck is believed to rest at a considerable depth in Lake Ontario. Due to the lack of precise location data, it is inaccessible to divers, and its current condition remains undocumented.

Resources & Links

1.Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Detailed vessel histories and wreck data.

Maritime History Link

2.Great Lakes Shipwrecks Database: Comprehensive records of Great Lakes shipwrecks.

3.Department of Marine & Fisheries Reports: Archived reports offering insights into 19th and 20th-century maritime events.

Keywords

H.N. JEX, FRONTENAC, Lake Ontario Shipwrecks, Wooden Propeller Vessel, 1921 Shipwreck, Great Lakes Maritime History.

Analysis

The H.N. JEX represents the challenges faced by aging wooden vessels in the early 20th century. Despite multiple rebuilds and modifications, the ship’s structural limitations likely contributed to its demise. The crew’s rescue highlights the unpredictable conditions of Lake Ontario and the importance of timely assistance. The vessel’s sinking adds to the rich history of Great Lakes shipping and underscores the evolution of maritime technology as wooden ships gave way to steel-hulled vessels.