Identification & Site Information

•Vessel Name: Frank Stewart

•Type: Wooden Schooner

•Year of Loss: November 18, 1863

•Location: Near Fort Ontario, Oswego, New York, Lake Ontario

•Coordinates: Not precisely documented but outside the piers of Oswego

•Cargo: 131,000 feet of lumber (112,000 feet consigned to O.M. Bond and 19,000 feet to D.L. Couch)

•Condition: Total wreck

Vessel Type Description

The Frank Stewart was a Canadian Schooner designed to transport bulk cargo, such as lumber, across the Great Lakes. Schooners of this type were integral to the 19th-century maritime economy, facilitating trade between ports. With a wooden Hull and a simple rigging system, the vessel was robust but vulnerable to the treacherous conditions of Lake Ontario.

History

Final Voyage and Loss

On November 18, 1863, the Frank Stewart departed from Hamilton, Ontario, bound for Oswego, New York, carrying a cargo of 131,000 feet of lumber. As the Schooner approached Oswego Harbor, it encountered challenging weather and navigational hazards. Upon attempting to enter the harbor, the vessel struck the east pier, causing it to lose control. The Schooner then drifted onto a shoal near Fort Ontario, where it ultimately broke apart and was declared a Total Loss.

Rescue Operations

Most of the crew managed to escape to the safety of the pier. However, the ship’s cook, a woman trapped in the cabin amid rising water and floating lumber, was unable to evacuate on her own. A heroic rescue effort was mounted by several individuals, including Michael Kerwin, Patrick Gillen, Edward Delany (from the Schooner Forrest), and H.W. Mitchell (from the Monitor Saloon), who braved the hazardous conditions in a Yawl boat to save her. The cook was successfully rescued and taken to the city hospital for care.

Aftermath

The Frank Stewart was driven ashore under Fort Ontario, about 90 rods (1,485 feet) from the beach. The vessel broke amidships, rendering it unsalvageable. Some of the lumber cargo was later recovered from the beach, but the majority of the vessel and its contents were lost. It was reported that the Schooner was insured by a Canadian company.

Final Disposition

The Frank Stewart was a Total Loss, with its wreckage scattered near Fort Ontario. Its cargo of lumber was partially salvaged, but the Schooner itself was too severely damaged for recovery. The event underscored the dangers of navigating Lake Ontario, especially near Oswego Harbor during adverse weather.

Notmar & Advisories

There are no current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) specific to the wreck of the Frank Stewart. However, the area near Fort Ontario is historically known for navigational challenges due to shoals and shifting lake conditions. Caution is advised for mariners in the vicinity.

Current Condition & Accessibility

Given the significant damage and the passage of time, the remains of the Frank Stewart are likely scattered, buried, or deteriorated. The exact location of the wreck is not well-documented, and any surviving artifacts may be difficult to locate or recover.

Resources & Links

•Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Repository of shipwreck and vessel histories.

•Oswego Maritime Foundation: Local resources on shipwrecks near Oswego Harbor.

•Canadian Shipwreck Insurance Records: Potential source for further details on the vessel’s insurance history.

•Historic Newspapers: Accounts of the incident from contemporary reports.

Keywords

Frank Stewart, Oswego Harbor, Lake Ontario Shipwreck, Schooner, Lumber Cargo, Fort Ontario, Canadian Vessel, 19th Century Maritime History.

Conclusion

The tragic loss of the Frank Stewart near Fort Ontario highlights the perilous nature of Great Lakes navigation in the 19th century. Despite the vessel’s destruction, the heroic rescue of the cook remains a testament to human bravery and resilience. Today, the story of the Frank Stewart serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by mariners and the historical significance of Schooner trade on the Great Lakes.