The Schooner TEMPEST / MARY E. BURGOYNE: A Life of Service and Tragedy

Identification & Site Information

• Vessel Name: Initially TEMPEST, later renamed MARY E. BURGOYNE

• Vessel Type: Schooner

• Built:

• First Build: 1848, Racine, Wisconsin

• Second Build: 1851, Napanee, Ontario

• Dimensions:

• Original (1848):

• Length: 126 feet (38.4 m)

• Beam: 26 feet (7.9 m)

• Depth: 8 feet (2.4 m)

• Final Dimensions (1859):

• Length: 70 feet (21.3 m)

• Gross Tonnage:

• Original: 196.30 tons

• Final (Milford Registration): 61 tons

• Final Resting Place: Hanford’s Landing, Lake Ontario

• Coordinates (Reported Incident in 1859): N43° 57.49’, W76° 44.79’

• Home Ports:

• Chicago, Illinois (Original)

• Oswego, New York (Enrolled and renamed)

Vessel Type Description

The TEMPEST / MARY E. BURGOYNE was a Schooner, a versatile sailing vessel common on the Great Lakes during the 19th century. Designed for transporting bulk cargoes like lumber and agricultural products, it exemplified the hardworking vessels that sustained regional economies.

History

Launch and Early Years (1848-1859):

• Built in Racine, Wisconsin, in 1848, the TEMPEST was a robust Schooner designed for cargo transport on the Great Lakes. Its initial operations centered around Chicago, Illinois.

Rebuild and Renaming (1851-1859):

• The vessel was reconstructed in Napanee, Ontario, in 1851. In 1859, it was enrolled in Oswego, New York, and renamed MARY E. BURGOYNE, reflecting its transition to a new phase of service.

1859 Incident:

• In July, while carrying lumber on Lake Ontario, the Schooner became waterlogged, and its Deck was severely damaged. It was towed to Oswego for repairs, incurring losses of $1,000 for the Hull and $200 for the cargo. This incident highlighted the perils of Great Lakes navigation during the era.

Ownership Changes and Service (1861-1866):

• Over the years, the vessel changed hands several times:

• 1861: Owned by Reed & Stone of Oswego.

• 1863: Owned by M.V. Poucher of Oswego.

• 1866: Owned by C. Guthrie of Oswego.

• The Schooner continued its service, transporting goods across the Great Lakes.

Tragic End (1871):

• In May 1871, the MARY E. BURGOYNE burned at Hanford’s Landing, Ontario, Lake Ontario, resulting in a Total Loss. The cause of the fire remains undocumented, but it marked the end of the vessel’s operational life.

Legacy and Documentation:

• The Schooner appeared in the Merchant Vessel List of the United States (1892) as being registered in Milford, Ontario, with a Gross Tonnage of 61. The ship’s history and registrations (1851-1856) were meticulously recorded in the mortgage registers, providing valuable insights into its career.

Final Disposition

The TEMPEST / MARY E. BURGOYNE’s wreck location has not been confirmed. While its fiery end at Hanford’s Landing likely left little of the ship intact, its legacy persists in historical records and maritime lore.

Legacy and Significance

The TEMPEST / MARY E. BURGOYNE encapsulates the dynamic life of a Great Lakes Schooner during the mid-19th century. Its multiple rebuilds, renamings, and ownership changes reflect the adaptability required to navigate the economic and environmental challenges of the time. The vessel’s tragic end serves as a reminder of the ever-present dangers faced by sailors on the Great Lakes.

Resources and References

• Oswego Commercial Times (April 10, 1860): Documenting the vessel’s 1859 incident.

• Merchant Vessel List of the United States (1892): Registration and ownership details.

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes Website: A repository of historical records.

• Mortgage Register: Documentation of the ship’s registrations (1851-1856).

Conclusion

The TEMPEST / MARY E. BURGOYNE played a vital role in Great Lakes commerce, weathering challenges and disasters throughout its career. Although it ultimately met a tragic end, the Schooner’s history offers a fascinating glimpse into the life of 19th-century maritime vessels. Its story is a testament to the resilience of the ships and sailors that shaped the region’s economic and cultural landscape.