IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION

•Name: Two Brothers

•Type: Schooner

•Final Resting Place Coordinates: Approx. 43.52178, -76.57229 (near Nine Mile Point, Lake Ontario)

•Last Voyage: Departed Pultneyville, New York, on November 12th (year unspecified)

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION

The Two Brothers was a Schooner, a popular vessel type for 19th-century Great Lakes commerce. Schooners, equipped with two or more masts, were valued for their versatility and ability to navigate the challenging wind patterns of the lakes. The Two Brothers, under Captain Stevenson, primarily transported agricultural goods, including wheat and apples, a staple cargo for the region’s trade.

HISTORY

On November 12th, the Two Brothers embarked on what would become its final journey. Departing from Pultneyville, New York, the vessel carried a cargo of wheat and apples bound for Oswego, New York. Commanded by Captain John Stevenson, the Schooner never reached its destination, sparking alarm among its owners and those awaiting its arrival.

Fateful Night

That same night, a severe gale swept across Lake Ontario, creating treacherous conditions. The storm proved devastating, with no further communication received from the Two Brothers. Evidence of the Schooner’s demise began to appear shortly thereafter:

•A barrel of apples,

•The captain’s hat,

•And the ship’s tiller

These items washed ashore near Nine Mile Point, confirming the fears of a tragic loss.

Connection to the Three Brothers

Adding to the tragedy, another Schooner, the Three Brothers, also under Captain Stevenson’s command, departed Pultneyville on the same day, laden with wheat, supplies, and cider for Oswego. It, too, was lost in the storm, with wreckage believed to have washed ashore later. The loss of both vessels stands as a chilling reminder of the dangers of Great Lakes navigation.

FINAL DISPOSITION

The Two Brothers is presumed to have Foundered in the storm, with no survivors from the crew or passengers. Among those lost were:

•Captain John Stevenson (Williamson)

•Cephas Field (Sodus)

•William Bastian (Mexico, Oswego County)

•Amos Gloyed (French Creek, Jefferson County, passenger)

The cargo of 700 bushels of wheat belonged to Taylor & Co. of Oswego, while the Schooner itself was owned by A. & B. Todd of Pultneyville, along with Captain Stevenson.

LOCATED BY & DATE

The wreck has not been definitively located, but artifacts and wreckage were discovered near Nine Mile Point in Lake Ontario. No confirmed modern exploration or documentation exists for the Two Brothers wreck site.

NOTMARs & ADVISORIES

•No specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) are associated with the Two Brothers wreck.

•Mariners and divers navigating near Nine Mile Point should remain vigilant due to the history of shipwrecks in the area.

RESOURCES & LINKS

•Palmyra Sentinel (Historical Newspaper): Covered the loss and aftermath of the Schooner.

•Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Provides insights into similar shipwrecks.

•David Swayze Shipwreck File: Archives records of Great Lakes maritime losses.

•Great Lakes Ships Database: Repository for historical vessel data.

•www.sonarguy.com: For potential sonar mapping of Great Lakes shipwrecks.

CONCLUSION

The loss of the Two Brothers underscores the perilous conditions of 19th-century Great Lakes navigation. Schooners like the Two Brothers were vital to the region’s economy, but their reliance on favorable winds and vulnerability to storms often led to tragedy. The wreck, though unlocated, remains a poignant part of Lake Ontario’s maritime history and serves as a testament to the bravery and resilience of the sailors who faced the unpredictable waters.

Keywords: Two Brothers, Schooner, Lake Ontario Shipwreck, Nine Mile Point, Great Lakes Maritime History, Pultneyville.