Identification & Site Information

• Vessel Name: CLOUGH

• Type: Three-masted wooden Schooner

• Built: 1867 by John C. Parker, Black River, Ohio

• Specifications:

• Tonnage: Initially recorded as 216, later noted as 300 tons

• Cost of Construction: $16,000

• Final Voyage: September 15, 1868

• Location of Wreck: 12 miles east of Cleveland, Ohio, on Lake Erie

Vessel Type Description

The CLOUGH was a three-masted wooden Schooner, a vessel type commonly used for cargo transport on the Great Lakes in the 19th century. Built by John C. Parker in Black River, Ohio, the CLOUGH was designed for durability and capacity, reflecting the high standards of craftsmanship that characterized Great Lakes shipbuilding. Its robust wooden construction allowed it to navigate the Great Lakes’ challenging waters, making it well-suited for the era’s heavy cargo demands.

History

In 1867, the shipbuilder John C. Parker crafted the CLOUGH on the shores of Black River, Ohio. With a tonnage listed at 216 (and later sometimes 300), the Schooner was built at a considerable cost of $16,000, a testament to the quality materials and design invested in her construction. She quickly became part of the bustling trade network on Lake Erie, although the details of her typical cargo remain unknown.

On September 15, 1868, the CLOUGH encountered one of Lake Erie’s infamous gales, known for their sudden ferocity and destructive power. A storm overtook the Schooner just 12 miles east of Cleveland, Ohio. Driven ashore with relentless force, the CLOUGH was shattered against the rocky shoreline, succumbing to the unyielding elements. Tragically, the storm claimed the lives of seven of the eight crew members, including Captain J.S. Reed, First Mate George D. Demmick, Cook Catharine Sullivan, and sailors Chapman, Bleer, and Fitzpatrick. Only Second Mate Rush Reed survived, narrowly escaping the storm’s wrath as the sole witness to the vessel’s tragic fate.

News of the disaster spread quickly through the Great Lakes maritime community, resonating deeply with those familiar with the risks of lake navigation. The CLOUGH’s loss was a somber reminder of the dangers inherent to life on the Great Lakes, and her story became emblematic of the bravery of those who sailed these waters. The vessel, which had only been in service for a year, was now reduced to wreckage, her story carried forward by the memories of those who had known her.

Final Disposition

The wreckage of the CLOUGH, broken and scattered along Lake Erie’s shore, marked the end of the Schooner’s brief but impactful life. Though reduced to fragments by the powerful storm, her legacy endures as a testament to the trials faced by Great Lakes mariners. The vessel’s final resting place remains a symbolic marker of the unpredictability and power of Lake Erie’s waters.

Located By & Date

• Location: 12 miles east of Cleveland, Ohio, along the Lake Erie shoreline

• Date: September 15, 1868 (wreck event date)

Notmar & Advisories

As an early wreck with minimal remains and no identified modern hazards, there are no current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) associated with the CLOUGH’s wreck site.

Resources & Links

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes: maritimehistoryofthegreatlakes.ca

• Ohio Historical Society: Archives of Great Lakes maritime incidents and shipwrecks

• Great Lakes Shipwreck Research Foundation: Resources on notable shipwrecks and storm-related wrecks in Lake Erie

Conclusion

The story of the CLOUGH serves as a poignant reminder of the perils of lake navigation, particularly during the fierce storms that often plagued mariners on the Great Lakes. Her story of resilience and tragedy honors the lives lost and the lone survivor, illustrating the courage and sacrifice of those who braved the lakes’ tumultuous waters. The memory of the CLOUGH remains, embodying the timeless challenges and dangers of maritime life on Lake Erie.

Keywords: CLOUGH Schooner, Lake Erie shipwreck, Great Lakes storm, Black River shipbuilding, maritime history, John C. Parker