Other Names #
- FLETCHER
- EMERY
- ELIZABETH
- GEORGE SUFFLE
History #
The BLACK HAWK was a schooner built in 1833 in Fairport, Ohio. It was constructed by J.K. Lockwood and originally owned by R.W. Skinner from Fairport. The vessel had a wooden hull, one deck, and two masts. It had a tonnage of 51 30/95 (old style).
Throughout its history, the BLACK HAWK underwent several ownership changes and faced various incidents. In June 1834, it came under the ownership of H. Phillips from Cleveland. In March 1837, ownership transferred to P.H. Green, also from Cleveland. In July 1838, the schooner capsized off Chagrin River in Lake Erie but was towed and righted.
In 1841, the BLACK HAWK was driven ashore by a gale in Milwaukee, and in 1842-1843, it underwent rebuilding and was renamed EMERY FLETCHER. After the reconstruction, it had dimensions of 69’5″ x 19’10” x 6’10” and a tonnage of 81 24/95. It was enrolled in Buffalo, New York from 1845 to 1849.
Over the years, the BLACK HAWK encountered various incidents, including being beached in Racine, Wisconsin, in October 1847 and sinking with stone near Cunningham Island in Lake Erie in April 1850. It underwent several ownership changes, and in October 1851, it came under the ownership of John Becker and Ezra Honeywell from Cleveland, Ohio.
In 1865, the vessel was owned by Mr. Hick from Port Burwell, Ontario, and was renamed ELIZABETH. In 1866, it came under the ownership of D. Jackson from Montreal, Quebec. There are reports suggesting that the BLACK HAWK was rebuilt as the schooner GEORGE SUFFLE in Port Burwell.
The history of the BLACK HAWK spans several decades, and it experienced various incidents, rebuilds, and ownership changes throughout its active years
ELIZABETH #
The schooner ELIZABETH has an interesting history. Originally built in Owen Sound, Ontario, in 1865 by Broders, she was owned by E. Broders herself. In May 1873, the vessel underwent a change of ownership, with Captain McKenzie and Mr. Goldering purchasing her when she was ashore near South Bay, Manitoulin. Following this purchase, she was skillfully hauled off the rocks, underwent extensive repairs, and was made seaworthy once again. The owners ensured that she was neatly fitted up, ready for her new role in general freight transportation.
However, fate took a tragic turn for the schooner ELIZABETH on October 29, 1873. While bound from Penetanguishene, Ontario, she encountered rough weather that led to her stranding at Christian Island in Georgian Bay, Lake Huron. The treacherous incident resulted in the complete wrecking of the vessel. Despite the severity of the situation, fortunately, no lives were lost during this catastrophic event.
External Links #
- Great Lakes Ships – BLACK HAWK
