The Tragic Loss of the Bark JANE BELL in a Storm off Geneva, Ohio in 1880 #
The bark Jane Bell, a wooden three-masted vessel, met a tragic fate in 1880 when it was wrecked in a violent storm off the coast of Geneva, Ohio. This article delves into the construction and specifications of the Jane Bell, its ownership history, and the details surrounding its ill-fated journey carrying iron ore, leading to the loss of two crew members.
The Jane Bell, originally built as a barkentine in 1862 by Campbell & Owen in Detroit, Michigan, was later re-rigged as a schooner. The vessel had a length of 141 feet, a beam of 28.4 feet, and a depth of 12.4 feet. With a tonnage of 447 tons (old style), the Jane Bell was a substantial vessel constructed primarily of wood. It featured three masts, distinguishing it as a three-masted bark.
The ownership of the Jane Bell changed hands throughout its existence. Initially owned by Duncan Stewart of Detroit, Michigan, it was later owned by J.L. Hurd & Co., also of Detroit. P.J. Ralph and Grummond were subsequent owners of the vessel, reflecting a succession of individuals and companies involved in its operation.
On September 7, 1880, the Jane Bell found itself at the mercy of a powerful storm while en route from Escanaba, Michigan, to Ashtabula, Ohio, carrying a cargo of iron ore. The violent storm drove the vessel ashore near Geneva, Ohio, resulting in its wreck. The crew made the difficult decision to abandon ship the following day, using a yawl as their means of escape. Tragically, two crew members lost their lives when the lifeboat capsized in the surf during the rescue attempt.
The wreck of the Jane Bell off Geneva, Ohio, marked a significant loss in the shipping industry. The vessel was rendered seriously damaged in a previous incident when it ran aground on Plum Island, Death’s Door, in October 1876. Reports conflict regarding the exact date of the Jane Bell’s loss, with some sources mentioning confusion with the schooner Jennibel. However, the incident in 1880 off Geneva, Ohio, remains the most widely accepted account of the Jane Bell’s demise.
The tragic loss of the bark Jane Bell in a violent storm off Geneva, Ohio, in 1880 serves as a testament to the perils faced by sailors navigating the Great Lakes. The vessel’s construction as a wooden three-masted bark, its ownership history, and the details of its ill-fated journey carrying iron ore contribute to its historical significance. The loss of two crew members during the rescue attempt highlights the dangers faced by sailors in the face of treacherous storms and the unpredictable nature of maritime activities on Lake Erie during that era.
