Other Names
- J.C. LOCKWOOD
- CASE U76824
The Case of the J.C. Lockwood-turned-Case
The steam propeller J.C. Lockwood, later renamed Case, had a tumultuous journey on the waters of Lake Erie. Constructed in 1889 by Quayle & Sons in Cleveland, the vessel served as a bulk freighter, transporting various cargoes. This article explores the construction details, ownership changes, notable events, and the final tragic loss of the J.C. Lockwood, now known as the Case.
Built in Cleveland, Ohio, in 1889, the J.C. Lockwood was a wooden-hulled propeller with a length of 286 feet, a beam of 42.42 feet, and a depth of 22 feet. The vessel had a gross tonnage of 2,278 tons and a net tonnage of 1,901 tons. Thomas Quayle & Sons were the builders of this robust freighter. Originally owned by J.C. Lockwood of Milan, Ohio, the vessel underwent ownership changes over the years.
In April 1899, the J.C. Lockwood was renamed Case, with F. B. Case as the managing owner. Under new ownership, the vessel continued its freight-carrying operations on the Great Lakes. However, additional ownership changes would follow, further shaping the vessel’s history.
The Case encountered several incidents throughout its existence. In 1906, it began leaking and had to be beached at Port Washington, Wisconsin. A collision in the Detroit River near Amherstburg, Ontario, led to its sinking in October 1907. However, the most significant event occurred on May 1, 1917.
During a severe storm on Lake Erie, the Case started leaking and was beached near East Sister Island to prevent further damage. Unfortunately, while the crew was abandoning the vessel, a fire broke out, consuming the ship and resulting in its total loss. Despite the loss of the vessel, the cargo of coal was salvaged.
The J.C. Lockwood, later renamed Case, was a wooden-hulled propeller that navigated the waters of Lake Erie as a bulk freighter. With ownership changes and a string of notable incidents, the vessel faced its ultimate demise during a storm on May 1, 1917. The crew, after beaching the vessel due to leakage, had to abandon ship as a fire broke out. The Case burned and sank, leaving only a tragic memory of its once-bustling maritime career. The story of the Case serves as a testament to the dangers faced by vessels and their crews in the unpredictable and treacherous waters of the Great Lakes.
