GEORGE WORTHINGTON U10223

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The George Worthington, with a history spanning several decades, experienced various events and ownership changes throughout its maritime career. In 1853, the vessel ran aground near Chicago, IL, encountering one of the many challenges faced by ships navigating the Great Lakes. By 1860, ownership of the George Worthington had passed to N.M. Standart & Co. of Cleveland, OH, with a recorded tonnage of 350 tons.

In 1861, the vessel underwent significant repairs, ensuring its continued service in the shipping industry. Two years later, ownership transferred to S.W. Johnson and others in Cleveland, indicating a change in the vessel’s management and operations. In 1865, the George Worthington was acquired by Greening of Cleveland, with its gross tonnage recorded as 231 tons. Additional repairs were conducted on the vessel to maintain its seaworthiness.

In 1866, ownership shifted to Greening & O’Neil, further demonstrating the vessel’s changing hands within the maritime community. By 1868, the George Worthington’s gross tonnage remained at 231.13 tons, reflecting the vessel’s stable size and capacity.

In 1872, there are indications that the George Worthington may have undergone a rebuilding process at Vermillion, OH, under the direction of P. Minch, potentially for his own account. The vessel’s dimensions were recorded as 170.3 feet in length, 31.5 feet in beam, and 13.6 feet in depth, with a tonnage of 231 tons. During this period, the George Worthington operated as a sloop.

Repaired in 1874, the vessel continued its operations until November 1875 when it met a tragic fate. The George Worthington sank near St. Helena Island in the Straits of Mackinaw, marking the end of its service life.

In 1879, ownership of the vessel changed once again, this time to Grummond of Detroit. The George Worthington then played a role in the cedar post trade in Alpena, MI, being towed by the MARY MILLS in 1882 and the HENRY HOWARD in 1884.

On July 22, 1887, a significant incident occurred when the George Worthington was involved in a collision on Lake Erie. The vessel was sunk by the ore-laden schooner George W. Davis near Colchester Reef. The crew managed to escape by taking to the boats and finding refuge aboard the George W. Davis. The George Worthington suffered a severe breach and went down, becoming a casualty of the collision.

The George Worthington’s sinking was reported in various newspapers, including the Detroit News, Port Huron Daily Times, Buffalo Morning Express, and The Marine Record. The vessel’s ownership at the time of the collision was attributed to W.E. Rice of Detroit. Built in 1852 at Euclid Creek, Ohio, the George Worthington had a tonnage of 220 and was valued at $3,000.

The chronological history of the George Worthington provides insights into its operational journey, including incidents such as groundings, collisions, repairs, and changes in ownership. These events highlight the challenges and risks faced by vessels navigating the Great Lakes during the 19th century, underscoring the demanding nature of maritime transportation in the region.