Identification & Site Information #
Vessel Type Description #
The M.I. Wilcox was a wooden schooner, primarily constructed for use in the lumber trade. Built with a strong oak hull, the vessel was well-suited for transporting heavy cargo across the Great Lakes. Over its operational years, it changed hands multiple times and was often towed by larger steam vessels as part of its service.
History #
The M.I. Wilcox had a long and eventful history, marked by several ownership changes and various roles within the Great Lakes maritime trade.
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1868: The M.I. Wilcox was launched from Toledo, Ohio, and initially enrolled in the lumber trade. The vessel quickly became a reliable carrier, operating along the Great Lakes.
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1876: Ownership transferred to Bissell & Miner of Toledo, Ohio. This period saw the M.I. Wilcox continue its work in the busy lumber trade routes of the Great Lakes.
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1879: By this year, the schooner was owned by Miner of Cape Vincent, New York, indicating its continued use in commercial trade.
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1886: The M.I. Wilcox was towed by the steam barge Huron City, reflecting a common practice at the time of using steam-powered vessels to assist schooners.
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1890: The vessel was towed by the propeller D.J. Foley, showcasing its integration into larger maritime operations that required the efficiency of steam propulsion.
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1903: The Michigan Wrecking & Salvage Company of Detroit acquired the M.I. Wilcox, and it was then towed by the steam barge Ogemaw. This change in ownership marked the final phase of the schooner’s operational life.
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May 9, 1906: The M.I. Wilcox encountered its final storm, a southwest gale that pushed it into shallow waters near Colchester, Ontario, on Lake Erie. Despite the crew’s best efforts to save the vessel by operating the pumps for over 10 hours, the schooner ultimately foundered in 26 feet of water. The crew of four men and one woman cook managed to escape to Detroit, though they lost all their belongings in the process.
Final Disposition #
- Date of Loss: May 9, 1906
- Cause of Loss: Foundered in a southwest storm and grounded on the shoals near Colchester, Ontario.
- Crew: The crew consisted of four men and one woman cook, all of whom survived the incident.
Tags #
- Shipwreck
- Schooner
- Lake Erie
- 19th Century Vessel
- Maritime History
- Lumber Trade
- Great Lakes Shipwreck
Conclusion #
The M.I. Wilcox was a steadfast workhorse of the Great Lakes, contributing to the region’s bustling lumber trade for nearly four decades. Its robust oak construction and serviceable design allowed it to navigate the often treacherous waters of the Great Lakes under varying ownerships. However, like many vessels of its time, the M.I. Wilcox eventually succumbed to the relentless forces of nature. The southwest storm of May 9, 1906, marked the end of its journey, leaving the schooner to rest beneath the waters off Colchester, Ontario. The story of the M.I. Wilcox serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by the mariners who braved the Great Lakes, carrying essential goods across these vast inland seas.
