Introduction
The James R. Benson, a wooden barge with a rich history, was originally built as a schooner in 1873 in St. Catharines, Ontario. Over the years, the vessel underwent various transformations, eventually serving as a barge. On June 20, 1899, the James R. Benson met its tragic end, sinking in Lake Erie off Cedar Point in Sandusky Bay while carrying a load of coal. Despite the vessel’s loss, the crew managed to escape unharmed, and efforts were later made to remove or flatten the wreck, ensuring the safety of maritime traffic in the area.
The Construction and Evolution of the James R. Benson
The James R. Benson was constructed in 1873 as a wooden schooner by the renowned shipbuilder L. Shickluna in St. Catharines, Ontario. The vessel was built to be robust and versatile, with a length of 139 feet, a beam of 24 feet, and a depth of 12 feet. With a gross tonnage of 370 tons, the James R. Benson was a substantial vessel for its time, designed to handle the challenging conditions of the Great Lakes.
Initially launched as a schooner, the James R. Benson served various owners and underwent several changes throughout its operational life. By the time of its sinking in 1899, the vessel had been reconfigured as a barge, reflecting the evolving needs of the maritime industry. The vessel’s versatility and durability allowed it to remain in service for over two decades, playing a critical role in transporting goods across the Great Lakes.
The Sinking and Escaping the James R. Benson
On June 20, 1899, the James R. Benson was en route from Lorain, Ohio, to Amherstburg, Ontario, via Sandusky, Ohio, with a cargo of 802 tons of coal. While navigating Sandusky Bay off Cedar Point, the vessel began to take on water and quickly sprang a leak. Despite the crew’s best efforts to save the ship, the James R. Benson sank in 20 feet of water, becoming a total loss.
In a fortunate turn of events, the entire crew managed to escape the sinking vessel using the ship’s yawl, a small boat typically used for emergency evacuations. Their successful escape meant that no lives were lost during this disaster, marking a rare and welcome outcome in such perilous situations.
Efforts to Address the Wreckage
Following the sinking, the James R. Benson’s wreck posed a significant hazard to navigation in the busy waters of Sandusky Bay. The location of the wreck, in relatively shallow water and in a popular shipping lane, necessitated prompt action to ensure the safety of other vessels. In 1900, the wreck was dynamited, a common practice at the time, to either remove or flatten the remnants of the vessel, thus eliminating the threat it posed to passing ships.
These efforts were crucial in maintaining the safety of maritime traffic in the area, preventing further accidents or damage that could have arisen from the submerged wreck.
Previous Misfortune
The sinking of the James R. Benson in 1899 was not the first time the vessel had encountered trouble on Lake Erie. In 1883, the vessel capsized and foundered during a squall off Erie Point, a dangerous location known for its sudden and violent weather. This earlier incident resulted in the loss of one crew member, highlighting the vessel’s history of perilous encounters and the dangers faced by sailors on the Great Lakes.
Ownership and Operations
At the time of its sinking in 1899, the James R. Benson was owned by the Cuddy-Mullen Coal Co. of Amherstburg, Ontario. The vessel was primarily used for transporting coal, a critical commodity for the industrializing region. The barge played an essential role in the Great Lakes shipping industry, contributing to the movement of goods necessary for the economic development of the surrounding areas.
Conclusion
The James R. Benson, a vessel with a storied history on the Great Lakes, met a tragic end on June 20, 1899, when it sank off Cedar Point in Sandusky Bay, Lake Erie. Originally built as a schooner and later converted to a barge, the vessel was an essential part of the region’s maritime commerce, particularly in the coal trade. While the sinking marked the end of the James R. Benson’s service, the crew’s successful escape and the subsequent removal of the wreck reflect the resilience and determination of those who navigated the challenging waters of the Great Lakes. The story of the James R. Benson serves as a reminder of the ever-present dangers of maritime life and the enduring spirit of those who faced them.
Resources & Links
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes
- David Swayze Shipwreck File
- Great Lakes Ships Database
- Historical Newspapers: Cleveland Plain Dealer, June 21, 1899 – Report on the sinking of the James R. Benson and the subsequent rescue efforts.
- Photo Archives: Great Lakes Maritime Collection – Potential archival photographs or sketches of the James R. Benson before its sinking.
Keywords
James R. Benson, J. R. Benson, Great Lakes shipwreck, Lake Erie, schooner, barge, Cedar Point, Sandusky Bay, coal transport, maritime history, vessel loss, shipwreck, dynamite removal.
