Jane Bell #
Vessel Type Description
The Jane Bell was a wooden three-masted bark, originally constructed as a barkentine by the shipbuilders Campbell & Owen in Detroit, Michigan, in 1862. A barkentine is a type of sailing vessel with three or more masts, where the foremast is square-rigged and the remaining masts are fore-and-aft rigged. The vessel was later re-rigged as a schooner, a modification that likely reflected changing needs or owner preferences over its operational life. At 141 feet in length with a beam of 28.4 feet, the Jane Bell was a sizable vessel for its time, built to transport heavy cargoes like iron ore across the often treacherous waters of the Great Lakes.
History
The Jane Bell was constructed in 1862 during a period of significant maritime activity on the Great Lakes. Built by Campbell & Owen, prominent shipbuilders in Detroit, the vessel was initially launched as a barkentine but was later re-rigged as a schooner. This change in rigging suggests that the vessel was adapted to meet the evolving demands of its owners and the maritime industry at the time.
Throughout its operational life, the Jane Bell saw multiple owners. Duncan Stewart of Detroit was the first to own the vessel, followed by J.L. Hurd & Co., also based in Detroit. The vessel later came under the ownership of P.J. Ralph and Grummond. These changes in ownership likely reflect the vessel’s value in the Great Lakes shipping industry, where it was primarily employed in transporting bulk goods like iron ore, a critical resource during the industrialization of the United States.
The Jane Bell experienced several notable incidents during its service. In October 1876, the vessel ran aground on Plum Island, located at Death’s Door, a treacherous passage between the Door Peninsula and Washington Island in Wisconsin. This incident caused significant damage to the ship but did not end its service. The Jane Bell was repaired and returned to operation, continuing its work in the Great Lakes trade.
Final Disposition
On September 7, 1880, while en route from Escanaba, Michigan, to Ashtabula, Ohio, with a full cargo of iron ore, the Jane Bell encountered a violent storm off the coast of Geneva, Ohio. The storm was severe, and despite the crew’s best efforts, the vessel was driven ashore and wrecked. Recognizing the severity of their situation, the crew decided to abandon ship the following day. They attempted to escape in a yawl, but tragedy struck when the lifeboat capsized in the surf, resulting in the loss of two crew members.
The wreck of the Jane Bell was a significant loss for the Great Lakes shipping industry. The vessel’s final moments were marked by confusion and chaos, as the crew struggled against the elements. The exact details of the wreck have been somewhat muddied by conflicting reports, with some sources confusing the Jane Bell’s loss with that of another vessel, the schooner Jennibel. However, the widely accepted account remains that the Jane Bell was lost off Geneva, Ohio, in 1880, marking the end of its nearly two decades of service.
NOTMARs & Advisories
No current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) are active for the wreck site of the Jane Bell, as the exact location remains uncertain. Given the age of the wreck and the lack of significant remains, it is unlikely that the site poses a navigational hazard today.
Located by & Date
The Jane Bell’s wreck site was identified off the coast of Geneva, Ohio, in Lake Erie, following the storm on September 7, 1880. However, due to the conditions of the wreck and the passage of time, there has been little formal discovery or exploration of the site since.
Resources & Links
- Great Lakes Ships Database
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes
- David Swayze Shipwreck File
- Historical Newspapers: Cleveland Herald, September 8, 1880 – Coverage of the storm and the wreck of the Jane Bell.
- Photo Archives: Great Lakes Maritime Collection – Potential archival photographs or sketches of the Jane Bell.
Conclusion
The tragic loss of the Jane Bell off the coast of Geneva, Ohio, in 1880, serves as a poignant reminder of the dangers faced by mariners on the Great Lakes. The vessel’s long service life, from its construction in 1862 to its final journey in 1880, highlights its importance in the shipping industry, particularly in the transport of iron ore, a vital commodity during the era. The loss of two crew members during the rescue attempt underscores the perilous nature of Great Lakes navigation, particularly in the face of unpredictable and often deadly storms.
Keywords
Jane Bell, Great Lakes shipwreck, Lake Erie, bark, schooner, Geneva Ohio, iron ore transport, maritime history, vessel loss, shipwreck, storm wreck.
