Other Names
- Seen as CLARA BELLE
.The “CLARA BELL” was a schooner built in the 1860s. It was constructed at Ira Laffrinier’s shipyard in Cleveland for a Boston-based company. The vessel measured about 106 feet in length, 26 feet in beam, and had a depth of hold of 8 feet 8 inches. With a tonnage of 219 tons, it was intended for coasting trade and transportation.
The ship embarked on voyages between various ports, including Buffalo, Chicago, and Boston. The “CLARA BELL” was under the command of Captain G. W. Barst, who was associated with Boston. It operated as a coaster, involved in the trade of goods and transportation along the Great Lakes and coastal regions.
Unfortunately, the “CLARA BELL” met its demise in 1875 during a gale. The ship reportedly wrecked off Leamington, and the captain, William Robinson of Kelley’s Island, was tragically drowned. The exact circumstances and details of the shipwreck are not provided in the excerpt, but it stands as a reminder of the dangers that sailors faced while navigating the unpredictable waters of the Great Lakes.
The story of the “CLARA BELL” offers a glimpse into the challenges and adventures of maritime trade during that era, showcasing the vessel’s construction, service routes, and the unfortunate event that led to its loss and the loss of lives.
