L.M. Mason

The schooner L.M. Mason, constructed in 1853 in Port Huron, Michigan, had a history marked by various owners and incidents. Built by Joseph P. Arnold, the vessel had a wooden hull and a single deck. The original owner was Joseph P. Arnold, along with others from Port Huron, including Theodore, Chauncey, and Isaac Hubbard.

With two masts, the L.M. Mason measured 125 feet 3 inches in length, 25 feet 3 inches in beam, and 11 feet 3 inches in depth. According to the old-style tonnage measurement, it had a capacity of 340 35/95 tons.

Tragedy struck the L.M. Mason on October 22, 1861, near Presque Isle, Michigan, in Lake Huron. The vessel was wrecked during a gale, leading to its ultimate demise. It was driven ashore, stripped, and abandoned the following week. The final cargo aboard the schooner was grain.

The history of the L.M. Mason is punctuated by several noteworthy events. On August 27, 1853, it was enrolled in Detroit, Michigan. Just a month later, on October 10, the vessel experienced a significant setback when it was dismasted in Mexico Bay, Lake Ontario. The damage required repairs in Oswego.

Ownership of the schooner changed hands over the years. On November 8, 1853, it came under the ownership of Nickles and Whitcomb from Detroit. Subsequently, on November 15, 1854, the L.M. Mason was owned by John Owen, also from Detroit.

In its journey, the schooner encountered accidents and collisions. On September 22, 1856, it collided with the schooner Moselle on Lake Erie, near Point Pelee. However, the vessel was repaired and back in operation.

In 1860, the L.M. Mason found itself under the ownership of Eldred & Balcon from Chicago, Illinois. However, its misfortunes persisted. In April of that year, it collided with the Morning Light on Lake Erie during a storm. Then, on May 16, 1861, the schooner arrived in Detroit damaged after being struck by a squall near Beaver Island.

Ultimately, the wrecking of the L.M. Mason in Lake Huron on October 22, 1861, marked the end of its tumultuous existence.