IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION
VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION:
The Butcher’s Boy began its life as the barge Hannah B. in 1879, designed for passenger and package freight transportation. Constructed of wood, the vessel had a modest size, suitable for operations on the Great Lakes. The Butcher’s Boy, originally a barge, was later converted into a propeller vessel, reflecting the adaptability and varied uses of ships during that era.
HISTORY:
The Butcher’s Boy, initially built as Hannah B. in Bay City, Michigan, by Chesley Wheeler, was launched in 1879. Over the years, the vessel underwent significant changes, including multiple rebuilds and name changes. In 1881, the vessel was renamed A.H. Morrison, and by 1884, it acquired the name Butcher’s Boy.
The vessel was initially registered in the United States but was later sold to Canadian owners, receiving a new official number, C92612, after being rebuilt and renumbered. The Butcher’s Boy served under different ownerships, including its last known owner, the Victoria Harbor Lumber Co.
The vessel met its demise in 1902 during a storm near Christian Island in Georgian Bay, Lake Huron. Unfortunately, the exact circumstances surrounding the sinking, including details about any potential loss of life or the cargo on board, are not well documented. The Butcher’s Boy foundered under the relentless pressure of the storm, disappearing beneath the waves of Lake Huron.
FINAL DISPOSITION:
The Butcher’s Boy was lost to a storm in 1902 near Christian Island, Georgian Bay, Lake Huron. The vessel foundered and sank, marking the end of its varied and extensive service on the Great Lakes.
NOTMARs & ADVISORIES:
There are no current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) specifically related to the wreck site of the Butcher’s Boy.
LOCATED BY & DATE:
The exact location of the wreck has not been documented or confirmed.
RESOURCES & LINKS:
KEYWORDS:
Butcher’s Boy, Hannah B., A.H. Morrison, Georgian Bay, Lake Huron, Great Lakes shipwreck, storm, propeller vessel, Victoria Harbor Lumber Co.
CONCLUSION:
The Butcher’s Boy’s story is emblematic of the many vessels that served on the Great Lakes during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Originally launched as a barge, it was converted and repurposed several times throughout its service life. Despite its resilience and adaptability, the Butcher’s Boy ultimately succumbed to the treacherous waters of Lake Huron during a storm in 1902. The vessel’s history, marked by its numerous rebuilds and name changes, highlights the dynamic and often perilous nature of Great Lakes maritime operations.
