IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION
VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION:
The Fanny Campbell was a wooden schooner, though often referred to as a bark, a term typically used for vessels with square sails on their foremast. As one of the “old-canallers,” the Fanny Campbell was designed to navigate the Great Lakes and canals, making it a robust and versatile vessel, particularly for transporting timber. The vessel was known for carrying its own horses to assist in canal navigation and loading operations.
HISTORY:
The Fanny Campbell was constructed in 1868 by the well-regarded shipbuilder Louis Shickluna in St. Catharines, Ontario. With its significant size and capacity, it was one of the largest vessels to pass through the Welland Canal during its time. The schooner played a crucial role in the timber trade, often carrying square timber through its stern-ports, a specialized task for which it was well-suited.
Notably, the vessel was captained by Mrs. Buckley, the wife of the owner, J. Buckley, after he fell ill. Mrs. Buckley, who had studied and earned her captain’s papers, was respected for her leadership and navigational skills. Under her command, the Fanny Campbell operated efficiently, even making transatlantic voyages in the 1870s, a rare feat for a Great Lakes schooner.
FINAL DISPOSITION:
In August 1898, the Fanny Campbell set out on what would be its final voyage, bound for Johnston’s Harbor on Georgian Bay. The vessel encountered a violent northeast gale near Harbor Beach on Lake Huron. Despite the crew’s best efforts, the relentless storm overwhelmed the vessel, tearing its sails and driving it ashore. The Fanny Campbell ultimately foundered in the breakers and came to rest on a sandy shore two miles south of the harbor.
A U.S. lifeboat crew, led by coxswain Wm. J. Small, conducted a daring rescue operation. As the lifeboat approached, Mrs. Buckley, embodying the spirit of a true captain, refused to leave her ship until all her crew were safely aboard the lifeboat. Her leadership and courage were instrumental in ensuring that all crew members survived the ordeal.
NOTMARs & ADVISORIES:
There are no current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) related to the wreck of the Fanny Campbell.
LOCATED BY & DATE:
The wreck of the Fanny Campbell has not been widely documented or located, with no precise coordinates provided.
RESOURCES & LINKS:
- Great Lakes Ships
- David Swayze Shipwreck File
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes
- Archives Canada Finding Aid
- Bruce County Museum
- Great Lakes Maritime History
KEYWORDS:
Fanny Campbell, Georgian Bay, Lake Huron, Great Lakes shipwreck, schooner, timber drogher, Mrs. Buckley, maritime history.
CONCLUSION:
The story of the Fanny Campbell is a poignant reminder of the perils faced by those who sailed the Great Lakes. The vessel’s tragic end, coupled with the extraordinary leadership of its captain, Mrs. Buckley, highlights the unpredictable nature of the lakes and the resilience of those who navigated them. The Fanny Campbell’s legacy lives on in maritime lore, serving as an enduring testament to the courage and determination of Great Lakes mariners.
