The schooner JOHN BENTLEY had a tumultuous history on the Great Lakes. Built in 1872 in Mill Point, Ontario, by H.B. Rathbun & Son, the wooden three-masted schooner was owned by William Hall of Toronto. With a length of 150 feet, beam of 29 feet, and depth of 11.9 feet, it had a gross tonnage of 524.
In April 1873, the John Bentley was launched with the intention of trading between Toronto and Oswego. However, its voyages were not without incident. In May 1880, the schooner collided with another schooner, the Maize, off Rochester, New York. The exact extent of the damage is unknown.
The most notable event involving the John Bentley occurred in September 1885 when it encountered a severe storm. The United States Life-Saving Service (USLS) came to its rescue, saving the vessel and its crew. The John Bentley was waterlogged near Sand Beach in Lake Huron during this incident. The loss of property was estimated at $1,500.
Unfortunately, the John Bentley’s luck ran out on October 15, 1886. While sailing off Cabbage Head in Georgian Bay, Lake Huron, the schooner was struck by a squall during a storm. Despite the crew’s efforts to rescue the vessel, it was driven ashore and ultimately became a total loss. It was carrying a load of lumber at the time of the accident. The exact cause of the sinking is attributed to the storm.
The owner, William Hall, made attempts to salvage the John Bentley. He arrived at the scene of the mishap with a tugboat and lighter, hoping to refloat the schooner and tow it into Owen Sound. However, there was no insurance coverage for either the vessel or its cargo, which were valued at $10,000.
The John Bentley’s history is marked by both close calls and unfortunate outcomes. From its collisions to being waterlogged and eventually sinking, it faced numerous challenges throughout its years of service on the Great Lakes.
