History
In the annals of maritime history, the propeller “COLONIST” emerges as a vessel that grappled with both the forces of nature and the harsh realities of the 19th-century shipping industry. Built in Sarnia, Ontario, in the year 1854 by shipbuilder Robert Steed, this wooden-hulled propeller was destined to navigate the unpredictable waters of the Great Lakes, ultimately meeting its untimely demise in Lake Huron.
The “COLONIST” was constructed with meticulous attention to detail, boasting a length of 134 feet, a beam of 24 feet, and a depth of 11 feet. With a gross tonnage of 341 and a net tonnage of 207, the vessel stood as a testament to the shipbuilding prowess of its time. Originally owned by James Potter of Sarnia, Ontario, the propeller was initially powered by a single cylinder engine, equipped with a solitary boiler.
Throughout its service life, the “COLONIST” passed through the hands of various owners and navigated the intricate web of shipping routes connecting prominent ports. In 1855, it fell under the ownership of Holcomb & Henderson, Montreal, Quebec, and undertook voyages along the Montreal, Toronto, and Hamilton line. Subsequent years saw the vessel change ownership, operated by entities such as Jacques, Tracy, & Co. of Montreal. The year 1866 marked a pivotal transition as it became the property of Pridham, Montreal, Quebec.
The unfortunate events that led to the tragic loss of the “COLONIST” unfolded in November 1869, in the tempestuous waters of Lake Huron. Laden with a cargo of wheat and flour, the vessel set forth on a journey from Milwaukee to Montreal. However, the elements had other plans. A fierce gale on November 17 battered the “COLONIST” near Manitowoc, Wisconsin, causing it to sustain significant damage. Despite seeking refuge in the harbor, the vessel was unable to escape the wrath of the storm.
As the “COLONIST” resumed its journey on November 19, its battered hull succumbed to the relentless fury of the lake. A leak, sprung as a result of the previous pummeling, led to its inevitable downfall. On November 21, 1869, approximately 25 miles southeast of the Straits of Mackinac, the vessel met its tragic end as it foundered beneath the unforgiving waters of Lake Huron.
Remarkably, despite the vessel’s catastrophic fate, the loss of life was mercifully averted. However, the same could not be said for the “COLONIST” itself, which slipped beneath the waves, carrying with it the cargo of wheat and flour it had carried so diligently.
The legacy of the “COLONIST” endures not only as a cautionary tale of the perils faced by vessels of its era but also as a testament to the dedication and resilience of the individuals who navigated the Great Lakes. As the years have passed, the memory of the “COLONIST” and its tragic end has been preserved in maritime records, paying homage to a vessel that braved the waters, battled the storms, and ultimately succumbed to the formidable forces of nature.
