The Tragic Tale of the Schooner James R. Bentley (1867) #
In the annals of maritime history, tales of lost ships and brave sailors abound. One such story is that of the James R. Bentley, a schooner that met its tragic fate in the treacherous waters of Lake Huron in 1878. This article takes us back in time to explore the details of this ill-fated vessel, its final journey, and the valiant efforts of its crew.
The Birth of the James R. Bentley:
The James R. Bentley was built in Fairport, Ohio, in 1867 by the renowned shipbuilders Bailey Bros. Crafted from wood, this impressive three-masted schooner boasted a length of 170 feet and a tonnage of 574.58. It became a familiar sight on the Great Lakes, traversing the waters with grace and carrying valuable cargo.
The Final Voyage:
In November 1878, the James R. Bentley embarked on its final voyage, loaded with 36,288 bushels of rye and bound for Buffalo, New York, from Chicago, Illinois. Little did the crew know that this journey would mark the end of their beloved vessel. As the schooner battled heavy seas, disaster struck when it collided with a shoal near 40 Mile Point, off the eastern Straits of Mackinac.
A Desperate Struggle:
The crew of the James R. Bentley found themselves in a dire situation as the vessel began to take on water rapidly. Despite their valiant efforts to pump out the flooding hold, the volume proved overwhelming. With the ship listing and the water levels rising, the decision was made to abandon the vessel and save their lives.
A Ray of Hope:
Fortunately, the bark Erastus Corning happened to be in the vicinity. Its crew witnessed the sinking of the James R. Bentley and swiftly came to the rescue. They plucked the stranded sailors from the unforgiving waters and brought them to safety. Although the ship was lost, the crew was spared.
The Aftermath:
The sinking of the James R. Bentley sent shockwaves through the maritime community. Efforts to salvage the vessel proved futile due to its resting place in over 60 feet of water. However, one item was recovered—the ship’s figurehead. This symbolic piece of maritime history now finds its home in the Wisconsin Maritime Museum, where it serves as a reminder of the ship’s tragic fate.
Conclusion:
The story of the James R. Bentley serves as a poignant reminder of the dangers faced by sailors and the unpredictable nature of the seas. This once-proud schooner, with its rich history and valiant crew, met its end in Lake Huron’s depths. Yet, the tale lives on, immortalizing the bravery and resilience of those who sailed upon its decks. The James R. Bentley remains forever etched in the annals of maritime lore, reminding us of the sacrifices made in the pursuit of adventure and commerce on the Great Lakes.
