Identification & Site Information #
Vessel Type Description #
The TIMOTHY BAKER was a wooden schooner, a type of sailing vessel with multiple masts commonly used on the Great Lakes during the 19th century. Schooners like the TIMOTHY BAKER were primarily employed for transporting bulk cargoes such as lumber, coal, and grain across the vast inland seas of the Great Lakes. These vessels were favored for their speed and ability to navigate the often unpredictable waters of the region.
History #
The TIMOTHY BAKER was launched in 1857 by S. Ruggles in Milan, Ohio. It was initially owned by Ruggles & Mowry, also based in Milan. The vessel had a long service life, during which it underwent several major repairs and ownership changes. In 1867, the schooner was reconstructed, likely to extend its service life, and in 1882, it was repaired after running aground at Windmill Point.
On October 1, 1888, the TIMOTHY BAKER encountered a fierce storm while navigating the waters near Pelee Island in Lake Erie. The schooner, loaded with lumber, was driven aground several miles below “The Dummy” (Bar Point Light). The storm proved too much for the aging vessel, and it broke apart a week later on October 8. Tragically, it is believed that all crew members aboard the schooner were lost in this disaster.
At the time of its sinking, the TIMOTHY BAKER was owned by M. Scott and Shaw of Marine City. The schooner had changed hands multiple times over the years, having been owned by various parties in Cleveland, including John Weber, Fifield, and Radcliffe.
The schooner’s history is marked by another significant event in October 1887, when it ran aground in Toboco Bay on the west shore of Saginaw Bay. Although the vessel sustained leaks, it was eventually freed by tugs and taken to Bay City for repairs in drydock.
An additional note in the vessel’s history includes a legal incident involving the captain, Thomas Burke, and the mate, Hiram Henderson. They were accused of assaulting a seaman named Angus Leach during a voyage, leading to legal proceedings where the captain was held accountable, and the mate settled separately.
The TIMOTHY BAKER’s enrollment was formally surrendered in November 1888 in Port Huron, Michigan, marking the end of its official record as it was deemed a wreck.
Final Disposition #
The TIMOTHY BAKER lies in pieces near Pelee Island in Lake Erie, where it was wrecked and broken apart by a storm in October 1888. The vessel’s loss highlights the perils faced by schooners on the Great Lakes, especially during the unpredictable fall storm season.
NOTMARs & Advisories #
- Current Status: There are no specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) associated with the TIMOTHY BAKER wreck site. The location is known among local divers and historians, but it is not a significant navigational hazard today.
Located By & Date #
- Discovery: The wreck of the TIMOTHY BAKER has not been officially located in modern times. Its remains are believed to be scattered near Pelee Island, Lake Erie, but the exact location has not been precisely documented.
Resources & Links #
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Maritime History of the Great Lakes
- Great Lakes Ships: Great Lakes Ships Database
- David Swayze Shipwreck File: Swayze Shipwreck File
Conclusion #
The TIMOTHY BAKER’s history is a tale of resilience, legal battles, and ultimately, tragedy. This wooden schooner served the Great Lakes for over three decades, transporting vital cargo and navigating the often dangerous waters. The storm of October 1888 marked the end of the schooner’s life, with the loss of her crew serving as a solemn reminder of the dangers faced by those who sailed the Great Lakes.
Keywords: #
- TIMOTHY BAKER
- Schooner
- Lake Erie
- Pelee Island
- 19th Century Shipwreck
- Great Lakes Maritime History
- Windmill Point
- Toboco Bay
- Storm Wreck
- Marine City
The TIMOTHY BAKER’s story is one of many that contribute to the rich maritime history of the Great Lakes, a region where countless vessels have met their end, and where each wreck adds another chapter to the ongoing tale of commerce, travel, and tragedy on these inland seas.
