The storm that occurred on September 30, 1895, on the Upper Lakes was one of the most violent and destructive storms in recent years. During the storm, 18 vessels were reported stranded at various points, and distress signals were flying for others.
Among the incidents, the schooner CONDOR was long overdue at Milwaukee, causing grave fears for her safety. The steam barge KERSHAW went on the reef at Chocolay Beach, breaking completely in two, with thirteen persons narrowly escaping drowning.
In addition, five steamers were grounded near Detroit, and the barge R.J. HENRY went to pieces on the rocks near Sault Ste. Marie. Several vessels lost deck cargoes and were stripped of all canvas and steering gear.
The excursion steamer PURITAN with 40 passengers had to return to Chicago after three unsuccessful attempts to land at St. Joseph due to heavy sea conditions.
The steamer KERSHAW, previously wrecked on Chocolay Reef near Marquette five years ago, was being salvaged. Captain Hemminger and his wrecker, the steamer FERN, were at the scene, breaking up the machinery with dynamite and raising it to make a profit from its sale.
The CHARLES J. KERSHAW was a steam screw vessel, built in 1874 in Bangor, Michigan, with a home port in Cleveland, Ohio.
The storm of 1895 caused significant damage to ships and put the lives of crew members and passengers at risk, highlighting the dangers and challenges faced by vessels navigating the Great Lakes during severe weather conditions.
