SS Samuel Mather (1887): A Tale of Tragedy and Exploration
The SS Samuel Mather, the first of its name, took to the waters in 1887, embarking on a four-year career as a wooden bulk freighter. Owned by the Pickands, Mather Company and registered in Cleveland, Ohio, the Mather was a remarkable vessel, measuring 246 feet in length with a beam of 40 feet and a depth of 19.3 feet. Powered by steam and a propeller, it was one of the few wooden freighters navigating the Great Lakes.
The Mather faced its share of mishaps and ownership changes throughout its relatively short life. In 1887, the tug Mystic towed it to Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, due to machinery issues during a journey from Sandusky, Ohio, to Duluth, Minnesota. Ownership shifted to Samuel Mather, et al. of Cleveland in 1888 and later to James Pickard, et al. of Interlake Transportation Company. In 1890, the Mather was involved in a collision with the steamer Ohio, leading to legal proceedings.
The Mather’s final voyage commenced on November 22, 1891, as it carried 58,000 bushels of wheat from Duluth, Minnesota, to Buffalo, New York. Tragedy struck in Whitefish Bay, just 8 miles north of Point Iroquois, where the steel package freighter Brazil collided with the Mather in dense fog. The impact tore an 11-foot hole in the starboard side, but remarkably, there was no loss of life among the crew of twenty. As the Mather took on water, the crew managed to escape with the lifeboats, but their personal belongings were lost. Within 25 minutes, the Mather succumbed to the depths of Whitefish Bay, claiming its cargo and resulting in an estimated total loss of over $226,000.
The Mather’s wreck lay undisturbed until May 1978 when it was discovered by Bob Smith of Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. Since then, it has become a popular scuba diving site, attracting explorers keen to witness the rare and well-preserved example of a wooden freighter on the lakebed. The Great Lakes Shipwreck Historical Society (GLSHS) documented the wreck extensively, bringing to light its historical significance.
However, the Mather’s story took a twist when artifacts from its wreck were illegally removed in the 1980s. As a result, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Environment raided the GLSHS offices and Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum in 1992, confiscating the unlawfully obtained items. These artifacts are now the property of the State of Michigan and are on display at the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum under a loan agreement.
The Mather’s resting place is part of the Whitefish Point Underwater Preserve, forming an essential component of an underwater museum. The wreck stands as a poignant reminder of a bygone era, evoking the memories of the wooden freighters that once traversed the Great Lakes. Scuba divers exploring its well-preserved remains must exercise caution, as the Mather’s depths have claimed the lives of three divers over the years.
The tale of the SS Samuel Mather is one of maritime history, tragedy, exploration, and preservation. It stands as a testament to the enduring allure of shipwrecks and the stories they hold, drawing divers and historians alike to delve into the mysteries of the deep.
