Built in 1870 in Charlotte, New York, by the skilled hands of carpenter George Hardison, this vessel measured 136 feet in length, 26 feet in width, and 4 feet in depth. It boasted a gross tonnage of 346 and a net tonnage of 328, signifying its substantial size.
In the year 1890, disaster struck the POLLY M. ROGERS when it broke free from its tow tug, the WILSON, while en route from Fair Haven to Ogdensburg, New York. Buffeted by the forces of nature, the ship was driven ashore near Pigeon Island, Lake Ontario. Despite the valiant efforts of its crew, they could not prevent the inevitable grounding of the vessel. The schooner, which had been in service for two decades, tragically became a total loss, with the hull alone valued at $8,000 and the cargo suffering a loss of $1,300.
The aftermath of the wreck saw a dramatic rescue operation unfold. The crew, consisting of nine individuals, including the mate’s wife and a four-year-old girl, found themselves stranded and lashed to the rigging as the vessel succumbed to the waters. Miraculously, all were saved from their precarious situation. News of the wreck spread, and the Kingston Wrecking Company took charge, acquiring the POLLY M. ROGERS and its cargo. They dispatched steam pumps and a diver to the wreck site, initiating efforts to salvage what they could.
However, despite the best intentions, the wrecking company faced challenges in their salvage operations. The schooner proved to be severely damaged, with significant leaks impeding the pumping of water from the vessel. Captain Donnelly, making a difficult decision, opted to dismantle the ship and return to the city. The PIERREPONT, the vessel involved in the salvage efforts, unloaded the equipment and supplies, such as pumps and chains, at Folger’s dock. Meanwhile, the wreck of the POLLY M. ROGERS remained exposed and vulnerable on the shoreline of Pigeon Island, a stark reminder of the perils faced by seafarers and the unpredictable nature of the unforgiving waters.
List of sources related to the schooner POLLY M. ROGERS:
1. Statement of Wreck & Casualty, 1890, Department of Marine & Fisheries.
– Details the loss of the schooner POLLY M. ROGERS, including its grounding on Pigeon Island in Lake Ontario in November 1890. It provides information on the vessel’s age, tonnage, and the loss incurred.
2. Buffalo Evening News, November 26, 1890.
– Reports on the discovery of the sunken schooner POLLY M. ROGERS, including the rescue of the crew, who were found lashed to the rigging after the vessel broke away from the towing tug WILSON.
3. Daily British Whig, Kingston, November 28, 1890.
– Mentions the purchase of the POLLY M. ROGERS and its cargo by the Kingston Wrecking Company. Steam pumps and a diver were dispatched to the wreck.
4. Daily British Whig, Kingston, November 29, 1890.
– Describes efforts to salvage the schooner POLLY M. ROGERS, including pumping out water, dismantling the vessel, and the challenges posed by the wreck’s location.
5. Buffalo Morning Express, September 21, 1889.
– Provides information about an earlier incident involving the schooner POLLY M. ROGERS when it went ashore on Starve Island Reef beyond Kelley’s Island. Tugs were sent to assist.
6. List of Partial Lake Losses, 1885, Cleveland Leader, December 7, 1885.
– Records a partial loss of cargo for the schooner P.M. ROGERS in 1885 when it damaged its corn cargo on Lake Ontario.
7. Description of the schooner POLLY M. ROGERS, including details of its construction, dimensions, and ownership history.
8. Maritime History of the Great Lakes Website
9. Great Lakes Ships Website
