On November 1, 1856, the schooner JOHN P. HALE found itself in a perilous situation near Oswego. The heavy sea prevented attempts to rescue the crew using a lifeboat. The schooner had run aground about one and a half miles above Oswego while traveling from Chicago to Oswego with a cargo of wheat. The snowstorm and increasing wind made the conditions even more dangerous. Reports indicated that the vessel had a flag at half-mast and the crew was seen in the rigging. A lifeboat was dispatched to the scene, but it was unable to reach the stranded crew due to the rough waters.
The following day, it was reported that the schooner J.P. HALE was still stranded, with its larboard side facing the shore. The vessel had suffered significant damage, including a bilged hull, a hogged deck, a sprung mainmast, missing rigging, torn sails, and a leaning structure. Despite the dire situation, it was believed that around 5,000 to 7,000 bushels of wheat could potentially be salvaged if the weather improved. The vessel, owned by S.J. Holley of Oswego, was insured, along with its cargo and freight list, primarily with the Buffalo Mutual insurance company.
Efforts were made to rescue the crew, and a government lifeboat was mobilized. However, due to the treacherous conditions, the lifeboat filled with water and could not reach the schooner. A fire was built on the shore to provide warmth and light for the stranded crew throughout the night. The following morning, when the weather had calmed down, the rescue operation resumed. The crew, who had spent the night on the stranded vessel, was eventually saved and brought back to the city with the assistance of the tugboat Robert Reed. The captain of the J.P. HALE, J.G. Richardson, was not blamed for the incident as the severe snow squall made it impossible to maintain control of the vessel.
Unfortunately, despite salvage efforts, the J.P. HALE was ultimately deemed a total wreck. The vessel had broken in two and suffered extensive damage. While some wheat was saved, it was estimated that around 5,000 bushels would be lost. The schooner’s demise occurred on Ford’s Shoals, about four miles up the lake and nearly one mile from the shore. The news of the wreck and the heroic efforts of the rescuers received attention and recognition from the public. The losses, totaling approximately $30,000, including the vessel, cargo, and freight, were covered by insurance from the Buffalo Mutual company.
In the aftermath, the wreckage of the J.P. HALE continued to deteriorate, eventually going to pieces. Other maritime incidents were also reported during the same period, including the loss of the schooner CUYAHOGA and damage to the schooner SULTAN.
