Sophia Minch #
Official Numbers: U.S.115166 (U.S.), C.116956 (Canada)
Year of Build: 1873
Built at: Vermilion, Ohio
Vessel Type: Three-masted schooner (later converted to a schooner barge)
Dimensions:
- Length: 184.5 feet
- Beam: 33.5 feet
- Depth: 13.5 feet
- Gross Tonnage: 635 tons
- Net Tonnage: 603 tons
Construction and Early Ownership
The Sophia Minch was built in 1873 in Vermilion, Ohio, for the Minch interests, which would eventually become part of the Kinsman Marine Transit Company, a prominent Great Lakes shipping company. The vessel was originally built as a three-masted schooner, a common design for ships operating in the Great Lakes during the late 19th century, primarily used for carrying bulk cargo such as coal, grain, and stone.
Conversion to a Schooner Barge
In the 1880s, the Sophia Minch was cut down to a schooner barge, meaning it no longer sailed independently under its own power and was instead towed by steamers. This conversion extended the operational life of many aging schooners, allowing them to continue transporting goods without requiring large crews or complex sail rigging. The vessel was involved in transporting various bulk materials across the Great Lakes, benefiting from the economic growth in the region during this time.
Sale and Incident in 1899
In July 1899, the Sophia Minch was sold to L. P. & J. S. Smith of Cleveland, Ohio. However, shortly after being sold, the vessel encountered severe weather. On July 8, 1899, while being towed in tandem with the barge George P. Washington behind the steamer John N. Glidden, the vessels ran into heavy weather approximately 10 miles west of Ashtabula. Due to the storm, the steamer was forced to cut the towline, and both barges drifted ashore. The Sophia Minch was assumed to be a total loss at the time.
Salvage and New Ownership
Despite being presumed lost, the Sophia Minch was salvaged in the spring of 1900 by Miles Barry of Chicago and found to have sustained little damage. This allowed the vessel to return to service relatively quickly. By 1905, the schooner barge had been sold to Captain James Sheehan of Detroit and continued to be used in commercial service.
Point Anne Quarries Service
By 1910, the Sophia Minch had joined the Point Anne Quarries Ltd. fleet. In this capacity, she was used to carry stonefrom Point Anne, a prominent quarrying region, to Toronto and other nearby cities. This work was critical for the region’s construction and industrial needs, particularly as urban centers like Toronto were expanding rapidly during this period.
Final Years and Scuttling
By the early 1920s, the Sophia Minch had been retired from active service and was left to rot in the West Market Street slip in Toronto. The vessel remained idle and deteriorating until 1926, when harbor redevelopment efforts required her removal. The ship was pumped out and moved to Hanlan’s Point, where she lay for several more years. Eventually, the Sophia Minch was towed out into Lake Ontario and scuttled, a common fate for many aging ships that had outlived their usefulness.
Historical Significance
The Sophia Minch is a classic example of a Great Lakes schooner that was able to adapt to the changing shipping industry by being converted into a schooner barge. The vessel’s history also highlights the resilience of ships during this period, as it was salvaged and returned to service even after being thought to be a total loss.
The Sophia Minch’s role in transporting stone from Point Anne to Toronto speaks to its importance in the infrastructure development of Ontario during the early 20th century. Like many vessels of its era, it was eventually retired and scuttled, marking the end of a long and varied career.
Summary of Key Events: #
- 1873: Built in Vermilion, Ohio, as a three-masted schooner for the Minch interests.
- 1880s: Converted to a schooner barge, extending its service life.
- July 1899: Sold to L. P. & J. S. Smith, Cleveland; wrecked in a storm near Ashtabula but later salvaged.
- 1900: Salvaged and sold to Miles Barry, Chicago.
- 1905: Sold to Captain James Sheehan, Detroit.
- 1910: Joined Point Anne Quarries Ltd. to transport stone to Toronto.
- 1920s: Retired and left to rot in the West Market Street slip, Toronto.
- 1926: Removed and scuttled in Lake Ontario.
The Sophia Minch exemplifies the durability and adaptability of Great Lakes vessels during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and its long career reflects the shifting demands of maritime commerce in the region
