A. MEDBURY

IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION

The A. Medbury was a wooden-hulled schooner, typical of the mid-19th century Great Lakes sailing vessels. Schooners like the A. Medbury were predominantly used for transporting bulk cargo such as grain, coal, and other goods across the Great Lakes. The A. Medbury had three masts, making it a typical schooner configuration that provided the vessel with the necessary sail area to navigate the often windy and unpredictable Great Lakes.

HISTORY

The A. Medbury was constructed in 1855 by Burton Parsons in Vermillion, Ohio, and began its service primarily transporting goods across the Great Lakes. Over the years, the A. Medbury was involved in several incidents, including running aground in the St. Mary’s River and multiple collisions. Despite these, it continued service until its tragic end on November 6, 1872, when it collided with the schooner Hercules near Snake Island on Lake Ontario. The collision nearly split the vessel in two, and it sank within three minutes. Thankfully, all crew members survived the incident. The A. Medbury was insured for $5,000, with an additional $3,900 coverage for the cargo.

FINAL DISPOSITION

The final voyage of the A. Medbury occurred when it was loaded with salt bound for Chicago. The schooner Hercules, carrying railroad iron from Kingston to Hamilton, collided with the A. Medbury near Snake Island. The impact was so severe that the A. Medbury sank swiftly, becoming a total loss valued at $9,700. The Hercules was also damaged but managed to return to port with assistance.

NOTMARs & ADVISORIES

There are no current Notices to Mariners related to the wreck of the A. Medbury.

LOCATED BY & DATE

The exact details of when and who discovered the A. Medbury wreck are not clearly documented, though it is known that the wreck lies approximately 100 yards north of Four Mile Point in Lake Ontario.

CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY

The wreck of the A. Medbury lies in Lake Ontario near Four Mile Point. It is relatively shallow, making it accessible to divers. The vessel’s structure is likely broken, given the severe damage reported at the time of sinking. Divers visiting the site should exercise caution and respect the historical significance of the wreck.

RESOURCES & LINKS

1. Shipwreck Records: David Swayze’s compilation on the A. Medbury provides historical insights into the vessel’s service history and final voyage.
2. Historical Newspapers: The Toronto Mail, November 7, 1872, reported extensively on the collision and sinking of the A. Medbury.
3. Marine Insurance Records: Records from the Merchantile Marine Insurance Co. and British American Insurance Company detailing the insurance coverage of the vessel and cargo.