The CHARM, a schooner with a square stern, was built in 1859 in Kingston, Ontario. It was constructed by George Thurston and initially owned by J. Faulkner (or Falconer) of Kingston. The vessel was made of wood and had a single deck. It had two masts and measured approximately 76.8 feet in length, 17.2 feet in beam, and 6.6 feet in depth. The old-style tonnage of the CHARM was recorded as 81.
Throughout its history, the CHARM underwent various changes in ownership and modifications. In 1860, it was referred to as a “flat” vessel. By March 21, 1861, it was owned by George Laidlaw of Toronto, Ontario. In 1863, it was described as a “scow.” On January 12, 1864, ownership transferred to William Irving and Hugh Brothers of Port Nelson, Ontario.
John T. Graup of Napanee, Ontario, became the owner of the CHARM on September 20, 1872. However, the vessel’s fate took a tragic turn on November 5, 1874, when it foundered in a storm. The incident occurred while the CHARM was en route from Napanee, Ontario, to Oswego, New York. The final location of the vessel was reported to be the northwest corner of Amherst Island in Lake Ontario
In 1867, the CHARM underwent a significant rebuild at Port Nelson (Burlington) under the supervision of A. LeClair. The vessel’s dimensions were altered to 90 feet in length, 17.4 feet in beam, and 6.7 feet in depth, with a tonnage of 90. On June 17, 1867, the vessel’s registration was canceled, and it was assigned a new registration number, C671567.
Owned by John Graup of Napanee, the CHARM had a history of sailing in the region. It had previously operated out of Kingston in 1873 and underwent a rebuilding in 1867. The schooner measured 90 feet in length, 17 feet in beam, and had a tonnage of 89.
The storm that claimed the CHARM was a significant event, with several vessels suffering similar fates along the shores of Lake Ontario. The CHARM’s cargo at the time of the loss is not specified, but it is known that the vessel was carrying barley during its ill-fated journey.
