Identification and Site Information #
Vessel Name: Belle Sheridan
Type: Schooner
Location: Near Consecon, Weller’s Bay, Lake Ontario, Ontario, Canada
Coordinates: Not specifically provided.
Depth: Information on the depth is unavailable.
History #
The Belle Sheridan was a wooden schooner built in 1852 in Oswego, New York, by shipbuilder A. Miller. The vessel was designed with one deck and two masts, measuring 123 feet in length, 23 feet in beam (width), and 10.1 feet in depth. It had a tonnage of 256, according to the old measurement system.
Throughout its service life, the Belle Sheridan changed ownership multiple times. Initially, in 1860, it was owned by Doolittle, Erwin & Co., based in Oswego, New York. Ownership passed to Charles Davis of Oswego in 1863 and later to Davis & Gaylord in 1866. The vessel underwent significant repairs in 1868 and again in March 1873 at A. Miller & Co. Shipyard, where it was overhauled.
At some point, the schooner was sold to Canadian interests. In 1877, the Belle Sheridan became waterlogged while docked in Toronto, Ontario, on Lake Ontario. The wreck was purchased by Lamb, and later it was sold to Captain McSherry. The vessel was raised and underwent rebuilding after the waterlogging incident.
The Belle Sheridan met its tragic end on November 16, 1880, when it was wrecked near Consecon in Weller’s Bay, Ontario. The wreck resulted in the loss of six lives, marking the vessel’s final chapter in maritime history. By 1885, the schooner was listed with a gross tonnage of 200.1 and a net tonnage of 200.1.
Final Disposition #
The wreck of the Belle Sheridan remains near Consecon in Weller’s Bay, Lake Ontario. The schooner, which had served for nearly three decades, ultimately succumbed to the unpredictable waters of Lake Ontario, taking with it the lives of six individuals. The precise details of the wreck’s location and depth remain undocumented, but its story contributes to the rich tapestry of Great Lakes maritime history.
Resources & Links #
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes – A comprehensive resource for shipwrecks and maritime history in the Great Lakes region.
- The Great Lakes Shipwreck File – A detailed database of shipwrecks, including the Belle Sheridan.
- Oswego Maritime History – Historical records related to shipbuilding in Oswego, New York.
Tags #
- Type: Schooner
- Location: Lake Ontario, Weller’s Bay, Consecon, Ontario
- Year Built: 1852
- Year Wrecked: 1880
- Previous Owners: Doolittle, Erwin & Co.; Charles Davis; Davis & Gaylord
- Purpose: Cargo Transport
- Construction: Wooden hull
Analysis #
The Belle Sheridan serves as a poignant example of the challenges faced by schooners navigating the Great Lakes during the 19th century. The vessel’s multiple ownership changes and the various repairs it underwent highlight the rigorous demands placed on maritime vessels of the era. The ship’s tragic end near Consecon in Weller’s Bay is a stark reminder of the perils of Great Lakes navigation, where even experienced crews could find themselves at the mercy of the elements. The loss of six lives adds a human dimension to the story, underscoring the dangers inherent in maritime travel during this period.
