- Schooner
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History #
The schooner J.W. Langmuir (1865) holds a fascinating place in maritime history, with a rich history of transformations and notable events. Built in Picton, Ontario, in 1865, this wooden vessel began its journey as a brig and underwent several significant changes throughout its existence. Here, we delve into the historical account of the J.W. Langmuir, drawing from various references and source notes.
The story of the J.W. Langmuir begins with its construction as a brig in Picton, Ontario, in 1865. It was built by John Tate, with its registration date noted as July 6, 1865. At this stage, the vessel was known as the J.W. Langmuir and had a tonnage of 116 tons (gross). It featured a square stern and was rigged as a Fore and Aft Top sail schooner. With a length of 88 feet, a breadth of 21 feet, and a depth of hold measuring 8 feet and 4 inches, the J.W. Langmuir embarked on its maritime journey.
The vessel’s name and history took an interesting twist when it was revealed that it had previously been named the “PRINCE OF WALES” in 1842 and later “HANNAH” in 1844. These revelations highlight the vessel’s long and storied past, with each name change potentially marking significant moments in its maritime career.
The ownership of the J.W. Langmuir also underwent several transitions. Initially, it was registered under the ownership of J.W. Langmuir as the sole owner. However, historical records reveal that after several part-owners, the vessel came under the ownership of Richard Walters and Edward Neale, both of Toronto, on July 7, 1874.
The J.W. Langmuir was a wooden schooner with two masts. Its carvel construction and Fore and Aft Top sail rigging made it a distinctive vessel of its time. With a single deck and a square stern, it represented a classic design that was well-suited for its role as a working ship.
The vessel’s history was marked by several noteworthy events, both positive and unfortunate. In 1868, the J.W. Langmuir underwent a major repair, likely a conversion from a brig to a schooner. It was also mentioned that she experienced damage due to a lightning strike in 1860, which resulted in the splitting of her mainmast.
However, one of the most significant and unfortunate events in the J.W. Langmuir’s history occurred in October 1874. While en route from Picton to Oswego, the vessel encountered severe difficulties approximately eight miles off the Port of Oswego. It began taking on water, rendering it unmanageable. The vessel was driven back towards the shoal at the head of Galloo Island, where it ultimately grounded and broke apart. The crew managed to reach safety using the vessel’s yawl, but the J.W. Langmuir faced further misfortune when its cargo was stripped by the schooner Sassacus and Tug Wheeler.
The schooner J.W. Langmuir (1865) is a captivating piece of maritime history, reflecting the dynamic nature of vessels during the 19th century. From its origins as a brig to its transformation into a schooner, and from ownership changes to notable events, the vessel’s story is a testament to the rich maritime heritage of the Great Lakes region. Despite its ultimate fate as a wreck on Galloo Island in 1874, the J.W. Langmuir’s legacy lives on through historical records and maritime enthusiasts who continue to explore and appreciate its history.
Sources and External Links #
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes Website
- David Swayze Shipwreck File
- Bowling Green State University – Great Lakes Database
- Thousand Island Life Magazine – Online
- Newspaper Transcriptions
- Casualty List for 1873, Chicago Inter-Ocean, Dec 25, 1874
- Board of Lake Underwriters, Lake Vessel Register, 1860
- Association of Canadian Lake Underwriters, 1869 Lake Vessel Register, Page 15
- Port of Picton Registry, Date: 6 July 1865
- C.H.J. Snider Schooner Days index, Naval Marine Archive Online
- The Sonar Guy – Website
- Marine Museum of the Great Lakes
