Other Names #
- A.J. BROWN
- ANN J. BROWN
History #
The schooner Ann Jane Brown, also known as A.J. Brown and Ann J. Brown, was a wooden schooner built in 1842 in Port Hope, Ontario, Canada. It had a tonnage of 99 gross tons. The vessel was owned by Marsh & Co. of Port Hope and was under the command of Captain Thomas Slight.
On December 13, 1856 (according to some sources, November according to others), the Ann Jane Brown encountered a blizzard and gale while sailing on Lake Ontario. The schooner struck a reef approximately 10 miles southeast of Picton, Ontario, and was reported as a total wreck. Tragically, two lives were lost in the incident, including Captain Thomas Slight and First Mate George Campbell.
At the time of the accident, the Ann Jane Brown was carrying a full cargo of valuable merchandise. The exact nature of the merchandise is not specified in the available information.
The vessel had previously experienced a capsizing incident on May 30, 1845, off Point Aux Barques. It was rebuilt in 1853 at Port Hope, where it underwent significant repairs and modifications. The rebuilt schooner had two masts and a tonnage of 99 tons.
There is mention of another incident involving the Ann Jane Brown when it went ashore at Wicked Point in 1854, but the details of this incident are not provided in the available information.
Efforts were made to salvage the wrecked vessel, as there were hopes of saving it from significant damage. However, the specific outcome of those salvage attempts is not mentioned.
The Ann Jane Brown was one of the vessels owned by William Marsh of Port Britain, near Port Hope. It likely received its name from one of William Marsh’s sisters, who had married J.G. Brown of Port Hope, or possibly after their daughter. J.G. Brown, the brother-in-law of William Marsh, was also a part-owner of the schooner.
Overall, the Ann Jane Brown had an eventful history, experiencing both accidents and rebuilds during its time in service.
