IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #
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VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION #
The schooner built in 1882 by Rand & Burger in Manitowoc, Wisconsin, was a wooden-hulled, two-masted sailing vessel designed for the rigorous demands of cargo transport on the Great Lakes. These types of schooners were the workhorses of the lakes, used extensively for carrying bulk goods such as coal, lumber, and grain across the vast inland waterways. The vessel’s robust construction and adaptability made it a reliable choice for merchants and shipping companies during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Construction and Modifications #
Originally launched as a two-masted schooner, the vessel was later modified with the addition of a third mast, enhancing its cargo-carrying capabilities and improving its sailing performance. The schooner, typical of the period, was built with a strong wooden hull capable of withstanding the often harsh conditions encountered on the Great Lakes. This modification was a common practice as shipowners sought to extend the operational life and utility of their vessels in a competitive maritime industry.
Operational History #
The schooner began its service under the ownership of J.W. Barnes of Manitowoc, Wisconsin, in 1882. For nearly two decades, it plied the waters of the Great Lakes, transporting essential goods between ports in the United States and Canada. In 1896, the vessel changed hands, becoming the property of Oliver Oberg, also of Manitowoc. Under Oberg’s ownership, the schooner continued its reliable service, navigating the often challenging waters of Lake Michigan and beyond.
In 1899, the schooner was sold to Thomas E. Torrison, another Manitowoc-based owner, who maintained its use for cargo transport. The early 1900s were marked by the schooner’s steady service, though it did experience significant incidents, such as stranding near Jacksonport, Wisconsin, on Lake Michigan in 1895. Despite this mishap, the vessel was successfully salvaged and returned to service, a testament to its sturdy construction and the determination of its owners to keep it operational.
By 1904, the schooner had crossed national boundaries, being acquired by Graham Brothers of Kincardine, Ontario. It was at this time that the vessel was registered under the Canadian number C150489, marking its official entry into the Canadian maritime registry. The schooner continued to serve faithfully, now navigating not only the waters of Lake Michigan but also the broader Great Lakes, including Lake Ontario.
In 1924, the vessel was transferred to the James Swift Coal Co. of Kingston, Ontario. Under this ownership, the schooner’s primary role was the transportation of coal, a vital resource for heating and industrial purposes during that era. The schooner’s strong build and dependable design made it well-suited for this task, and it continued to serve with distinction until its final voyage.
Final Voyage and Sinking #
The schooner’s long and storied career came to an abrupt end on September 3, 1926. On its final voyage, the vessel was loaded with a cargo of coal at Sodus Point, New York, and set sail for Picton, Ontario. However, as it sailed across Lake Ontario, it encountered rough weather conditions near Braddocks Point, approximately 10 miles south of Long Point. The harsh weather proved too much for the aging schooner, and it foundered, sinking with its cargo to the bottom of Lake Ontario.
The sinking of the schooner marked the end of a significant chapter in Great Lakes maritime history. The exact wreck location has not been specified in historical records, but the loss of the vessel serves as a poignant reminder of the dangers faced by sailors on the Great Lakes, where even the most experienced crews and sturdy ships could be overwhelmed by the forces of nature.
Ownership Timeline #
- 1882: Original Owner: J.W. Barnes, Manitowoc, Wisconsin
- 1896: Owned by Oliver Oberg, Manitowoc, Wisconsin
- 1899: Owned by Thomas E. Torrison, Manitowoc, Wisconsin
- 1904: Acquired by Graham Brothers, Kincardine, Ontario, and registered under Canadian number C150489
- 1924: Ownership transferred to James Swift Coal Co., Kingston, Ontario
Notable Incidents #
- 1895: Stranded near Jacksonport, Wisconsin, on Lake Michigan, later salvaged and continued service.
- 1926: The vessel foundered and sank near Braddocks Point, Lake Ontario, during a voyage from Sodus Point, New York, to Picton, Ontario.
Final Disposition #
The schooner met its final fate on September 3, 1926, when it sank in Lake Ontario near Braddocks Point. The vessel, along with its cargo of coal, was lost, marking the end of its long and eventful maritime journey. The exact wreck location remains unspecified in historical records, leaving the final resting place of the schooner shrouded in mystery.
NOTMARs & ADVISORIES: #
There are no specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) related to the final location of the schooner, as the details of its wreckage have not been fully documented.
LOCATED BY & DATE #
The wreck location near Braddocks Point, Lake Ontario, is known generally, but no specific coordinates or details about the wreck site have been provided.
CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY #
The schooner lies at the bottom of Lake Ontario near Braddocks Point. The wreck’s condition is unknown due to a lack of specific documentation, and it is not currently accessible for exploration.
RESOURCES & LINKS #
- David Swayze Shipwreck File
- Poster Ship for Save Ontario Shipwrecks
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes
- Bowling Green State University
- Oswego County News
- Bruce County Museum – Historic Photo Gallery
- Burger Boat Company
- Wisconsin Shipwrecks
- Culbert Family History
schooner, shipwreck, Lake Ontario, Manitowoc, Greenleaf S. Rand, maritime history, Great Lakes, coal transport, Braddocks Point, Long Point
Conclusion #
This schooner, built in 1882, represents the robust craftsmanship and maritime ingenuity of the late 19th century. Its long service life, marked by multiple ownerships and significant modifications, reflects the dynamic nature of Great Lakes shipping during this period. The vessel’s ultimate demise in 1926, carrying a load of coal, underscores the perilous conditions faced by sailors and ships on the Great Lakes. The schooner’s history, while punctuated by misfortunes, also highlights the resilience and adaptability of these essential cargo carriers.
