Vessel Type Description The Butler, Hannah was a wooden schooner, a type of sailing vessel popular in the 19th century, especially on the Great Lakes. Schooners like the Butler, Hannah were characterized by their fore-and-aft rigged sails on two or more masts, which made them well-suited for the variable winds of inland waterways. These vessels were primarily used for transporting goods across the Great Lakes, and the Butler, Hannah was no exception, serving as a vital link in the maritime trade of the region.
History The Butler, Hannah was built in 1857 by Taylor & Delaney in Cobourg, Ontario, and registered in Picton, Ontario, on December 18, 1857. The vessel was initially owned by Wm. Ostrander and others from Cobourg, indicating its strong ties to the local community. Over its 30-year career, the Butler, Hannah saw several ownership changes and underwent significant repairs and a rebuild, which speaks to its active use and the wear it endured over time.
In 1864, the schooner underwent repairs, and by 1866, it was owned by J. Proctor of Hamilton, Ontario. The vessel was rebuilt in May 1873 in Cobourg, Ontario, under the ownership of D. Rooney, McDermott, and others. This rebuild may have been necessary due to the heavy use and the rough conditions of Great Lakes sailing.
The schooner’s dimensions were updated in 1878, and the vessel continued to serve in maritime trade. However, the Butler, Hannah experienced several incidents throughout its life. In November 1880, it broke free from its moorings and drifted ashore, leading to major repairs. In November 1885, it ran ashore again at South Bay, Ontario, but was successfully recovered a week later.
The vessel was registered again in Picton on April 26, 1886, under the ownership of VanVlack, Ostrander & O’Hagan. Despite its resilience, the Butler, Hannah met its tragic end on November 26, 1887, when it struck Salmon Pt. Reef in Lake Ontario in foggy conditions. The schooner broke apart during a subsequent storm while bound for Wellington, Ontario, from Oswego.
Final Disposition The Butler, Hannah was wrecked on November 26, 1887, at Salmon Pt. Reef in Lake Ontario. The vessel struck the reef in foggy conditions and later broke up during a storm. Its final journey ended in tragedy as the schooner, which had served for three decades, was lost to the treacherous waters of Lake Ontario.
NOTMARs & Advisories There are no current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) specifically concerning the Butler, Hannah wreck site. The vessel’s remains likely lie scattered on the lakebed, posing no navigational hazards but offering a site of historical interest.
Located By & Date The exact location of the Butler, Hannah wreck has not been extensively documented, but it is known to have sunk near Salmon Pt. Reef in Lake Ontario on November 26, 1887.
Current Condition & Accessibility The remains of the Butler, Hannah likely lie scattered on the lakebed at Salmon Pt. Reef. Given the vessel’s age and the conditions under which it sank, the wreck is probably in a state of advanced decay. The site may be accessible to experienced divers, but the exact location and condition of the remains would need further investigation.
Resources & Links
- David Swayze Shipwreck File: Contains detailed records and descriptions of shipwrecks, including the Butler, Hannah.
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes: A comprehensive resource for historical data on Great Lakes vessels.
- Great Lakes Ships: Provides information and histories of ships that sailed the Great Lakes, potentially including the Butler, Hannah.
Keywords Butler, Hannah, schooner, Lake Ontario, Salmon Pt. Reef, shipwreck, Cobourg, Picton, maritime history, Great Lakes
Analysis The Butler, Hannah serves as a poignant example of the challenges faced by maritime vessels on the Great Lakes during the 19th century. Built in 1857, the schooner had a long and active career, with multiple ownership changes, rebuilds, and repairs that reflect the harsh conditions of its service. The series of incidents leading up to its final wreck on Salmon Pt. Reef highlight the dangers of navigation in the often treacherous waters of Lake Ontario, particularly in foggy and stormy weather. The loss of the Butler, Hannah marked the end of a significant vessel that contributed to the maritime trade of Ontario’s coastal towns. Its story is a testament to the resilience and eventual vulnerability of wooden sailing vessels in this era.
