The Henry Folger, a schooner constructed in 1873, had a significant presence in maritime history. It was built in Clayton, New York, with a wooden hull and a single deck. S.G. Johnson, the renowned builder, oversaw its construction. Initially, the vessel was owned by S.G. Johnson and others from Clayton, New York.
Equipped with three masts, the Henry Folger had impressive dimensions, boasting a length of 133 feet. Unfortunately, specific information regarding its beam and depth is unavailable. With a gross tonnage of 326, the vessel showcased its capacity to transport substantial cargo.
Tragically, the Henry Folger met its devastating end on December 5, 1882. During a fierce storm, the vessel was driven onto the Salmon Point Reef in Lake Ontario. The force of the impact caused the ship to break apart, resulting in the loss of all hands on board. The crew, consisting of eight individuals from the Folger and an additional eight from another vessel, perished in the tragic event. The Henry Folger was carrying a cargo of coal during its final voyage.
Looking into the vessel’s history, it was initially owned by Folger Brothers of Cape Vincent, New York, starting in 1879. Prior to this, B. Flint of Belleville, Ontario, owned the vessel in 1873. Notably, the Henry Folger ran aground in Toronto, Lake Ontario, on November 27, 1878.
News reports from that time provide further details on the tragic incident. The vessel had sought refuge in the port of Oswego after enduring a severe gale, which caused significant damage to its sails. However, while stranded at Long Point, the Henry Folger succumbed to the treacherous conditions, resulting in its complete destruction. Captain James McDonald, who commanded the vessel, and the entire crew lost their lives. The Folger Bros. owned the ship, valuing it at $12,000, with insurance coverage amounting to $10,000 from the Aetna Insurance Company.
