History #
The Nellie Brown, a schooner built in 1866, met a tragic fate in late October or early November of 1870. The vessel, with an official number of 18318, was constructed in Port Ontario, NY, and was primarily used for transporting goods on the Great Lakes. Owned by Leynes and George Hees, the Nellie Brown set sail from Oswego, NY, on Tuesday, carrying a cargo of 200 barrels of salt and 525 bushels of oats destined for Ogdensburg.
Unfortunately, the Nellie Brown encountered severe weather off Stoney Island, near Sackets Harbour, and capsized in the storm. The vessel, under the command of Captain Reynolds, was unable to withstand the harsh conditions and ultimately succumbed to the forces of nature. Tragically, the cargo on board, including the salt and oats, was lost in the incident.
News of the Nellie Brown’s capsizing spread, and the Daily News in Kingston reported the unfortunate event on October 31, 1870. The article mentioned that the vessel’s owners had insurance coverage for the Nellie Brown. Captain Reynolds quickly sent a distress message, requesting assistance in the form of a tugboat to aid in the recovery efforts.
The Nellie Brown’s wreck was later found in Stoney Island Passage, a location within Lake Ontario. The schooner had been completely wrecked and was stripped of its anchors, chains, and rigging. This sad ending marked the conclusion of the Nellie Brown’s journey, leaving behind a tale of loss and devastation on the waters of Lake Ontario.
