IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #
VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION #
The NONESUCH was a wooden schooner, a type of vessel commonly used for transporting cargo across the Great Lakes during the 19th century. Schooners like the NONESUCH were essential for the economic activity of the region, often carrying goods such as lumber, coal, and agricultural products. The NONESUCH was carrying a full cargo of wood at the time of its loss, though another report mentions it was carrying wool, which may indicate confusion in the cargo or multiple voyages.
HISTORY #
The NONESUCH was owned by Mr. R. Wetherell from Hamilton, Ontario, and served as a cargo vessel on Lake Ontario. On January 14, 1858, the schooner set out on what would be its final voyage, carrying a full load of wood, presumably bound for a port on Lake Ontario. However, as the vessel approached the mouth of Stoney Creek, it encountered a fierce gale.
During the storm, the NONESUCH sprang a leak, and despite the crew’s best efforts to control the situation, the leak worsened. The vessel eventually began taking on too much water, and it became clear that it would not remain afloat. With the schooner sinking, the crew had no choice but to abandon the vessel. Fortunately, the schooner was close enough to shore that the crew was able to escape with their lives, though they did not have a small boat to assist in their rescue.
FINAL DISPOSITION #
The NONESUCH was lost near the mouth of Stoney Creek, Lake Ontario, on January 14, 1858. The vessel sank due to a severe leak that could not be controlled in the storm. The loss was estimated at $1,000 to $1,400, depending on the report, and none of it was covered by insurance. The NONESUCH was considered a total wreck, with its cargo lost along with the vessel.
SIGNIFICANCE OF THE SITE #
The loss of the NONESUCH is a significant reminder of the perils faced by sailors on the Great Lakes, particularly during the winter months when storms could be especially fierce. The incident highlights the dangers of navigating these waters and the challenges of ensuring the safety of both the crew and the cargo. The fact that the crew survived despite the lack of a small boat is a testament to their resilience and the proximity of the shore.
FUTURE EXPLORATION AND PRESERVATION #
The exact location of the wreck of the NONESUCH near Stoney Creek is not well-documented. If located, the site could provide valuable insights into mid-19th-century schooner construction and the conditions that led to the vessel’s loss. Preservation efforts should focus on documenting the site and protecting any remnants from unauthorized disturbances, ensuring that this piece of maritime history is preserved for future study.
RESOURCES & LINKS #
- Buffalo Commercial Advertiser, January 28, 1858: Report on the loss of the NONESUCH as part of the 1858 Casualty List.
- Chicago Daily Press, Casualties for 1857: Another account of the NONESUCH’s loss, mentioning its cargo as wool.
- Buffalo Daily Courier: Detailed report on the circumstances of the NONESUCH’s sinking near Stoney Creek.
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes: A resource for detailed records and narratives related to shipwrecks like the NONESUCH.
