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WILLIAM I PRESTON, with the official number 26563, had a varied history before meeting its unfortunate end. Built in 1861 by George Goble in Oswego, New York, this wooden vessel featured a single deck and two masts. It measured 136 feet in length, 25 feet in beam, and had a depth of 11 feet. With a tonnage of 391 (old style), the PRESTON was primarily used for transporting cargo.
On November 18, 1888, tragedy struck as the PRESTON was driven ashore and wrecked at the southwest point of Wolfe Island in Lake Ontario. At the time, the vessel was carrying a cargo of wheat while en route from Detroit, Michigan to Ogdensburg, New York. This unfortunate incident marked the final chapter in the ship’s maritime journey.
The PRESTON had a series of owners and encountered several noteworthy events throughout its years at sea. In 1863, it was owned by Carrington & Co. of Oswego, New York. In 1865, the vessel underwent a re-measurement, resulting in an increased gross tonnage of 278.73.
In May 1869, the PRESTON suffered damage in a collision with the Milwaukee pier in Lake Michigan, Wisconsin. Ownership changed hands in 1871 when Goble & Co. of Oswego acquired the ship. It was during this ownership period that the vessel received new decks and a centerboard box.
Further mishaps followed in the years that followed. In November 1871, the PRESTON ran ashore at the mouth of the Niagara River while carrying wheat. It was lightered, towed, beached, and eventually sank in Youngstown, Niagara River. However, it was raised and repaired by June 1872. In July of the same year, the vessel was purchased at an auction by George Goble, the original builder of the ship.
Continuing its eventful journey, the PRESTON faced further difficulties in October 1872 when its centerboard became disabled on Lake Erie. Repairs were made in subsequent years, including in 1878 and 1882 when rigging and other damages were addressed. By 1882, the net tonnage of the vessel was recorded as 264.79.
Unfortunately, the WILLIAM I PRESTON met its final fate on November 18, 1888, under the ownership of George Goble. The ship was wrecked, marking the end of its maritime career. The exact location of the wreck was the southwest point of Wolfe Island in Ontario, Canada
