Early History and Construction
The Black Hawk was a schooner built in 1833 in Fairport, Ohio, by the shipbuilder J.K. Lockwood. Originally owned by R.W. Skinner, the vessel had a wooden hull, a single deck, and two masts, with a tonnage of 51 30/95 under the old system. The Black Hawk was an early example of the many schooners that would ply the waters of the Great Lakes during the 19th century, serving the vital trade routes that connected the growing communities around these inland seas.
Ownership Changes and Early Incidents
The Black Hawk changed hands multiple times throughout its early history. In June 1834, the vessel was sold to H. Phillips of Cleveland, and by March 1837, ownership had transferred again to P.H. Green, also from Cleveland. The schooner experienced several maritime incidents, including capsizing off the Chagrin River in Lake Erie in July 1838. Fortunately, it was towed to safety and righted, allowing it to continue service.
Rebuild and Renaming: The Emery Fletcher
In 1841, the Black Hawk was driven ashore by a gale in Milwaukee, a significant event that necessitated extensive repairs. Between 1842 and 1843, the schooner underwent a substantial rebuild, emerging with a new name—Emery Fletcher. The rebuilt vessel had increased dimensions, measuring 69’5″ in length, 19’10” in beam, and 6’10” in depth, with a new tonnage of 81 24/95. After its reconstruction, the schooner was enrolled in Buffalo, New York, from 1845 to 1849.
Continued Service and Further Incidents
The schooner, now known as the Emery Fletcher, continued to face the perils of Great Lakes navigation. In October 1847, it was beached in Racine, Wisconsin, yet it returned to service after being salvaged. Another significant incident occurred in April 1850 when the vessel, loaded with stone, sank near Cunningham Island in Lake Erie. Despite these challenges, the schooner continued to operate under various owners.
By October 1851, ownership of the vessel had passed to John Becker and Ezra Honeywell of Cleveland, Ohio. The vessel continued its service, playing a part in the vibrant trade and transport activities of the Great Lakes.
Final Years and Name Changes: Elizabeth and Possibly George Suffle
In 1865, the vessel was renamed Elizabeth under the ownership of Mr. Hick from Port Burwell, Ontario. The schooner’s history becomes somewhat murky at this point, with records indicating that in 1866, it was sold to D. Jackson of Montreal, Quebec. There are also reports suggesting that the vessel may have undergone another rebuild, emerging as the schooner George Suffle in Port Burwell, although this detail remains unclear.
Legacy of the BLACK HAWK and Its Variants
The Black Hawk, throughout its many names and rebuilds, symbolizes the adaptability and resilience of the schooners that dominated the Great Lakes in the 19th century. From its construction in 1833 to its final days as Elizabeth (or possibly George Suffle), the vessel experienced numerous trials, including capsizing, beachings, and sinkings. Despite these hardships, it was repeatedly rebuilt and returned to service, a testament to the durability of the schooner design and the determination of its owners.
The Black Hawk’s story is reflective of many vessels of its era, which faced constant threats from storms, collisions, and the hazards of navigation. While the specific details of its final fate remain somewhat ambiguous, the schooner’s long service life and the multiple identities it assumed over the years contribute to its enduring legacy in Great Lakes maritime history.
The Elizabeth Incident
The schooner Elizabeth, which is possibly connected to the Black Hawk’s later history, also has a noteworthy story. Built in Owen Sound, Ontario, in 1865 by Broders, the Elizabeth was eventually sold to Captain McKenzie and Mr. Goldering in May 1873. They salvaged the vessel after it went ashore near South Bay, Manitoulin, and made it seaworthy again. However, the Elizabeth met a tragic end on October 29, 1873, when it stranded at Christian Island in Georgian Bay, Lake Huron, during rough weather. Despite the wreck, no lives were lost.
Resources & Links
Keywords
Black Hawk, Emery Fletcher, Elizabeth, George Suffle, schooner, Great Lakes shipwreck, Lake Erie, Fairport Ohio, Port Burwell Ontario, maritime history, vessel loss, 19th-century shipping, shipwreck remembrance.
Ongoing Research & Monitoring
Further research into the Black Hawk and its subsequent identities may uncover more detailed accounts of the vessel’s multiple rebuilds, its various ownerships, and any surviving documentation or artifacts related to its long service life. Continuous monitoring of maritime history archives and shipwreck databases will ensure that any new information about this vessel is integrated into its historical narrative.
