Identification & Site Information #
Vessel Type Description #
The Frances Berriman was a wooden three-masted schooner, a typical cargo vessel of the Great Lakes during the 19th century. Schooners like the Frances Berriman were favored for their ability to handle large cargo loads with a relatively small crew. They were known for their speed and efficiency, making them a common sight on the Great Lakes, especially for transporting bulk goods such as wheat, lumber, and coal.
History #
The Frances Berriman was constructed in 1872 at Tonawanda, New York, by the shipbuilding firm of Parsons & Humble. The vessel was commissioned by the Berriman Bros., a shipping firm based in Buffalo, New York. Measuring 180 feet in length with a beam of 33 feet and a depth of 14 feet, the schooner was built for the robust trade routes of the Great Lakes.
Throughout its career, the Frances Berriman encountered several incidents, including grounding in Chicago shortly after its launch in September 1872, and suffering damage to its rigging and bulwarks during a storm on Lake Michigan in October 1875. Despite these setbacks, the schooner continued to ply the waters of the Great Lakes, carrying vital cargoes between major ports.
The most significant and tragic event in the schooner’s history occurred on the night of May 7, 1877. While en route from Milwaukee to Buffalo, the Frances Berriman collided with the steamship David W. Rust at approximately 10:30 pm. The collision occurred around 10 miles off Sturgeon Point, Michigan, in Lake Huron. The impact was severe, and the Frances Berriman began to take on water rapidly.
Within just 11 minutes, the Frances Berriman had completely submerged, sinking swiftly beneath the waves. Of the ten crew members aboard, two tragically lost their lives, while the remaining eight were rescued by the crew of the David W. Rust. The collision was later attributed to a passing error, highlighting the dangers of navigation in the often treacherous waters of the Great Lakes.
The Frances Berriman was carrying a substantial cargo of 40,000 bushels of wheat at the time of its sinking, all of which was lost. The schooner was insured for $20,000, with its total value, including cargo, estimated at $30,000. The financial loss was significant, and news of the sinking spread quickly, drawing attention within maritime circles.
In the aftermath of the disaster, there was speculation about the potential for salvaging the Frances Berriman and other sunken vessels. Proposals were made to purchase the wreck and use a steam wrecking barge to recover it, but no substantial salvage effort ever materialized.
Tragically, the story of the Frances Berriman does not end with the sinking. The former captain of the schooner, whose name remains undisclosed in available records, was deeply affected by the loss of his vessel and two of his crew members. The grief reportedly took a severe toll on him, leading to a tragic end. His body was later transported to Erie, Pennsylvania, and subsequently to Hastings, Michigan, for burial.
Final Disposition #
The Frances Berriman now lies at the bottom of Lake Huron, its exact location marked by history rather than precise coordinates. The vessel sank swiftly after its collision with the David W. Rust, leaving behind a tragic tale of loss and the dangers of maritime life on the Great Lakes.
NOTMARs & Advisories #
- Current Status: The wreck is not considered a navigational hazard today and is not subject to any active Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs).
Located By & Date #
- Discovery: The wreck has not been located or documented in modern records, and the exact site remains uncharted.
Resources & Links #
- Great Lakes Ships: Great Lakes Ships
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Maritime History of the Great Lakes
- David Swayze Shipwreck File: Swayze Shipwreck File
Conclusion #
The Frances Berriman serves as a somber reminder of the risks faced by those who sailed the Great Lakes during the 19th century. From its construction in 1872 to its untimely demise in 1877, the schooner played a vital role in the transport of goods across the region. The tragic collision that led to its sinking off Sturgeon Point, Michigan, underscores the perils of navigation during an era when maritime accidents were all too common. The loss of life, coupled with the substantial financial loss, made the sinking of the Frances Berriman a notable event in Great Lakes maritime history.
Keywords: #
- Frances Berriman
- Great Lakes Shipwreck
- Lake Huron Collision
- Schooner Sinking
- 19th Century Maritime Disaster
- David W. Rust Collision
- Great Lakes Grain Trade
- Buffalo Maritime History
- Milwaukee to Buffalo Route
- Sturgeon Point Shipwreck
The Frances Berriman is a poignant chapter in the broader story of Great Lakes navigation, its loss adding to the rich tapestry of maritime history in the region. The vessel’s legacy lives on through the stories of those who sailed her and the lessons learned from her tragic end.
