Identification & Site Information #
Vessel Type Description #
The JACOB BERTSCHY was a wooden propeller ship, a common type of vessel used on the Great Lakes during the 19th century. Propeller ships were steam-powered and equipped with a single or multiple screws (propellers), allowing them to navigate the challenging waters of the Great Lakes efficiently. These vessels were often used for cargo transportation, and the JACOB BERTSCHY was no exception, regularly carrying bulk goods such as wheat and shingles.
History #
The JACOB BERTSCHY was built in 1867 by A.C. Stokes in Sheboygan, Wisconsin. Originally designed as a sturdy cargo vessel, it measured 140 feet in length, 27 feet in beam, and 9 feet in depth, with a gross tonnage of 467 tons. Throughout its operational years, the ship was involved in various commercial activities, transporting goods across the Great Lakes.
The vessel had a storied history of ownership changes and incidents. Initially, the JACOB BERTSCHY was owned by N. Englemann and operated on the Milwaukee-Manistee route. It later came under the ownership of Andrew Reed, who utilized the ship for iron ore shipments between Chicago, Escanaba, and Green Bay. The vessel changed hands several times, with ownership passing to Blanchard & Arnold in 1870, the Northwestern Transportation Company in 1875, and later to C.D. Chamberlain and others in Detroit.
The JACOB BERTSCHY also underwent significant repairs and modifications during its service life. In 1872, the ship suffered a fire in Depere, Wisconsin, causing over $10,000 in damages. Despite this, the vessel was repaired and continued its operations. In 1876, it was rebuilt, which included increasing its tonnage to 433.25 gross tons and adding a ladies’ cabin to improve passenger accommodations.
The most significant and final event in the ship’s history occurred on September 3, 1879. While navigating Lake Huron, just west of Grindstone City, Michigan, the JACOB BERTSCHY encountered a fierce storm. Initially seeking shelter in Port Austin harbor, the ship was forced to set sail for open water when the wind shifted, causing the vessel to pound heavily against the harbor. During the attempt to escape the storm, the ship began taking on water, eventually springing a leak. The crew made a desperate decision to run the ship aground on a beach under a bluff to save the passengers and crew.
As the vessel neared the beach, it shipped a large amount of water, extinguishing its fires and leaving it stranded. The ship eventually went aground on a reef and was wrecked. The Pointe Aux Barques Lifesaving crew conducted a challenging rescue operation, successfully saving all 51 people aboard the ship.
The storm completely destroyed the JACOB BERTSCHY, which was carrying a cargo of wheat and shingles bound for Cleveland from Saginaw. Despite the loss of the vessel, all lives were saved, marking the event as a heroic rescue effort by the lifesaving crew.
After the wreck, the machinery of the JACOB BERTSCHY, including its boiler and engine, was salvaged and transported to Port Huron, Michigan. The engine was successfully detached from the wreck without any damage and was intended to be overhauled and reused in a steam barge.
Final Disposition #
The JACOB BERTSCHY met its end due to the violent storm on September 3, 1879. The vessel was completely destroyed after running aground and being pounded by the waves. Despite the wreck, the machinery was salvaged, and no lives were lost, thanks to the successful rescue operation.
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 exact location of the wreck has not been documented in modern records.
Resources & Links #
- Great Lakes Ships: Great Lakes Ships
- David Swayze Shipwreck File: Swayze Shipwreck File
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Maritime History of the Great Lakes
- Michigan Diver: Michigan Diver
- 3D Model – Michigan Diver: 3D Model
Conclusion #
The JACOB BERTSCHY serves as a testament to the dangers faced by vessels navigating the Great Lakes during the 19th century. From its construction in 1867 to its tragic demise in 1879, the ship played a vital role in transporting goods across the region. The ship’s history is marked by various incidents and ownership changes, culminating in its wreck during a storm off the coast of Michigan. The successful rescue of all passengers and crew highlights the bravery and skill of the Pointe Aux Barques Lifesaving crew, adding a heroic chapter to the story of the JACOB BERTSCHY.
Keywords: #
- JACOB BERTSCHY
- Great Lakes Shipwreck
- Lake Huron Storm
- 19th Century Maritime Disaster
- Great Lakes Grain Trade
- Pointe Aux Barques Rescue
- Shipwreck Salvage
- Milwaukee to Cleveland Route
- Grindstone City Shipwreck
The JACOB BERTSCHY remains an important part of Great Lakes maritime history, representing the challenges and dangers faced by sailors during a time when maritime travel was fraught with risks. The vessel’s legacy is preserved through the stories of those who sailed her and the efforts to salvage her remains.
