Daniel Webster (1837)

Vessel Type Description #

The Daniel Webster was a two-masted wooden schooner, constructed in 1837. Schooners like the Daniel Webster were workhorses of the Great Lakes during the 19th century, designed for transporting bulk goods such as grain, lumber, and other commodities. Their shallow draft and ability to navigate narrow waterways made them ideal for the lakes, and they were often involved in the booming regional trade networks. The Daniel Webster frequently plied Lake Ontario, carrying goods between New York State ports and serving the local industries.

History #

The Daniel Webster had a long and active career on the Great Lakes. Built by George S. Weeks in Clayton, New York, the schooner operated primarily out of ports in New York, particularly Cape Vincent, Rochester, and the Genesee region:

•1840-1841: The vessel was enrolled at Cape Vincent, New York, indicating its early involvement in Lake Ontario’s bustling trade network.

•1849: Registered in the Rochester customs district, the Daniel Webster continued its service in the regional cargo trade, which was a vital part of the local economy.

•1850: The schooner underwent a significant rebuild to maintain its seaworthiness, reflecting its heavy use and the common practice of keeping vessels operational through periodic upgrades.

•1854: The vessel was re-registered under the Genesee, New York customs district, highlighting its continued role in New York’s maritime commerce.

•1857: Enrolled in both Lewiston and Sackets Harbor, New York, as it remained a significant player in the local shipping routes.

•1858, October: The Daniel Webster went ashore near Cape Vincent, New York, during a voyage. The grounding required repairs but did not result in the vessel’s loss. The schooner was restored to working condition and resumed service.

•1860: The schooner was rebuilt and renamed Lucy Auchard, ending its service under the original name of Daniel Webster. The schooner was owned by E. White of Henderson, New York, at the time of its rebuilding, marking a new chapter in the vessel’s history.

Final Disposition #

Unlike many schooners lost to the perilous conditions of the Great Lakes, the Daniel Webster was not wrecked but rather rebuilt and renamed the Lucy Auchard in 1860. This transition reflects the economic practice of refurbishing and renaming older vessels to extend their operational life. The Daniel Webster thus avoided the fate of being lost at sea, continuing to serve under its new identity.

Located By & Date #

There is no wreck associated with the Daniel Webster under its original name, as the schooner was rebuilt as the Lucy Auchard in 1860. The vessel’s history under the new name is not extensively documented, but no wreck has been found or identified for the Daniel Webster.

NOTMARs & Advisories #

No navigational hazards or markers are associated with the Daniel Webster, as it was not lost at sea but rather rebuilt. Mariners in the Lake Ontario region should remain aware of the usual weather conditions and submerged hazards common in the Great Lakes.

Resources & Links #

For more information on the vessel’s history and other ships from this era:

•Maritime History of the Great Lakes

•Great Lakes Ships Database

•Save Ontario Shipwrecks

Conclusion #

The Daniel Webster, later renamed the Lucy Auchard, exemplifies the resilience and adaptability of Great Lakes schooners. Rather than meeting a watery grave, the vessel was rebuilt and continued to serve the region’s economy. This schooner’s story contributes to the rich maritime history of the Great Lakes, particularly Lake Ontario, where schooners were a vital part of regional commerce and transport throughout the 19th century.