George M. Case: A Tale of Loss and Resilience
The schooner George M. Case, with its rich history and tragic end, is a testament to the perils faced by sailors on the Great Lakes. Built in 1874 by John B. Martel in Saugatuck, Michigan, the George M. Case was a wooden schooner measuring 137 feet in length, 26 feet in width, and 12 feet in depth. With a gross tonnage of 344.49 tons and a capacity of 24,500 bushels, it was a sturdy vessel designed for transporting goods across the expansive waters of Lake Erie.
On October 14, 1886, tragedy struck when the George M. Case foundered in a severe storm just three miles off the coast of Port Colborne, Ontario. The schooner, bound for Buffalo from Chicago with a cargo of corn, succumbed to the powerful waves and relentless winds of the gale. Out of the seven crew members on board, three lost their lives in the tragic incident.
Despite the harrowing circumstances, four crew members managed to survive by clinging to the ship’s spars until they were rescued by the tugs Rooth and W.A. Moore. The George M. Case, once a proud vessel navigating the Great Lakes, met its untimely demise in those treacherous waters.
In 1887, the wreck of the George M. Case was located eight miles southwest of Port Colborne, Ontario, resting at a depth of 40ffw. To prevent it from posing a hazard to other vessels, the wreck was stripped and flattened using explosives.
The George M. Case had a notable history before its tragic end. Originally owned by P.F. Conger and George M. Case of Fulton, New York, the schooner later came under the ownership of Captain William McDonald of Chicago, Illinois. Captain William Daily served as the master of the vessel during its ill-fated voyage.
This schooner, with its final resting place beneath the waters of Lake Erie, serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by sailors and the risks involved in maritime transportation during the 19th century. The story of the George M. Case highlights the courage of those who ventured into the unpredictable waters of the Great Lakes and the sacrifices made in the pursuit of commerce.
Today, the memory of the George M. Case lives on, serving as a poignant reminder of the rich maritime history and the lives lost on the Great Lakes. The shipwrecks that lie beneath the waves are a testament to the indomitable spirit of sailors and the power of nature.
