HENRY CLAY

Lighthouse Wreck

Site Description

The Henry Clay was a schooner that was built in China, Michigan, in 1844. Constructed with wood, the vessel had one deck and two masts. It had a tonnage of 140 according to the old measurement system. Throughout its history, the Henry Clay faced numerous challenges and incidents. In November 1845, it ran ashore in Erie, Pennsylvania, and in December of the same year, it became stuck in ice and sank in the Detroit River. However, it was later released in March 1846.

The schooner underwent a rebuilding process in 1848, increasing its tonnage to 173.32 tons. The vessel faced further misfortune when it ran ashore in Conneaut, Ohio, on October 1, 1849. By 1860, the Henry Clay was owned by Laveny & Wilson of Oswego and was described as having a “scow bottom.” On October 2, 1860, it encountered another incident when it went ashore in Cleveland, Ohio.

One of the most tragic events associated with the Henry Clay occurred on November 5, 1851. Captain Callard, along with Captain Keating and Captain Root, visited the wreck of the vessel. The Henry Clay was found grounded on the south side of Long Point, Canada, with its bottom upwards and fore and aft aground. It was a total loss. The body of Captain Callard was discovered lashed to the upper deck rail near the stern, with the rail broken off and him submerged, bound to it by a rope. Alongside him was a female, indicating that Captain Callard had made an effort to save her and himself. No other bodies were found at the scene.

The unidentified female, approximately 23 years old, was buried near the Long Point lighthouse in Canada, with a headboard placed over her grave. The body of Captain Callard was transported to Buffalo on the steamer Wave. His funeral in Buffalo was well-attended, with members of the Masons and Odd Fellows present. Various articles of clothing, damaged trunks, books, and other items were discovered on the shore. Notably, a Bible belonging to a colored man named Amos T. Carter from Boston, Massachusetts, was found, gifted by Miss W____ of Baltimore. Some of these recovered items, including papers belonging to second engineer Mr. Baldwin and first mate R.E. Down, were entrusted to Captains Root and Keating.

Reports indicate that the Henry Clay had already been stripped of its machinery and most of its freight prior to the wreck. The salvage efforts yielded limited results, with only a portion of the remaining cargo potentially salvaged. The exact location of the final resting place of the wreck was below Four Mile Point, possibly in Lake Erie. The incident on October 3, 1860, involved the vessel being driven ashore, with its final cargo consisting of lumber.

The Henry Clay’s ill-fated journey and the loss of lives highlight the dangers faced by sailors and the risks associated with maritime travel during that era.