DAVID ANDREWS U83152

4 min read

Other Names

Schooner DELAWARE: Of 165 tons. Built at South Bay in 1872 by John Tait; rebuilt in 1880. Owned by Jas. McCarthy et al. Home port, Oswego. Value $5,000. Class A 2½.
Schooner D. ANDREWS: Of 160 tons. Built at South Bay in 1872 by Tait. Owned by Andrews & Downey. Home port, Napanee. Value $9,000. Class A 2.

	Barge 100ft 33m Lenghts Location Unknown Lake Ontario

The **D. Andrews**, later known as the **Delaware**, is a fascinating example of the wooden schooners that navigated the Great Lakes in the late 19th century. Built in 1872, this vessel was instrumental in trade and transportation across the lakes, boasting a colorful and often turbulent history.

The **D. Andrews** was launched on July 19, 1872, at South Bay, Ontario. She was built by the esteemed shipbuilder John Tait, a prominent figure known for constructing durable vessels designed for the harsh conditions of the Great Lakes. The schooner was a two-masted ship measuring 105 feet in length with a beam of 22 feet and a gross tonnage of 176 tons. Her construction was backed by the prominent Napanee business partners Andrews & Downey, who were keen to make their mark in the burgeoning maritime trade of the region.

The vessel was initially valued at $9,000 and classified as Class A 2, indicating a high standard of build and design. Upon her launch, the **D. Andrews** could carry up to 12,000 bushels of grain, marking her as a significant asset for transporting goods across the lakes.

The **D. Andrews** quickly became an integral part of shipping activities in the Great Lakes region. However, her journey was not without challenges. In April 1877, a fire incident in Napanee caused slight damage to the schooner, but it was soon repaired and returned to service.

On November 4, 1875, the **D. Andrews** found herself ashore at Mill Point in the Bay of Quinte. Two tugs were dispatched to assist in her recovery, emphasizing the risks and perils of navigating the often unpredictable waters of the Great Lakes.

In 1880, a severe storm led to the **D. Andrews** being wrecked ashore near Four Mile Point, east of Oswego. The vessel was reported to be on the beach, with all crew members saved, but the damage was significant. Despite this setback, the ship was raised and underwent substantial rebuilding efforts, during which she was re-rigged and converted into a barge.

The rebuilding marked a new phase in her life, and by 1884, she was owned by J. C. McCarthy and others in Oswego, New York. During this time, she was renamed the **Delaware** and classified as a Class A 2½, with an estimated value of $5,000. Her transformation reflected the broader changes in the shipping industry, where adaptability and resilience were key to survival.

Later Years and Final Fate

By 1886, ownership of the **Delaware** had shifted to Downer in Belleville, Ontario, and repairs were carried out to maintain her operational status. Throughout the following years, the schooner changed hands several times, finding new owners in N. Allen of Belleville and later A. W. Hepburn of Picton, Ontario, in 1905.

Despite her storied past and numerous restorations, the **Delaware** met her final fate in 1906. The vessel was purposely sunk, marking the end of a significant chapter in Great Lakes maritime history.

The story of the **D. Andrews/Delaware** is a testament to the challenges and triumphs faced by maritime vessels of her time. She played a crucial role in shaping the economic landscape of the Great Lakes, contributing to the development of trade and transportation in the region. Her resilience and adaptability serve as a reminder of the enduring spirit of the Great Lakes’ maritime heritage.