IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #
DETAILED HISTORY OF THE SCHOONER BROTHERS #
The schooner Brothers was a small but sturdy wooden-hulled vessel that played a part in the bustling maritime trade on Lake Ontario during the early 19th century. With a tonnage of approximately 10-20 tons, the schooner was designed to handle various cargoes and passengers across the lake, connecting the growing towns and cities along its shores.
Early Ownership and Service #
The Brothers was owned by John and Charles McIntosh following the War of 1812. Both men were prominent figures in the maritime industry of the time. John McIntosh served as the captain of the Brothers as early as 1832, according to historical records, and Charles McIntosh captained the steamer Cobourg until his untimely death from cholera in 1834. The schooner Brothers was an integral part of their shipping operations, transporting goods and people between ports on Lake Ontario.
The Final Voyage #
On February 14, 1845, the Brothers embarked on what would become its final and fateful voyage. The schooner had departed from Niagara, bound for Toronto, with approximately 12 people on board. The weather conditions were already poor, and as the day progressed, they worsened into a full-blown tempest with heavy ice covering the lake.
Despite the hazardous conditions, the captain of the Brothers chose to proceed with the voyage, even as the steam packet Transit refused to venture out due to the severity of the storm. The Brothers was last seen struggling in a field of ice, battling the violent winds and waves that were whipping across the lake.
The Wreck and Aftermath #
The Brothers eventually capsized under the relentless force of the storm, approximately 25 miles below Niagara County, New York. The wreckage of the schooner was later discovered on the American shore, with the vessel found on its beam ends and its foremast missing. The discovery confirmed the fears of those who had watched the schooner depart in such dangerous conditions.
Tragically, no survivors were found, and it was presumed that all nine crew members and passengers on board perished in the incident. The loss of the Brothers was a devastating blow to the families and communities connected to the vessel, highlighting the severe risks that mariners faced on Lake Ontario during the winter months.
Legacy of the Brothers #
The sinking of the Brothers is a poignant example of the perils of 19th-century navigation on the Great Lakes. The decision to sail in such hazardous conditions, despite the warnings and the refusal of other vessels to leave port, ultimately led to a tragic outcome. The incident underscores the unpredictable and often deadly nature of Lake Ontario, particularly during the winter when ice and storms posed significant threats to even the most experienced sailors.
The Brothers is remembered as part of the broader narrative of Great Lakes maritime history, a story of courage, risk, and loss. The vessel’s demise serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by those who navigated these waters in the pursuit of commerce and connection between the growing communities of the Great Lakes region.
Sources #
- David Swayze Shipwreck File: A resource providing historical data on shipwrecks in the Great Lakes.
- Great Lakes Ships: A comprehensive database of vessels that operated on the Great Lakes.
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes Website: Offers detailed historical records and narratives related to the maritime history of the Great Lakes.
- “Town of York” by Edith G. Firth: Historical account detailing the lives and careers of John and Charles McIntosh and their involvement with the schooner Brothers.
