IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #
The Thomas R. Merritt was a three-masted schooner with a rich history, navigating the challenging waters of the Great Lakes for over two decades. Registered in St. Catharines, Ontario, in April 1874, the vessel was a testament to the robust shipbuilding practices of the time. Built at Port Dalhousie, Ontario, the schooner was constructed with a wooden hull and a single deck, designed to handle the demands of transporting goods across the expansive Great Lakes.
Early Years and Ownership Changes #
In the years following its registration, the Thomas R. Merritt underwent several ownership changes. By 1878, the schooner was owned by John O’Neil, also of St. Catharines. The vessel was actively involved in the Great Lakes trade, contributing to the bustling economy of the region.
In 1882, the schooner was remeasured, resulting in updated tonnage figures of 374 gross tons and 327 net tons. These measurements reflected the ship’s capacity and underscored its importance in the grain and goods trade that fueled the growth of the Great Lakes ports.
Notable Incidents #
Throughout its operational life, the Thomas R. Merritt experienced several significant incidents. In June 1883, the schooner ran aground on Snake Island in Lake Ontario. Despite this setback, the vessel was refloated and continued its operations, showcasing the resilience of both the ship and its crew.
In 1887, the schooner was towed by the steamer Sir S.L. Tilley as part of the grain trade between Duluth and Montreal. However, the following year, the Thomas R. Merritt was involved in a collision with the steamer Escanaba in the St. Mary’s River. The collision caused considerable damage, but the schooner was successfully repaired and returned to service.
Later Years and Final Ownership #
By 1898, the Thomas R. Merritt had changed hands again, coming under the ownership of Carson & McKay, based in St. Catharines, Ontario. The schooner continued to be an essential part of the grain trade, contributing to the movement of goods across the Great Lakes.
Final Voyage and Wreck #
The final chapter in the Thomas R. Merritt’s history occurred on September 12, 1900. During a severe storm on Lake Ontario, the schooner was driven ashore and wrecked east of Fair Haven, New York. The violent weather conditions proved too much for the vessel, and it broke up under the relentless pounding of the waves. At the time of the incident, the Thomas R. Merritt was bound for Oswego, New York, from Hamilton, Ontario, carrying a cargo of grain.
The wreck of the Thomas R. Merritt marked the end of the schooner’s long and eventful career on the Great Lakes. The exact circumstances of the wreck, though tragic, are emblematic of the dangers faced by ships navigating these waters, particularly during periods of inclement weather.
Legacy of the Thomas R. Merritt #
The story of the Thomas R. Merritt is a reflection of the resilience and endurance of the vessels that sailed the Great Lakes during the 19th and early 20th centuries. Despite the many challenges it faced, including groundings, collisions, and eventually a fatal storm, the schooner remained a vital part of the Great Lakes trade network for over two decades.
Today, the wreck of the Thomas R. Merritt lies beneath the waters of Lake Ontario, serving as a reminder of the region’s rich maritime history and the ever-present risks of life on the Great Lakes. The schooner’s legacy lives on as part of the broader narrative of Great Lakes shipping, a testament to the men and ships that braved these inland seas.
Sources #
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes Website: A resource offering detailed records and narratives related to shipwrecks and vessels that operated on the Great Lakes.
- Great Lakes Ships Website: Provides comprehensive information on the vessels that served the Great Lakes, including ownership records and incident reports.
