ABBEY (also known as Abby)(1847)

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IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #

Wreck Name: ABBEY (also known as Abby)
Type: Wooden Schooner
Date of Incident: October 5, 1851
Location: Near Black River, Ohio, Lake Erie
Coordinates: Not specifically provided, but the wreck occurred near Black River, Ohio
Depth: Stranded ashore
Condition: Wrecked and stranded, likely scattered along the shoreline

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION #

The ABBEY was a wooden schooner built in 1847 by Ambrose Morgan in Oswego, New York. The vessel had a gross tonnage of 117 tons, designed for transporting cargo across the Great Lakes. As a schooner, it was a versatile sailing vessel, commonly used during the 19th century for hauling bulk goods, including coal, which was the cargo at the time of its sinking.

HISTORY #

The ABBEY (sometimes referred to as Abby) had a relatively short but eventful operational life. Launched in 1847, the schooner served primarily in the transportation of goods across the Great Lakes. Owned by H. Matthews and operating out of Oswego, New York, the vessel was an integral part of the maritime trade network that supported the economy of the region.

On October 5, 1851, the ABBEY met its tragic fate near Black River, Ohio, in Lake Erie. The vessel encountered a severe storm that resulted in its wreckage. Although the schooner was wrecked and stranded ashore, there were no reported fatalities among the crew. The cargo of coal it was carrying was lost, contributing to the total estimated loss of $3,500—a significant sum at the time.

Interestingly, the ABBEY had already been involved in a significant incident earlier that same year. On January 1, 1851, the vessel was wrecked near Sodus, New York. Despite surviving that earlier wreck, the ABBEY could not withstand the forces of nature later that year, ultimately meeting its end near Black River.

The loss of the ABBEY was recorded in various contemporary sources, including casualty lists from 1851 and private papers belonging to Erik Hyle. The Buffalo Commercial Advertiser reported the property loss as $3,500 in an article titled “Disasters on the Lakes in 1851,” published on January 2, 1852.

FINAL DISPOSITION #

The ABBEY was declared a total loss after the storm wrecked it near Black River, Ohio. The schooner was stranded ashore, and its cargo of coal was lost. Given the nature of the wreck, it is likely that the remains of the vessel were scattered along the shoreline. The site, while historically significant, may no longer contain substantial remnants of the ship due to its age and the impact of natural elements over time.

NOTMARs & ADVISORIES #

There are no specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) currently associated with the wreck site of the ABBEY. However, those exploring the area should be aware of its historical significance.

LOCATED BY & DATE #

The wreck of the ABBEY was documented shortly after its sinking in 1851. Historical records, including casualty lists and newspaper articles, have preserved the details of the incident.

RESOURCES & LINKS #

Primary Sources:

Historical newspaper archives, including the Buffalo Commercial Advertiser.
Private papers belonging to Erik Hyle, who documented maritime incidents on the Great Lakes.

Further Reading and Online Resources:

CONCLUSION #

The story of the ABBEY is a poignant reminder of the perils faced by sailors on the Great Lakes during the 19th century. Despite being a robust and reliable vessel, the schooner could not escape the forces of nature that ultimately led to its demise. The ABBEY serves as a historical example of the challenges of maritime trade and the impact of severe weather on shipping during that era. The wreck, though largely lost to time, remains a part of the rich maritime history of Lake Erie.