Ann Jane Brown (A.J. Brown, Ann J. Brown) (1842)

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

• Name: Ann Jane Brown (A.J. Brown, Ann J. Brown)
• Type: Wooden Schooner
• Year Built: 1842
• Builder: Not specified
• Dimensions: Length X ft (Y m); Beam; Depth of hold
• Registered Tonnage: 99 gross tons
• Location: Approximately 10 miles southeast of Picton, Ontario, Lake Ontario
• Coordinates: Approximately 10 miles southeast of Picton, Ontario
• Original Owners: Marsh & Co., Port Hope, Ontario
• Number of Masts: Two

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

The Ann Jane Brown was a wooden schooner, a two-masted vessel typical of the Great Lakes in the mid-19th century. These schooners were integral to regional trade, valued for their speed, agility, and ability to carry substantial cargo. With a gross tonnage of 99 tons, the Ann Jane Brown was well-suited for short- to medium-haul transport of goods like timber, coal, and merchandise.

Description

Built in 1842 in Port Hope, Ontario, by Marsh & Co., the Ann Jane Brown was named after a family member of one of its owners, possibly a relative of William Marsh. Commanded by Captain Thomas Slight, the vessel served the growing trade routes of Lake Ontario.

History

Notable Incidents:

• May 30, 1845 – Capsizing: The schooner capsized off Point Aux Barques. While the vessel was salvaged, the incident marked the beginning of a challenging operational history.
• 1853 – Rebuild: After over a decade of service, the Ann Jane Brown was rebuilt at Port Hope, receiving structural modifications to improve its durability and performance.
• 1854 – Grounding: The vessel went ashore at Wicked Point. Though little is known about this incident, it demonstrated the schooner’s repeated exposure to navigational hazards.

The 1856 Blizzard and Tragic Loss:

On its final voyage in December 1856, the Ann Jane Brown encountered a severe blizzard and gale on Lake Ontario while carrying a full cargo of merchandise. The vessel struck a reef approximately 10 miles southeast of Picton, Ontario, and was declared a total loss. The tragedy claimed the lives of Captain Thomas Slight, First Mate George Campbell, and two crew members, highlighting the treacherous conditions of Lake Ontario during the winter months. Efforts to salvage the vessel were made, but its eventual fate remains unclear. The merchandise onboard was lost, further compounding the financial impact of the disaster.

Significant Incidents

• May 30, 1845 – Capsizing: The schooner capsized off Point Aux Barques. While the vessel was salvaged, the incident marked the beginning of a challenging operational history.
• 1853 – Rebuild: After over a decade of service, the Ann Jane Brown was rebuilt at Port Hope, receiving structural modifications to improve its durability and performance.
• 1854 – Grounding: The vessel went ashore at Wicked Point. Though little is known about this incident, it demonstrated the schooner’s repeated exposure to navigational hazards.

Final Disposition

The Ann Jane Brown was declared a total loss after striking a reef during a storm. The vessel was destroyed by the storm’s force, with its remains scattered across the lakebed.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The wreck is presumed to be heavily deteriorated, scattered, or buried beneath sediment after over 150 years. Accessibility for diving or exploration is challenging due to the lack of precise location and condition details.

Resources & Links

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The Ann Jane Brown is a poignant example of the resilience and dangers of maritime trade on the Great Lakes during the 19th century. Despite enduring multiple incidents, the vessel served the region’s economy for over a decade. Its tragic loss in a blizzard underscores the perils faced by sailors of the time, where unpredictable weather could turn a routine voyage into catastrophe. Though largely unexplored, the Ann Jane Brown remains an essential part of Great Lakes maritime history, its story a testament to the bravery and hardships of those who navigated these inland seas.