Augustus Ford (1084)

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

• Name: Augustus Ford
• Type: Schooner
• Year Built: 1853
• Builder: Ford & Riggs, Dexter, New York
• Dimensions: Length: 107 ft (32.6 m); Beam: 25 ft (7.6 m); Depth of hold: 10 ft (3.0 m)
• Registered Tonnage: Gross Tonnage: 184 tons; Net Tonnage: 175 tons
• Location: Near the harbor entrance at Fairport, Ohio
• Official Number: 1084
• Number of Masts: Two-masted

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

Wooden-hulled, two-masted schooner

Description

The Augustus Ford was a wooden schooner constructed in 1853 by Ford & Riggs in Dexter, New York. Measuring 107 feet in length, she was designed for bulk cargo transport across the Great Lakes, primarily engaged in the lumber trade. Throughout her service, she underwent repairs in 1869 and a rebuild in 1877. The vessel had a history of incidents, including going ashore at Port Maitland, Ontario, in November 1874, resulting in the loss of four lives.

History

On April 18, 1890, the Augustus Ford was navigating Lake Erie near Fairport, Ohio, carrying a cargo of lumber. She became beset by wind-driven ice and was wrecked near the harbor entrance. The incident resulted in the deaths of several crew members due to exposure, including Captain Pease, Charles Hurd, Lizzie Sullivan, and Thomas Brown. The steam tug Sarah Bryant of Buffalo rendered assistance, removing the frozen bodies and salvaging part of the cargo. However, the Bryant was seized by Canadian authorities and detained for 30 days, along with a fine, for this act. The Augustus Ford was not officially declared lost until 1895.

Significant Incidents

• Wrecked by wind-driven ice near Fairport, Ohio, on April 18, 1890.
• Several crew members died due to exposure, including Captain Pease and others.
• The steam tug Sarah Bryant assisted in the aftermath but faced legal issues.

Final Disposition

The Augustus Ford was wrecked by wind-driven ice near Fairport, Ohio, and was considered a total loss. There is no record of salvage operations or attempts to recover the vessel. Her remains were likely left at the wreck site.

Current Condition & Accessibility

As of current records, there is no documentation indicating that the wreck of the Augustus Ford has been located or explored by maritime archaeologists or divers.

Resources & Links

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The loss of the Augustus Ford underscores the perils faced by maritime vessels on the Great Lakes during the 19th century, particularly those involved in the lumber trade. Her wreck near Fairport, Ohio, adds to the numerous shipwrecks that have occurred in Lake Erie, contributing to the rich maritime history of the region. While the exact location of her wreck remains unknown, the Augustus Ford’s story is a testament to the challenges of lake navigation during that era.