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
[shotline_reference_links slug=”augustus-ford-1084″ title=”References & Links”]
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.
Legacy Notes & Full Historical Record
This section preserves the original unedited Shotline content for this wreck so that no historical detail is lost as we transition to the new logbook format.
Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Augustus Ford
- Former Names: None recorded
- Official Registry Number: 1084
- Date Built & Launched: 1853
- Builder: Ford & Riggs, Dexter, New York
- Measurements: Length: 107 ft (32.6 m); Beam: 25 ft (7.6 m); Depth: 10 ft (3.0 m); Gross Tonnage: 184 tons; Net Tonnage: 175 tons
- Date Lost: April 18, 1890
- Location of Loss: Near the harbor entrance at Fairport, Ohio, Lake Erie
- Cargo at Time of Loss: Lumber
- Final Disposition: Wrecked by wind-driven ice
- Located By & Date Found: Not documented
- NOTMARs & Advisories: None currently issued(Great Lakes Shipwreck Files, Alchem Incorporated, 2 Manitowoc, US Data)
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.(Great Lakes Shipwreck Files)
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.(Alchem Incorporated, US Data)
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.(US Data)
Located By & Date Found
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.
NOTMARs & Advisories
No current navigational warnings or advisories are associated with the wreck site of the Augustus Ford. Given the time elapsed and lack of precise location data, the site does not pose a known hazard to navigation.
Resources & Links
- USGenNet Data Repository – Augustus Ford
- Alchem Inc. – Erie-Ashtabula Shipwrecks
- Great Lakes Shipwreck Files – Augustus Ford(US Data, Alchem Incorporated, Great Lakes Shipwreck Files)
Conclusion
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.
Suggested Keywords, Categories, and Glossary Terms
- Keywords: Augustus Ford, Lake Erie shipwreck, 19th-century schooner, lumber transport, Fairport wreck
- Categories: Great Lakes Shipwrecks, Maritime Disasters of the 1890s, Lumber Transport Vessels
- Glossary Terms:
- Schooner: A type of sailing vessel with two or more masts, typically with the foremast shorter than the mainmast.
- Beset by Ice: When a vessel becomes trapped or damaged by surrounding ice.
- Total Loss: A term used when a vessel is damaged beyond repair.(Lake Erie Living)
Note: Due to the lack of precise location data and the time elapsed since the wreck, there is no shore dive information available for the Augustus Ford.
augustus-ford-1084 1890-04-18 00:12:00