C. Deming (1837)

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

• Name: C. Deming
• Type: Schooner
• Year Built: 1837
• Builder: Not specified
• Dimensions: Not specified
• Registered Tonnage: 117 tons (approx. 106 metric tonnes)
• Location: Charlotte Harbor, New York, Lake Ontario
• Official Number: None
• Original Owners: Bronson & Crocker, Oswego, New York
• Number of Masts: Not specified

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

The C. Deming was a wooden-hulled schooner, a common vessel type on the Great Lakes during the 19th century. Schooners were favored for their cargo capacity and ability to navigate the often shallow and treacherous waters of the lakes.

Description

Built in 1837, the C. Deming was a 117-ton wooden schooner designed for the transportation of bulk goods across the Great Lakes. Her construction reflected the typical design of the period, optimized for carrying agricultural products such as wheat and flour, which were in high demand during the era of rapid urban development in the region.

History

On December 7, 1844, while en route from Toronto to Oswego with a cargo of 3,000 bushels of wheat and 160 barrels of flour, the C. Deming encountered a severe storm on Lake Ontario. Attempting to seek shelter, she entered Charlotte Harbor, New York. Despite dropping anchor, the vessel’s anchor dragged due to the storm’s intensity, causing her to be driven onto the east pier. The schooner broke up as a result of the grounding. Fortunately, there were no fatalities reported among the crew. The vessel was owned by Bronson & Crocker of Oswego, New York. (Great Lakes Shipwreck Files)

Significant Incidents

• December 7, 1844: The C. Deming was lost during a storm on Lake Ontario after her anchor dragged, leading to grounding on the east pier.

Final Disposition

Following the grounding and subsequent breakup, the C. Deming was considered a total loss. There are no records indicating that the wreck was salvaged or located, and it remains undiscovered to this day.

Current Condition & Accessibility

As of current records, the wreck of the C. Deming has not been located.

Resources & Links

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The C. Deming serves as a poignant reminder of the hazards faced by 19th-century mariners on the Great Lakes. Her loss near Charlotte Harbor during a December storm highlights the challenges of navigation and the ever-present danger of sudden storms in the region. While the vessel remains undiscovered, her story contributes to the rich tapestry of maritime history on Lake Ontario.