Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: D.R. Owen
- Type: Scow-Schooner
- Year Built: 1868-1870
- Builder: D.R. Owen, Fairport, OH
- Dimensions: 100.6 ft × 22.8 ft; 6 ft depth of hold
- Registered Tonnage: 112.95
- Location: Manistee, MI
- Official Number: 35040
- Original Owners: D.R. Owen; later Michael Winter & George Johnson
- Number of Masts: Two-masted
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Vessel Type
Wooden, single-deck scow schooner with two masts.
Description
Description
The D.R. Owen was a wooden scow-schooner built between 1868 and 1870. It measured 100.6 feet in length, 22.8 feet in beam, and had a depth of hold of 6 feet. The vessel had a gross tonnage of 112.95.
History
History
Launched in 1868 at Fairport, Ohio, the D.R. Owen was originally owned by its builder, D.R. Owen. It was officially enrolled in the Chicago registry in September 1873. The vessel experienced several incidents, including a grounding near Bad River, Ontonagon, MI in September 1874, and a false report of being lost with all hands in December 1872, which was later corrected.
Significant Incidents
Significant Incidents
- 1868: Launched at Fairport, OH; original owner D.R. Owen.
- 1872 Dec: Erroneously reported lost with all hands on Lake Superior (later determined false).
- 1873 Sep 16: Officially enrolled in Chicago registry.
- 1874 Sep 18: Went ashore near Bad River, Ontonagon, MI (Lake Superior) — refloated.
- 1878 Mar 28: Transferred to ownership of Michael Winter & George Johnson, Sheboygan, WI.
- 1878 Nov 1: Struck Manistee’s north pier (Lake Michigan) and sank with a cargo of brick.
Final Disposition
Final Disposition
The D.R. Owen sank after striking the North Pier at Manistee, MI, on November 1, 1878. The vessel sank in the harbor entry with a cargo of brick, but no casualties were reported. Due to its location, it is likely that the vessel was salvaged or scrapped later.
Current Condition & Accessibility
Current Condition & Accessibility
The current condition of the wreck is not documented, but it is presumed to have been salvaged or removed due to its location in an accessible harbor.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”d-r-owen-us-35040″ title=”References & Links”]
Closing Summary
The D.R. Owen serves as a historical reminder of the maritime activities in the Great Lakes region during the late 19th century. Its sinking highlights the challenges faced by vessels navigating the busy waters of Lake Michigan.
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.
(Scow‑Schooner — built 1868–1870)
Vessel Specifications
- Official No.: 35040
- Builder: D. R. Owen, Fairport, OH
- Type: Wooden, single-deck scow schooner
- Rigging: Two-masted
- Dimensions: 100.6 ft × 22.8 ft beam × 6 ft depth
- Gross Tonnage: 112.95
Ownership & Major Events
- 1868: Launched at Fairport, OH; original owner D. R. Owen
- 1872 Dec: Erroneously reported lost with all hands on Lake Superior (later determined false)
- 1873 Sep 16: Officially enrolled in Chicago registry
- 1874 Sep 18: Went ashore near Bad River, Ontonagon, MI (Lake Superior) — refloated
- 1878 Mar 28: Transferred to ownership of Michael Winter & George Johnson, Sheboygan, WI
- 1878 Nov 1: Struck Manistee’s north pier (Lake Michigan) and sank with a cargo of brick
Final Wreck — November 1, 1878
- Location: Struck North Pier at Manistee, MI — sank in harbor entry
- Cargo: Brick
- Casualties: None reported
- Disposition: Vessel sank against pier; likely salvaged or scrapped later due to accessible harbor location
Archival Sources & Citations
- Great Lakes Shipwreck Files document includes official number, tonnage, rigging, loss event, location at Manistee, cargo, and lack of casualties.
- Mention of false “lost with all hands” report Dec 1872, later corrected by enrollment in 1873.
Research Gaps & Suggested Next Steps
- Harbor master logs (Manistee port/Coast Guard station, post-Nov 1, 1878): Likely note collision, sinking details, and salvage operations
- Local newspapers (Manistee News-Advocate, Milwaukee Sentinel, Nov–Dec 1878): May include eyewitness accounts, rescue actions, or pier damage reports
- Enrollment and registry forms (NARA Region 5): For confirmation of masters, owners, refloating efforts, and final disposition records
- Insurance and salvage documents: Might be available via local insurance bureau filings or tug operator logs
Quick Summary
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Build | 1868–70, Fairport, OH |
| Specs | 100.6′×22.8′×6′, 113 GRT, two-mast scow-schooner |
| 1878 Incident | Struck Manistee north pier on Nov 1; sank with brick cargo; no casualties |
| Lifecycle Events | Grounded 1874 at Bad River; false lost report 1872 |
| Disposition | Sunken at pier; likely salvaged or removed |