Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: H. B. Rathbun
- Type: wooden schooner
- Year Built: circa 1841
- Builder: Mill Point (present-day Marmora), Ontario
- Dimensions: Length X ft (Y m); Beam; Depth of hold
- Registered Tonnage: approximately 149 tons
- Location: Port Burwell area, Lake Erie
- Original Owners: Napanee, Ontario
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The H. B. Rathbun was a wooden schooner, built circa 1841, primarily used for transporting cargo across the Great Lakes.
Description
This vessel was approximately 149 tons and was engaged in the trade of wheat at the time of its loss.
History
The H. B. Rathbun was constructed in Mill Point, Ontario, and registered in Napanee. It served various routes on the Great Lakes, primarily transporting agricultural products.
Significant Incidents
- Date of Loss: September 8, 1878
- Route: Bound from Dresden, Ontario, for Buffalo, New York, with a cargo of wheat.
- Incident Description: The schooner was driven ashore by a gale while entering Port Burwell, struck a bar, and came to rest wrecked. Initial hopes for salvage were dashed, and the vessel was declared a total loss.
- Casualties: None reported; the crew survived the stranding.
Final Disposition
The H. B. Rathbun was ultimately declared a total loss, with both the vessel and its cargo abandoned after the incident.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The current condition of the wreck is unknown, and accessibility for divers may vary based on local conditions.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”h-b-rathbun-1841″ title=”References & Links”]
The story of the H. B. Rathbun serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by mariners on the Great Lakes, particularly during severe weather conditions.
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.
(built circa 1841; lost September 8, 1878)
Vessel Overview & Identity
- Name: H. B. Rathbun, wooden schooner of approximately 149 tons
- Built: circa 1841 in Mill Point (present-day Marmora), Ontario
- Home Port: Napanee, Ontario
- Cargo at Loss: Wheat
(alcheminc.com)
Final Voyage & Loss Details
- Date of Loss: September 8, 1878
- Route: Bound from Dresden, Ontario, for Buffalo, New York, with a cargo of wheat
- Location: On Lake Erie, near the Port Burwell entrance
- Incident Description: While entering Port Burwell, the schooner was driven ashore by a gale, struck a bar, and came to rest wrecked. Initially there was hope of salvage, but the vessel and all cargo were ultimately declared a total loss
- Casualties: None reported—crew survived the stranding
(alcheminc.com, Great Lakes Shipwreck Files)
Summary Table
| Field | Detail |
|---|---|
| Vessel Name | H. B. Rathbun |
| Built | circa 1841, Mill Point, Ontario |
| Tonnage | Approx. 149 tons |
| Cargo | Wheat |
| Loss Date | September 8, 1878 |
| Route | Dresden, ON → Buffalo, NY |
| Loss Location | Port Burwell area, Lake Erie |
| Cause | Gale drove vessel ashore during harbor entry |
| Casualties | None reported |
| Outcome | Declared total loss; cargo and vessel lost |
Historical Context & Sources
This profile draws from the Great Lakes Shipwreck Files, which mention the vessel was driven ashore while attempting to enter Buffalo’s vicinity after originating in Dresden, Ontario. Despite initial optimism for salvage, she was ultimately recorded as a complete loss, with both hull and cargo abandoned. (“Some hope of saving her” was noted, but later rescinded.)
(Great Lakes Shipwreck Files, Great Lakes Shipwreck Files, alcheminc.com)
Research Follow-ups & Archive Suggestions
To enrich this case further, you may consider:
- 1850s–70s Port Burwell and Buffalo newspapers (e.g., Port Burwell Crescent, Buffalo Commercial) — these often include weather reports, harbor incidents, and loss narratives.
- Port authority or customs logs for Dresden and Buffalo, which may record departure manifests, owner information, or towing history.
- Marine insurance ledgers for wheat shipments — March through September 1878 filings may list H. B. Rathbun‘s loss and valuation.
- Ontario ship registries or Napanee maritime archives for official ownership and enrollment history.