Ida J. Root US 12379

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

• Name: Ida J. Root
• Type: Two-masted scow schooner
• Year Built: 1868
• Builder: Black River, Ohio
• Dimensions: 55 ft × 18 ft × 7 ft
• Registered Tonnage: 31.37 gross
• Location: Near Alpena, Michigan
• Official Number: 12379
• Original Owners: Charles Sheldon (last known owner)
• Number of Masts: 2

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

Vessel Type: Two-masted scow schooner

Description

The Ida J. Root was a two-masted scow schooner built in 1868 at Black River, Ohio. It measured 55 feet in length, 18 feet in beam, and had a depth of 7 feet. The vessel had a registered tonnage of 31.37 gross tons.

History

The Ida J. Root was enrolled at Cleveland, Ohio, shortly after its construction in 1868. Over the years, it changed ownership several times, with notable events including a grounding incident in 1873 while carrying stone, which resulted in the vessel being stranded but later refloated. By 1876, it was owned by N. Parsons of Vermilion, Ohio, and underwent repairs in 1877. In June 1878, ownership transferred to Charles Sheldon of St. Clair, Michigan. The vessel was operating out of Alpena, Michigan, when it suffered a wreck in 1883, leading to the surrender of its paperwork on December 15, officially listing it as a total loss.

Significant Incidents

• 1873 (Aug): Driven ashore on Buffalo waterfront while carrying stone; stranded but later refloated.
• 1883: Suffered a wreck while operating out of Alpena, Michigan; paperwork surrendered on December 15, officially listing her as a total loss.

Final Disposition

• Date of Loss: 1883 (documents surrendered December 15)
• Location: Out of Alpena, Michigan; likely wrecked nearby on Lake Huron
• Cause: Grounding or wreck (precise circumstances not detailed)
• Casualties & Cargo: Not recorded

Current Condition & Accessibility

• Wreck Condition: Presumed grounded and destroyed; likely broken on shoal or shoreline.
• Accessibility: No known dive site; probable location obscured by shoal, sediment, or wreckage removal.
• Survey Prospects: Low, but archival sources could narrow location (Alpena to Port Huron corridor).

Resources & Links

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The Ida J. Root met her end in 1883 after being wrecked near Alpena, Michigan. Although small and lightly documented, local newspapers, underwriter claims, and harbor logs from late 1883–1884 may provide additional insights into her final voyage, cargo, crew, and wreck location.