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 1863; lost November 23, 1882)

Identification & Specifications

• Name: J.O. Moss (sometimes listed as J.U. Moss), a wooden schooner registered to Chicago
• Built: 1863, at Sandusky, Ohio by J. Estes
• Tonnage & Dimensions: Approx. 94 × 26 × 9 ft; ~166 gross tons
  (Great Lakes Shipwreck Files)

Final Voyage & Loss

• Date of Loss: November 23, 1882
• Route & Cargo: Sailing from Frankfort, Michigan to Chicago with a deck load of shingles
  (Great Lakes Shipwreck Files, us-data.org)

During the passage near Big Sable Point, she was struck by a sudden gale with blinding snow. Although the vessel had managed to anchor near the shore and was undergoing repairs, subsequent high winds and surf caused her anchor to drag. She was driven onto the beach approximately 500 ft from shore, thundered into by ice-laden waves, and broke apart.
(us-data.org)

Casualties & Crew

• There were six aboard. During the storm, all attempted repairs and reboarding efforts near the shore. Unfortunately, one crew member drowned, the others survived.
  (us-data.org, linkstothepast.com)

Final Disposition

• The vessel was fully wrecked and considered a total loss. Her registry was surrendered following the incident.
• No modern archaeological survey has recorded her remains; any wreckage likely deteriorated or settled in shallow nearshore sands.

Summary Table

Field	Details
Vessel Name	J.O. Moss
Built	1863, Sandusky, OH
Dimensions/Tonnage	~94 × 26 × 9 ft; 166 gt
Cargo	Shingles
Departure	Frankfort, MI → Chicago
Loss Date	November 23, 1882
Loss Location	Near Big Sable Point, MI (Lake Michigan)
Cause of Loss	Gale with snow, anchor failed, grounded
Crew & Casualties	6 aboard; 1 lost
Final Status	Wrecked on shore; total loss

Historical Context & Research Notes

• J.O. Moss reflects the types of small lumber and shingles schooners common on western Lake Michigan in the late 19th century, vulnerable to sudden early-winter storms and blowing snow shores.
• The grounding near Big Sable Point—a hazardous and wind-swept region—was typical of winter ship losses along that coastline.
  (linkstothepast.com, Great Lakes Shipwreck Files, michiganlights.com, us-data.org)

Further Research Suggestions

To deepen the historical record and potentially identify the wreck remains:

• Frankfort and Ludington newspaper archives from late November 1882 for eyewitness accounts, crew names, and rescue details.
• Underwriters’ loss records for the schooner’s insurance filing, owner name, cargo valuation, and date of registry surrender.
• Coast Guard or Lifesaving Service logs—if crew attempted shoreline repairs or came ashore, those agencies may have incidence logs.
• Local maritime museum or historical society collections (e.g., Ludington Area Historical Society) may contain photographs or narratives on the wreck.

Conclusion

The J.O. Moss, carrying shingles from Frankfort to Chicago, was overwhelmed by a winter gale and driven ashore near Big Sable Point during anchor repairs. One crew member drowned in the process. Her loss is illustrative of the perils faced by small wooden scow-type schooners navigating early-season winter storms on Lake Michigan. No physical remains are documented in modern surveys, and further investigation depends on regional historical and insurance archives.

Let me know if you’d like help locating newspaper archives or registry records concerning J.O. Moss!

j-o-moss-1863 1882-11-23 09:00:00