Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: John Thursby
- Type: Schooner, wood
- Year Built: 1857
- Builder: R. L. Page, Cattaraugus, New York
- Dimensions: Length X ft (Y m); Beam; Depth of hold
- Registered Tonnage: 251 gt (360 tons in measurement)
- Location: Near Antrim City, Grand Traverse Bay, Lake Michigan
- Coordinates: string
- Official Number: 12772
- Original Owners: Chas. Coats, Cleveland
- Number of Masts: two or more
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Vessel Type & Design
The John Thursby was a wooden schooner, built in 1857 by R.L. Page in Cattaraugus, New York. With a gross tonnage of 251 tons (about 360 tons in measurement), it was a sizable vessel for its time. As a schooner, it had two or more masts, designed for cargo transport on the Great Lakes. Schooners like the John Thursby were commonly used for carrying bulk freight such as grain, coal, and timber.
Description
Description
The John Thursby was primarily engaged in transporting agricultural products, notably wheat. Its construction as a wooden schooner made it well-suited for the conditions of the Great Lakes, although it was vulnerable to the sudden storms that could arise in the region.
History
History
On October 7, 1867, the John Thursby set sail from Milwaukee bound for Cleveland, carrying 14,500 bushels of wheat. However, she was immediately caught in a violent storm on Lake Michigan. The storm drove the schooner ashore near the mouth of Grand Traverse Bay, near Antrim City, where it was reported as a total loss.
Significant Incidents
Significant Incidents
- Caught in a violent storm on Lake Michigan on October 7, 1867.
- Stranded near Antrim City, resulting in a total loss of the vessel.
- All crew members escaped without harm.
Final Disposition
Final Disposition & Recovery
While the John Thursby was reported as a total loss, there are indications that it may have been recovered later. It remained listed in the Merchant Vessels records through 1869 and possibly as late as 1875, suggesting that either some recovery or salvage efforts may have occurred. This is not uncommon for vessels that were driven ashore but had portions of their hull or cargo retrievable.
Current Condition & Accessibility
Current Condition & Accessibility
The wreck of the John Thursby is not accessible for salvage or recovery due to its status as a confirmed wreck. Divers should be aware of the conditions in Grand Traverse Bay, which can change rapidly.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”john-thursby-us-12772″ title=”References & Links”]
Conclusion
The John Thursby was a wooden schooner that suffered a storm-related wreck near the mouth of Grand Traverse Bay on October 8, 1867. While the vessel was lost, the crew survived the ordeal. The schooner’s cargo of wheat was likely lost with the vessel, though it is possible that some recovery occurred, given its listing in records years after the incident. The storm and the vessel’s stranding exemplify the perils that ships on Lake Michigan faced during this era, particularly in the fall months when sudden storms could arise without warning.
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.
Identification & Site Information
- Name: John Thursby
- Official Number: 12772
- Type at Loss: Schooner, wood
- Builder: R. L. Page, Cattaraugus, New York
- Date Built: 1857
- Specifications: Gross Tonnage: 251 gt (360 tons in measurement)
- Date of Loss: October 8, 1867
- Place of Loss: Near Antrim City, Grand Traverse Bay, Lake Michigan
- Cargo: 14,500 bushels of wheat
- Owner at Loss: Chas. Coats, Cleveland
- Master at Loss: Capt. Penny
Vessel Type & Design
The John Thursby was a wooden schooner, built in 1857 by R.L. Page in Cattaraugus, New York. With a gross tonnage of 251 tons (about 360 tons in measurement), it was a sizable vessel for its time. As a schooner, it had two or more masts, designed for cargo transport on the Great Lakes. Schooners like the John Thursby were commonly used for carrying bulk freight such as grain, coal, and timber.
Final Voyage & Loss
On October 7, 1867, the John Thursby set sail from Milwaukee bound for Cleveland, carrying 14,500 bushels of wheat. However, she was immediately caught in a violent storm on Lake Michigan. The storm drove the schooner ashore near the mouth of Grand Traverse Bay, near Antrim City, where it was reported as a total loss.
Despite the severe conditions, the crew escaped without harm. The schooner was stranded on the shores of Grand Traverse Bay, but there were no casualties. The storm’s intensity likely made it impossible to salvage the vessel at the time.
Final Disposition & Recovery
While the John Thursby was reported as a total loss, there are indications that it may have been recovered later. It remained listed in the Merchant Vessels records through 1869 and possibly as late as 1875, suggesting that either some recovery or salvage efforts may have occurred. This is not uncommon for vessels that were driven ashore but had portions of their hull or cargo retrievable.
Notmars & Advisories
Grand Traverse Bay is known for its sudden storms, particularly during the fall months, and mariners were frequently caught off guard by the intense gales that could develop quickly. The mouth of Grand Traverse Bay is a narrow and shallow area prone to rough weather and hazardous navigation, especially when winds and currents are not favourable.
Resources & Links
Conclusion
The John Thursby was a wooden schooner that suffered a storm-related wreck near the mouth of Grand Traverse Bayon October 8, 1867. While the vessel was lost, the crew survived the ordeal. The schooner’s cargo of wheat was likely lost with the vessel, though it is possible that some recovery occurred, given its listing in records years after the incident. The storm and the vessel’s stranding exemplify the perils that ships on Lake Michigan faced during this era, particularly in the fall months when sudden storms could arise without warning.
Keywords & Categories
Keywords: Lake Michigan shipwreck, schooner wrecks, Grand Traverse Bay shipwrecks, 19th-century storm losses, wheat cargo
Categories: Shipwrecks of Lake Michigan, Great Lakes schooners, 19th-century storm losses
Glossary Terms: Schooner, Storm Loss, Grand Traverse Bay
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