Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Ray S. Farr
- Type: Wooden schooner
- Year Built: 1864
- Builder: Jones, Buffalo
- Dimensions: 99 × 24 × 9 ft; approx. 129 GRT / 123 NRT
- Registered Tonnage: 129 GRT / 123 NRT
- Location: Offshore from Michigan City or Chicago region
- Coordinates: Exact coordinates unspecified
- Official Number: 6135
- Original Owners: Muskegon, Michigan
- Number of Masts: Not specified
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The Ray S. Farr was a wooden schooner, originally named D. Newhall, built in 1864. It was later renamed in 1882.
Description
The vessel measured 99 feet in length, 24 feet in beam, and had a depth of 9 feet. It was registered at approximately 129 gross tons and 123 net tons.
History
The Ray S. Farr was constructed in Buffalo, New York, and primarily operated out of Muskegon, Michigan. The vessel had a history of repairs, including significant work in 1861, 1882, and 1883.
Significant Incidents
- Stranded in 1867 and underwent major repairs.
- Lost in a storm on December 1, 1886, while carrying slabs from Muskegon to Chicago.
- Ice accumulation led to instability and eventual foundering.
- The crew abandoned ship and survived severe frostbite.
Final Disposition
The Ray S. Farr sank during the storm and is presumed a total loss. The exact coordinates of the wreck are unspecified.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The wreck site remains undiscovered, with no confirmed coordinates available. The conditions of the wreck are unknown.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”ray-s-farr-1864d-newhall-daniel-newhall-us-6135″ title=”References & Links”]
The loss of the Ray S. Farr serves as a reminder of the dangers faced by mariners on the Great Lakes, particularly during harsh winter 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.
Identification & Vessel Details
- Original Name: D. Newhall (also Daniel Newhall); renamed Ray S. Farr in 1882
- Official Number: 6135
- Type: Wooden schooner
- Built: 1864, Jones, Buffalo
- Dimensions: 99 × 24 × 9 ft; approx. 129 GRT / 123 NRT
- Home Port: Muskegon, Michigan
- Master at Loss: Capt. Granza (or Grazo)
(Great Lakes Shipwreck Files)
Final Voyage & Storm Incident – December 1, 1886, Lake Michigan
- Departed Muskegon bound for Chicago, carrying slabs when struck by a northeasterly gale
- Ice accumulation on deck caused her to become unstable and founder; the crew abandoned ship in extreme cold, enduring the storm in their yawl until reaching shore
- No fatalities reported, though crew suffered severe frostbite and lost limbs due to frigid conditions
(Great Lakes Shipwreck Files)
Wreck Site & Aftermath
- Location: Offshore from Michigan City or Chicago region—exact coordinates unspecified
- Aftermath: Vessel sank; presumed a total loss. Earlier records show she was stranded in 1867 and underwent major repairs in 1861, 1882, and 1883
(Great Lakes Shipwreck Files)
Sources & Documentation
- Great Lakes Shipwreck Files “F” entry confirms build details, renaming, final storm, cargo, crew conditions, and absence of loss of life
(Great Lakes Shipwreck Files)
Historical & Maritime Significance
Ray S. Farr exemplifies mid-19th-century wooden schooners facing the dual hazards of heavy winter gales and ice accumulation on deck. Her loss—though without loss of life—highlighted serious design and operational challenges on Lake Michigan during late autumn. The crew’s survival after exposure underscores the harsh realities of maritime labor at the time.
Research Gaps & Recommendations
| Research Topic | Suggested Action |
|---|---|
| Exact Loss Coordinates | Investigate 1886 U.S. Coast Guard or wreck survey documents for sinking position |
| Contemporary Storm Coverage | Locate December 1886 issues of Chicago Tribune or Muskegon Chronicle for storm reports and crew interviews |
| Yawl Crew Survival Details | Seek lifesaving service logs or personal accounts describing rescue and frostbite treatment |
| Vessel History Documentation | Explore repair registers (1861, 1882–83) to understand structural modifications post-renaming |