Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Samuel Lewis
- Type: propeller steamer
- Year Built: 1860
- Builder: Godfrey Canton
- Dimensions: 63 ft (19.2 m) X 17 ft (5.2 m); Depth of hold: ~6 ft (1.8 m)
- Registered Tonnage: 102 tons
- Location: Cape Croker, Georgian Bay, Lake Huron
- Original Owners: James J. Lewis; later Sayer & McLean
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Wooden-hulled propeller steamer (screw-driven), typical of early small freight/passenger vessels in Great Lakes coastal service.
Description
- Length: 63 ft (19.2 m)
- Beam: 17 ft (5.2 m)
- Depth: 0 ft reported (likely a clerical omission; typical draught would have been ~6 ft or 1.8 m)
- Tonnage (Old Style): 102 tons
- Construction: Wood, single-screw propulsion
- Builder: Godfrey Canton
- Build Site: Detroit, Michigan
History
The Samuel Lewis was constructed for James J. Lewis of Detroit and entered service in 1861. Early roles included local freight and passenger routes along the Detroit River. By 1866, it had changed ownership to Sayer & McLean of Wallaceburg, Ontario.
In its final year, the vessel was engaged in provisioning services to Michael’s Bay on Manitoulin Island — a key settlement and trade post for the region.
Significant Incidents
None noted.
Final Disposition
While en route to Michael’s Bay with a cargo of hay and provisions, Samuel Lewis stranded and was wrecked near Cape Croker on 12 November 1871. Her boiler and engine were salvaged the following month (December 1871).
Current Condition & Accessibility
No known modern archaeological location or recovery. No current site surveys or diver confirmations are reported.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”samuel-lewis-1860″ title=”References & Links”]
The Samuel Lewis is a representative example of early wooden propeller steamers that operated in tight, shallow routes of the upper Great Lakes. Her small size and regional reach made her valuable to remote communities, particularly along Manitoulin Island. Her wreck near Cape Croker underlines the challenges of navigating Lake Huron’s rocky shoreline in fall conditions. The engine recovery suggests salvage efforts were prompt and partially successful.
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.
Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name(s): Samuel Lewis
- Year Built: 1860
- Registration: U.S. registry, enrolled Detroit
- Final Location: Cape Croker, Georgian Bay, Lake Huron
- Date Lost: 12 November 1871
- Final Cargo: Hay and provisions
Vessel Type
Wooden-hulled propeller steamer (screw-driven), typical of early small freight/passenger vessels in Great Lakes coastal service.
Description
- Length: 63 ft (19.2 m)
- Beam: 17 ft (5.2 m)
- Depth: 0 ft reported (likely a clerical omission; typical draught would have been ~6 ft or 1.8 m)
- Tonnage (Old Style): 102 tons
- Construction: Wood, single-screw propulsion
- Builder: Godfrey Canton
- Build Site: Detroit, Michigan
History
The Samuel Lewis was constructed for James J. Lewis of Detroit and entered service in 1861. Early roles included local freight and passenger routes along the Detroit River. By 1866, it had changed ownership to Sayer & McLean of Wallaceburg, Ontario.
In its final year, the vessel was engaged in provisioning services to Michael’s Bay on Manitoulin Island — a key settlement and trade post for the region.
Final Disposition
While en route to Michael’s Bay with a cargo of hay and provisions, Samuel Lewis stranded and was wrecked near Cape Croker on 12 November 1871. Her boiler and engine were salvaged the following month (December 1871).
Located By & Date Found
No known modern archaeological location or recovery. No current site surveys or diver confirmations are reported.
Notmars & Advisories
None noted.
Resources & Links
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes
- [C. Patrick Labadie Collection]
- Board of Lake Underwriters Marine Directory
- Detroit Enrollments, U.S. National Archives
- Newspaper Clippings (Chronicling America, Detroit Free Press archives)
Conclusion
The Samuel Lewis is a representative example of early wooden propeller steamers that operated in tight, shallow routes of the upper Great Lakes. Her small size and regional reach made her valuable to remote communities, particularly along Manitoulin Island. Her wreck near Cape Croker underlines the challenges of navigating Lake Huron’s rocky shoreline in fall conditions. The engine recovery suggests salvage efforts were prompt and partially successful.
Keywords, Categories, Glossary Terms
- Keywords: Georgian Bay wrecks, Cape Croker shipwreck, wooden propeller, early Great Lakes steamer
- Categories: Small steamers, supply vessels, regional freight, 19th century
- Glossary:
- Screw propulsion: Early form of propeller-driven steam propulsion
- Old style tonnage: Pre-1865 U.S. measurement of vessel cargo volume
- Michael’s Bay: Historic settlement area on Manitoulin Island, important in 19th-century trade