Two Brothers

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

• Name: Two Brothers
• Type: Schooner
• Year Built:
• Builder:
• Dimensions:
• Registered Tonnage:
• Location: Near Nine Mile Point, Lake Ontario
• Coordinates: Approx. 43.52178, -76.57229
• Original Owners: A. & B. Todd of Pultneyville, along with Captain John Stevenson

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

The Two Brothers was a schooner, a popular vessel type for 19th-century Great Lakes commerce. Schooners, equipped with two or more masts, were valued for their versatility and ability to navigate the challenging wind patterns of the lakes. The Two Brothers, under Captain Stevenson, primarily transported agricultural goods, including wheat and apples, a staple cargo for the region’s trade.

Description

On November 12th, the Two Brothers embarked on what would become its final journey. Departing from Pultneyville, New York, the vessel carried a cargo of wheat and apples bound for Oswego, New York. Commanded by Captain John Stevenson, the schooner never reached its destination, sparking alarm among its owners and those awaiting its arrival.

That same night, a severe gale swept across Lake Ontario, creating treacherous conditions. The storm proved devastating, with no further communication received from the Two Brothers. Evidence of the schooner’s demise began to appear shortly thereafter:

• A barrel of apples,
• The captain’s hat,
• And the ship’s tiller

These items washed ashore near Nine Mile Point, confirming the fears of a tragic loss.

History

Adding to the tragedy, another schooner, the Three Brothers, also under Captain Stevenson’s command, departed Pultneyville on the same day, laden with wheat, supplies, and cider for Oswego. It, too, was lost in the storm, with wreckage believed to have washed ashore later. The loss of both vessels stands as a chilling reminder of the dangers of Great Lakes navigation.

Significant Incidents

• The Two Brothers was lost during a severe gale on November 12, 1860.
• Artifacts including a barrel of apples, the captain’s hat, and the ship’s tiller were found near Nine Mile Point.
• Another schooner, the Three Brothers, was also lost on the same day under Captain Stevenson’s command.

Final Disposition

The Two Brothers is presumed to have foundered in the storm, with no survivors from the crew or passengers. Among those lost were:

• Captain John Stevenson (Williamson)
• Cephas Field (Sodus)
• William Bastian (Mexico, Oswego County)
• Amos Gloyed (French Creek, Jefferson County, passenger)

The cargo of 700 bushels of wheat belonged to Taylor & Co. of Oswego, while the schooner itself was owned by A. & B. Todd of Pultneyville, along with Captain Stevenson.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The wreck has not been definitively located, but artifacts and wreckage were discovered near Nine Mile Point in Lake Ontario. No confirmed modern exploration or documentation exists for the Two Brothers wreck site.

Resources & Links

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The loss of the Two Brothers underscores the perilous conditions of 19th-century Great Lakes navigation. Schooners like the Two Brothers were vital to the region’s economy, but their reliance on favorable winds and vulnerability to storms often led to tragedy. The wreck, though unlocated, remains a poignant part of Lake Ontario’s maritime history and serves as a testament to the bravery and resilience of the sailors who faced the unpredictable waters.