wrecked
4 sources on file
WaterbodyLake Erie
Loss year1825
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Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: William
- Type: Schooner
- Year Built: 1847
- Builder:
- Dimensions: Length: 101 ft 2 in (30.8 m); Beam: 22 ft 2 in; Depth of hold: 8 ft 9 in
- Registered Tonnage: 178.93 tons
- Location: Fairport, Ohio
- Original Owners: Elin Morgan & Wimott, Cleveland, Ohio & Oswego, New York; later owned by R.T. Lyon, Cleveland
- Number of Masts: 2
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Vessel Identification & Profile
- Name: William
- Year Built: 1847
- Vessel Type: Schooner
- Hull Material: Wood
- Decks: 1
- Masts: 2
- Original Owners: Elin Morgan & Wimott, Cleveland, Ohio & Oswego, New York
Description
Dimensions
- Length: 101 ft 2 in
- Beam: 22 ft 2 in
- Depth: 8 ft 9 in
- Tonnage (Old Style): 178.93 tons
History
Operational History & Incidents
- 1847, Sep 1: Enrolled at Cleveland, OH; construction cost $7,520
- 1848: Operated Cleveland to Buffalo with grain
- 1848, Aug 31: Ashore near Grand River with 330 barrels of salt; waterlogged
- 1850, Apr 11: Owned by R.T. Lyon, Cleveland
- 1850, Nov 29: Ashore on rocks with railroad iron; released by Belle
- 1854, Aug 15: Drove against breakwater with staves near Buffalo, NY
- 1854, Nov 16: Secured at Buffalo after losing spars and rigging in storm near Kelley’s Island; en route to Detroit with coal
Significant Incidents
Final Disposition
- Date of Loss: September 22, 1859
- Cause: Ashore in gale, pounded to pieces
- Location: Fairport, Ohio, Lake Erie
- Casualties: Not recorded
- Cargo at Loss: Not specified
Final Disposition
Historical Significance
The William (1847) was a standard Great Lakes schooner, active in early bulk cargo trade. Her frequent incidents reflect the perils of Lake Erie navigation in the mid-19th century, especially near harbor approaches and in seasonal gales. She was ultimately wrecked near Fairport, Ohio, consistent with loss patterns of similar vessels.
Current Condition & Accessibility
Source References
- C. Patrick Labadie Collection
- Regional port and enrollment documents (Cleveland, Buffalo)
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”william-1847″ title=”References & Links”]
Keywords and Categories
- Region: Lake Erie, Fairport, OH
- Vessel Type: Schooner
- Cause of Loss: Gale, wrecked ashore
- Material: Wood
- Period: 1847–1859
- Final Status: Total loss
- Cargoes Carried: Grain, salt, railroad iron, coal, staves
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