(built 1867; lost March 27, 1882)
Vessel Identity & Build
- Official Number: 8300
- Type: Three-masted wooden Schooner (~306 tons), constructed in 1867 at De Pere (or Green Bay), Wisconsin—by Sorenson or Jacob Johnson
- Home Port: Chicago; owned by Jacob Johnson
Incident History & Loss
Final Voyage (March 27, 1882)
- E.M. Portch was en route from Chicago to Rowley Bay, WI, carrying cedar logs, when she encountered heavy gale and foggy conditions about 15 miles northeast of Sheboygan, Lake Michigan .
- The steam Barge Leland struck her amidships, creating a significant breach in her bow. The Tug towed Portch toward Sheboygan harbor, where she anchored approximately one mile from the piers.
- Despite rescue and pumping efforts by lifesaver crews, she sank in about 12 ft of water, close to the piers. A subsequent gale drove the wreck onto the harbor structure, smashing her against the piers and resulting in Total Loss .
- Casualties: None —all 8 aboard survived .
Prior Incident (1871)
- E.M. Portch previously grounded off Beaver Island, Lake Michigan, in a storm during winter 1871. She was refloated later that fall, but sank again and was salvaged again in 1872 .
Final Disposition
- The vessel was a loss once surrendered at Chicago in August 1883, after failed salvage attempts by the Milwaukee Tug Company. The wreck remained in shallow harbor waters and broken against piers—gradually dismantled or decayed.
Summary Table
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Vessel Name | E.M. Portch |
| Official Number | 8300 |
| Built | 1867, De Pere / Green Bay, WI |
| Type & Tonnage | 3‑mast wooden Schooner, ~306 tons |
| Loss Date | March 27, 1882 |
| Loss Location | ~15 mi NE of Sheboygan, WI (Lake Michigan) |
| Tow Vessel | Steam Barge Leland (Chicago Tug Service) |
| Cause of Loss | Collision + storm; sank then pounded ashore |
| Crew & Casualties | 8 aboard; no fatalities |
| Prior Incident | Suffered loss in 1871 near Beaver Island |
| Salvage Outcome | Recovery failed; Hull broken by storm + Abandoned |
Research References
- Main loss synopsis, builder details, and incident chronology: Great Lakes Shipwreck Files wordlist entry for E.M. Portch
- Detailed account of collision, sinking conditions, location, and failure of salvage efforts: Wisconsin Shipwrecks database
Research Directions & Notes
- This case highlights how towing accidents and storm conditions could rapidly overwhelm even large schooners in shallow water regions.
- Sheboygan maritime records, Tug service logs, or pier authority files from Spring 1882 may offer direct evidence of the collision handling, salvage costs, or vessel valuation.
- Newspaper archives (e.g. Sheboygan Press, Milwaukee Sentinel) around late March to early April 1882 might contain eyewitness testimony, marine logs, or salvage commentary.
- Insurance or underwriting records from Chicago underwriters may list official loss valuation and cargo claim details for cedar logs.