Identification & Site Information

  • Name(s): Ferret
  • Official Number: 9212
  • Year Built: 1864
  • Built At: Bay City, Michigan
  • Final Location: Maumee Bay near Toledo Crib Light, Lake Erie
  • Date Lost: 22 August 1895
  • Cause of Loss: Collision with Steamer Idlewild
  • Final Cargo: 100 tons coal
  • Registry End Date: 30 December 1895 (documents surrendered, Port Huron, MI)

Vessel Type

Wooden Schooner with a scow bottom, converted later to a propeller-driven vessel.

Description

  • Hull Material: Wood
  • Decks: 1
  • Rig Type: Originally Schooner, later propeller-driven
  • Masts: 2
  • Dimensions (Post-Conversion):
    • Length: 81.8 ft (24.9 m)
    • Beam: 18.7 ft (5.7 m)
    • Depth: 5.7 ft (1.7 m)
  • Tonnage:
    • Old Style: 74 tons
    • Later Gross: 73 tons (post-Conversion)
  • Capacity: Small general cargo vessel

History

Originally constructed as a small wooden Schooner in Bay City in 1864 by builder F. Carpenter, Ferret served in the lumber and coal trades across Lakes Huron and Erie. She changed hands multiple times:

  • 1865: Registered 58 gross tons
  • 1866: Owned by J. Craig, Detroit; capsized in Saginaw Bay carrying lumber
  • 1871–76: Owned by Black River interests (Stange, then Mapes)
  • 1889: Enrolled at Port Huron under William McGarry
  • 1891: Converted from Schooner to powered propeller vessel
  • 1892: Sold at auction
  • 1895: Owned by Captain Young, Toledo, OH

Final Disposition

While operating as a propeller-driven coal carrier, Ferret collided with the Steamer Idlewild in Maumee Bay near the Toledo Crib Light. The vessel sank on 22 August 1895 with a cargo of 100 tons of coal. No fatalities were reported. Her enrollment documents were officially surrendered in Port Huron later that year.

Located By & Date Found

No official survey or rediscovery has been recorded. It is likely that the wreck site is buried or broken up in the shallow silty waters of Maumee Bay.

NOTMARs & Advisories

None noted.

Resources & Links

Conclusion

Though small and humble in purpose, Ferret‘s transformation from sail to steam represents a significant transitional period in Great Lakes shipping. Her long service life and final loss in collision reflect the persistent hazards of inland navigation in congested ports like Toledo.

Keywords, Categories, Glossary Terms

Schooner, scow, coal trade, Lake Erie, Maumee Bay, collision loss, steam Conversion, wooden vessel, Great Lakes 1800s, Toledo marine history.