Built 1867 – Wrecked November 1, 1871

Identification & Official Outcome

  • Type: Wooden Schooner (exact dimensions not recorded)
  • Built: 1867
  • Homeport: Lakeport, Michigan
  • Registry Surrendered: December 31, 1878, at Port Huron annotated “Total Loss – 11-1-71.”
  • Loss Date: November 1, 1871
  • Cause of Loss: Recorded as “unreported” in the file, but vessel documentation indicates a total-loss event occurred on that date.

Likely Cause: Waterfront Fire

Swayze’s file suggests the Schooner caught fire while docked at Lakeport. She was then cut loose and allowed to drift into deeper water, where she eventually burned out and sank.

  • Master: Capt. King
  • Owner: J. B. Scott of Detroit
  • Incident Narrative: The Schooner was intentionally pushed away from the pier after fire broke out—owner and captain took the precaution of clearing the burning vessel into the open water
  • Reported Fatalities: None

Wreck & Registry Disposition

  • The burned Hull was Abandoned and later sank
  • The registry was surrendered seven years later at Port Huron, likely upon confirmation that she remained irretrievable in her burned, sunken state

Data & Verification Links

Sanctuary / Preserve Status

  • Not located within a designated NOAA marine sanctuary; her wreck site likely lies in Lake Huron’s nearshore zone, typical of small 19th-century schooners

Newspaper Search Strategy

Since detailed archival newspaper content isn’t accessible directly here, use these targeted queries in Newspapers.com or local archives:

Suggested local newspapers to review:

  • Detroit Free Press – early November 1871
  • Port Huron Times – late 1871 maritime notices
  • Lakeport (or St. Clair County) weekly gazette

These sources often reported dockside vessel fires and might describe firefighting efforts, scuttling tactics, or damage estimates.

Summary & Next Steps

Though officially listed as “unreported,” the Mary Miller’s demise was very likely from a dockside fire that consumed her while moored at Lakeport. The registry surrender in Port Huron confirms she was a Total Loss.

Proposed Actions:

  • Conduct a search in local newspapers, particularly from November 1871, for eyewitness or rescue details
  • Explore Port Huron registry and insurance records for related filing on the fire
  • Map potential wreck location in Lake Huron’s nearshore waters for future heritage interest