Newsboy (Built 1862 – Wrecked November 17, 1891)

Identification & Site Information

  • Name: Newsboy (also spelled News-boy)
  • Vessel Type: Wooden three-masted Schooner (built as a Barkentine, later rigged as a Schooner)
  • Year Built: 1862 at Saginaw, Michigan by Stephen R. Kirby (wisconsinshipwrecks.org)
  • Cargo at Loss: Approximately 54,000 bushels of corn
  • Date of Loss: November 17, 1891
  • Location: Driven ashore on South Fisherman’s Shoal, Lake Michigan, by a northwest gale (greatlakesrex.wordpress.com)
  • Casualties: None reported
  • Disposition: Broke up within approximately two hours of grounding; crew rescued along with two lifesavers after stranded ashore (greatlakesrex.wordpress.com)

Vessel Type Description

Originally built as a Barkentine but later re-rigged to a three-masted Schooner, the Newsboy was suited for long-haul bulk cargoes such as grain and corn. Her stout wooden Hull made her a reliable workhorse on the Great Lakes. (wisconsinshipwrecks.org)

History

Constructed in 1862, the Newsboy was involved in multiple incidents over her career:

By 1891, ownership had passed to Tremble & Patterson of Chicago, and she was captained by William Patterson. That November, while carrying a large cargo of corn, she was caught in a northwest gale. The storm drove her ashore onto South Fisherman’s Shoal. Crew remained aboard until rescued by the Tug Monarch on November 19. Two local lifesavers also became stranded during rescue efforts. The Newsboy broke apart within two hours of grounding. (greatlakesrex.wordpress.com)

Final Disposition

The Newsboy was declared a Total Loss—her Hull quickly disintegrated from storm and wave action. Salvageable cargo and fittings were removed during and after the wreck event.

Located By & Date Found

Wreck was witnessed as it happened, with parts and gear removed by local crews. No underwater coordinates exist; site likely fully broken down and unrecognizable today.

NOTMARs & Advisories

No modern navigational advisories reference this wreck.

Resources & Links