Identification & Site Information

  • Name: PEERLESS
  • Year Built: 1853
  • Construction Location: Bronte, Ontario (Toronto)
  • Vessel Type: Schooner
  • Hull Material: Wood
  • Number of Decks: 1
  • Builder: Melancthon Simpson
  • Original Owners: Thomas C. Chisholm, Benjamin Higaman, and John Belyea
  • Number of Masts: 2
  • Dimensions: Length: 105.5 feet (32.2 meters) Beam: 22.1 feet (6.7 meters) Depth: 9.3 feet (2.8 meters)
  • Tonnage (Old Style): 262 tons
  • Final Location: 12 miles (19.3 kilometers) south of St. Peter, Lake Ontario (Point Petre)
  • Date Lost: September 26, 1883
  • Final Cargo: Iron ore

Vessel Type

The PEERLESS was a two-masted wooden Schooner, a common type of sailing vessel on the Great Lakes during the 19th century. Schooners were favored for their versatility and ability to navigate the varying conditions of the lakes.

Description

Constructed in 1853 at Bronte, Ontario, by shipbuilder Melancthon Simpson, the PEERLESS measured 105.5 feet (32.2 meters) in length, 22.1 feet (6.7 meters) in beam, and 9.3 feet (2.8 meters) in depth, with a tonnage of 262 tons. The vessel featured a single Deck and was rigged with two masts, characteristic of schooners of that era. Initially owned by Thomas C. Chisholm, Benjamin Higaman, and John Belyea, the PEERLESS underwent several ownership changes throughout its service life.

History

The PEERLESS had a notable operational history on the Great Lakes, marked by several incidents and ownership transitions:

  • November 21, 1855: The Schooner sustained damage during a gale on Lake Erie near Rondeau while en route from Kingston to Chatham with a cargo of stone.
  • November 24, 1857: The vessel ran aground at Presque Isle on Lake Ontario.
  • 1860: Ownership transferred to Bergen & Company of Bronte, Ontario.
  • October 10, 1862: The PEERLESS was acquired by Frank Jackman and Robert Cook of Toronto, Ontario.
  • November 10, 1863: John Proctor of Hamilton, Ontario, became the owner.
  • 1864: Robert Owens of Bronte, Ontario, took ownership.
  • 1866: The vessel underwent rebuilding at St. Catharines, Ontario, by shipbuilder Lewis Shickluna, resulting in new dimensions of 107 feet (32.6 meters) in length, 24 feet (7.3 meters) in beam, and 11.2 feet (3.4 meters) in depth, with a Gross Tonnage of 222 tons. During this year, it was briefly recorded under the name Q.D. ROBERTS.
  • June 10, 1866: Hugo B. and Edward B. Rathbun of Mill Point assumed ownership
  • 1871: Owen Roberts of Hamilton, Ontario, became the owner.
  • 1874: The Schooner underwent repairs.
  • June 1875: Mary Savage of Wellington, Ontario, acquired the vessel.
  • October 1875: The PEERLESS ran ashore at Nine Mile Point on Lake Ontario, resulting in the loss of all but one crew member.
  • 1877: The vessel was repaired following the 1875 incident.
  • 1878: Ownership returned to H.B. and E.W. Rathbun, with the vessel registered in Oakville.
  • 1879: James Savage of Hamilton, Ontario, became the owner.

Throughout its service, the PEERLESS primarily transported bulk cargoes across the Great Lakes, navigating the challenges posed by the region’s unpredictable weather and navigational hazards.

Final Disposition

On September 26, 1883, while transporting a cargo of iron ore from Belleville, Ontario, to Cleveland, Ohio, the PEERLESS encountered a severe gale on Lake Ontario. The storm proved overwhelming, and the Schooner sank approximately 12 miles (19.3 kilometers) south of St. Peter. This tragic event marked the end of the vessel’s three-decade-long service on the Great Lakes

Located By & Date Found

As of the current available information, there are no records indicating that the wreck of the PEERLESS has been located or identified.

Notices to Mariners & Advisories

There are no specific notices or advisories related to the wreck site of the PEERLESS.

Resources & Links

Conclusion

The PEERLESS serves as a testament to the robust maritime activity on the Great Lakes during the 19th century. Despite facing