• Built: 1842, by Samuel Farnum (or Farmin), Milwaukee, Wisconsin
• Type: Two-masted wooden Schooner; plain stem
• Dimensions: 65 × 18.9 × 6.1 ft; approx. 65 GT
• Master at Loss: Capt. W. P. Denton (likely out of Chicago)
• Final Voyage & Date of Loss: May 22, 1851
• Loss Location: Off Racine, Wisconsin (sometimes misattributed to near Grand Haven, MI) on Lake Michigan (baillod.com, Great Lakes Shipwreck Files)
• Loss Category: Listed simply as “lost”—Foundered or overwhelmed at sea; sank well offshore (baillod.com, rlamps.org)
• Crew Fatalities: 9 total, including Capt. Denton (baillod.com)
• Cargo: Unspecified; vessel likely in coastal trade

Incident Summary

On May 22, 1851, during a mid-lake passage, the Sylvanus Marvin encountered severe weather and Foundered well offshore of Racine. All nine crew members, including Captain Denton, were lost at sea. Sylvester Marvin was likely overriding plank seams in rough conditions, capsizing or sinking before any rescue could be attempted (baillod.com).

Remarks & Historical Context

• The Schooner was small but robust, typical of early 1840s Great Lakes freight vessels—primarily used for coastwise cargo delivery.
• Sparse details and absence of wreckage suggest she sank in deep water soon after the distress event.
• The existence of multiple name variants and conflicting wreck locations indicates confusion among early maritime record-keepers (rlamps.org, Great Lakes Shipwreck Files).

Research Gaps & Recommendations

Summary

The Sylvanus Marvin disappeared offshore in a violent May 1851 storm, leading to the tragic drowning of all aboard. The details remain scant, but this loss reflects the inherent risk of small schooners navigating Lake Michigan—with minimal safety gear and no power—during sudden seasonal storms.