Identification & Site Information

  • Vessel Type: Wooden Schooner
  • Built: 1873 (exact yard not recorded)
  • Official No.: Not found in primary sources
  • Dimensions / Tonnage: Unspecified in the immediate record
  • Cargo: Coal
  • Final Voyage & Loss: Departed under tow of the propeller New York, encountered a gale amid storm and fog conditions. On November 3, 1874, the tow parted and Thomas M. Ryan was driven ashore and lost. No crew fatalities are documented. No survivors or lifeboats reported. (Wikipedia, Great Lakes Shipwreck Files, Great Lakes Shipwreck Files)

Vessel Characteristics

  • Likely a two-masted coastal Schooner typical of the era, constructed predominantly of wood, rigged for coastal bulk cargo transport.
  • Equipped for towing operations, which suggests reinforced towing points and a relatively robust Hull for coastal service.

History & Final Voyage

  • Entered service in 1873, presumably carrying bulk commodities such as coal, essential for powering industrial and rail operations along the Upper Midwest.
  • On the ill-fated voyage of November 3, 1874, she was under tow by the propeller New York. Conditions included storm and fog. The tow line broke during a gale and the Schooner washed ashore. No detailed declarations of casualties or cargo losses survive. (Great Lakes Shipwreck Files)

Final Disposition

  • Described as “lost” — meaning likely unsalvageable upright wreck alongshore.
  • No records of salvage, survey, or formal inquiry found.
  • Cargo of coal presumably lost with the vessel; no reported insurance claims or Notices to Mariners discovered.

Research Gaps & Next Steps

  • Design & Registry Data: Need to consult enrollment logs (e.g., U.S. Enrollment Database or HCGL casualty lists) for builder, dimensions, and official number.
  • Propeller New York Identification: Confirm vessel identity and tow arrangements via inquiries into towing company records or Steamship registrations.
  • Local Press Accounts: Newspapers from late 1874 in ports like Chicago, Milwaukee, Grand Haven, or Michigan City may hold accident reports or crew statements.
  • Marine Insurance / Legal Proceedings: Search Chicago/Milwaukee marine underwriter records for claims.
  • NOAA/Notices to Mariners: Review archival bulletins for hazard reporting that may mention grounded wreck.

Data Sources

Conclusion

Although modest in size and scope, Thomas M. Ryan exemplifies the hidden risks of towed operations during Great Lakes autumn storms. The wreck appears uncharted, with little trace beyond its final grounding. For technical divers or maritime archaeologists, the site may be near shore—potentially shallow and accessible. However, without precise grounding coordinates, survey and archival research are needed.

Recommended Actions

  • Port Enrollment Lists: Investigate Chicago or Manitowoc enrollment ledgers for 1873 vessels.
  • Local Newspapers: Milwaukee Journal, Chicago Tribune (Nov 1874), maritime sections for tow‑boat incidents.
  • Archival Maps / Marine Charts (1874): To estimate possible grounding sites given tow route and gale direction.
  • Dive Site Reconnaissance: Once approximate location is narrowed, perform shallow‑water reconnaissance or side‑scan survey.