Vessel Identification & Profile

  • Name: Whittlesea
  • Official Number: 26840
  • Year Built: 1856
  • Builder: John Miner
  • Build Location: Detroit, Michigan
  • Vessel Type: Scow Schooner
  • Hull Material: Wood
  • Decks: 1
  • Masts: 2
  • Original Owner: John Miner, Detroit, MI

Dimensions

  • Length: 91 ft
  • Beam: 27.4 ft
  • Depth: 7.6 ft
  • Tonnage (Old Style): 109 tons

Operational History

  • 1856: Enrolled at Detroit, initially rated at 115 tons
  • 1858, Aug: Stranded in gale near Burchville, Lake Huron
  • 1863: Owned by J. B. Chapin, Detroit; enrolled in Cleveland District
  • 1864: Enrollment transferred to Sandusky District
  • 1865: Reenrolled at Detroit, surrendered Sandusky enrollment
  • 1866: Rebuilt and enlarged at Port Huron, MI
  • 1866, Oct 17: Reenrolled Port Huron under ownership of Manville Hyde and John L. Woods, Lexington, MI
  • 1868: Recorded at 107.5 gross tons; based in Port Huron

Final Disposition

  • Date of Loss: 1873
  • Cause: Abandoned
  • Location: Cleveland, Ohio, Lake Erie
  • Condition: Presumed dismantled or scuttled
  • Casualties: None reported

Historical Significance
The Whittlesea was a typical mid-19th century scow Schooner involved in bulk cargo and regional trade across Lake Erie and Lake Huron. After multiple ownership and registry changes, it was Rebuilt in 1866 and operated out of Port Huron before being formally Abandoned in 1873. Like many such vessels, its service life ended quietly as newer, more efficient designs replaced early wooden schooners.

Sources & Documentation

Keywords and Categories