Vessel Identification & Profile

Dimensions

  • Length: 101 ft 2 in
  • Beam: 22 ft 2 in
  • Depth: 8 ft 9 in
  • Tonnage (Old Style): 178.93 tons

Operational History & Incidents

  • 1847, Sep 1: Enrolled at Cleveland, OH; construction cost $7,520
  • 1848: Operated Cleveland to Buffalo with grain
  • 1848, Aug 31: Ashore near Grand River with 330 barrels of salt; waterlogged
  • 1850, Apr 11: Owned by R.T. Lyon, Cleveland
  • 1850, Nov 29: Ashore on rocks with Railroad Iron; released by Belle
  • 1854, Aug 15: Drove against Breakwater with staves near Buffalo, NY
  • 1854, Nov 16: Secured at Buffalo after losing spars and rigging in storm near Kelley’s Island; en route to Detroit with coal

Final Disposition

  • Date of Loss: September 22, 1859
  • Cause: Ashore in gale, pounded to pieces
  • Location: Fairport, Ohio, Lake Erie
  • Casualties: Not recorded
  • Cargo at Loss: Not specified

Historical Significance
The William (1847) was a standard Great Lakes Schooner, active in early bulk cargo trade. Her frequent incidents reflect the perils of Lake Erie navigation in the mid-19th century, especially near harbor approaches and in seasonal gales. She was ultimately wrecked near Fairport, Ohio, consistent with loss patterns of similar vessels.

Source References

Keywords and Categories

  • Region: Lake Erie, Fairport, OH
  • Vessel Type: Schooner
  • Cause of Loss: Gale, wrecked ashore
  • Material: Wood
  • Period: 1847–1859
  • Final Status: Total Loss
  • Cargoes Carried: Grain, salt, Railroad Iron, coal, staves