Posted by M. Saleh on September 02, 1999 at 17:47:06:
In Reply to: Lady Elgin Wreck posted by Ron Falconberry on July 28, 1999 at 22:18:27:
: I am working on a speech to give to my Toastmaster's club about a person involved in the 1860 wreck of the Lady Elgin. His name was Edward Spencer and he reportedly rescued 17 people from drowning.
: I am interested in getting historical information on the wreck, such as the name of the ship that ran into it, possibly the name of the captain and any well-known individuals that may have been on board. Additionally, where did the Lady Elgin come from and where was it going?
: Is there a web site or another way of getting a good historical breakdown of the wreck or of Edward Spencer?
: Any information you could give me would be appreciated!
: Thank you;
I was glad to give you the information that you needed about Edward Spenser, ande I hope that you found it to be satisfactory and well detailed. As we approach the 139th anniversary of the Lady Elgin disaster on Sept. 8, 1999, I would like to give you further information about Captain Jack Wilson, Commander of the Lady Elgin, who unselfishly gave his life in his attempt to rescue the many passengers of the ill-fated voyage, Captain Jack Wilson was one of the most highly respected, well loved, and best qualified and experienced ship captains on the Great Lakes. He was born at Ogdensburg, New York in 1822 and worked his first job as a cabin boy on the schooner ship Boston at Sackett's Harbor, New York when he was 16 years old. He took command of his first schooner, John E. Hunt, at the age of 18 in 1840, and continued his wonderful career as a ship captain of steamships Cleveland, Schooners George Davis and Excelcior, brig Sirer, propellor ships Montezuma, Lady of the Lake, Monticello, SteamersBaltimore, Empire State, Southern Michigan, Illinois, propeller North American and lastly, the Lady Elgin. Captain Jack Wilson was cited for his bravery by the citizens of the Great Lakes areas. Early in his illustrious career, Captain Jack Wilsonsucessfully was able to move his ship Algonquin through the frozen Lake Superior, he saved his all his passengers when the North America burned, and he was supremely honored in 1851 when he saved all his passengers when the Monticello sank after it collided with the propellor Manhattan on Lake Superior. His greatful passengers awarde4d Captain wilson with two Lake Superior silver trophy cups as an award for his unselfish heroism.Captain Wilson was also recognized for his efforts to be the first ship captain to open the Locks of the Sault Ste. Marie Locks and Canal with the steamer Illinois in 1855, shortly after his 33 birthday. Captain Wilson was now regareded to have a welll-deserved "celebrity" reputation for his mature manliness in which he exerted spectacular maturity, faith, confidence, and with loving generosity of his heart, was seeminly able to serve as the perfect example of a survivor who firmly desired that all his passenger be survivors with him. Captain Jack Wilson, up until the Lady Elgin disaster was so well trusted and loved by his crew members, passengers, friends and family that he coul not possibly go wrong about any reason at any time. Captain Wilson, at the time of the Disaster, however, was not without some problems of his own. Though he lived at the famous hotel Richmond House in Chicago, on a temorary basis , he was supportin a wife and three children at his fruit farm in Coldwater, Michigan. His youngest daughter was permanently crippled and he owed about 1200 dollars on his farm which he had some problems to pay off along with his little girl's doctor bills. I Must take leave of our friend Captain Wilson and the Lady Elgin for now. I'll return with more information about Captian Wilson. My Resources of the material are "True Tales of the Great
Lakes. Dwight Boyer. 1971. Dodd, Mead+ Co., New York 1971. pp. 177-280. "A Question of Lights, Birthdays and a Farm". "The Lady Elgin Is Down". Pete Caesar. 1981. Great Lakes Marine Reasearch. Green Bay, WI. Grandhaven, MI.