Lost Morristown Schooner, F.J. King, Found After 139 Years in Lake Michigan
After 139 years, the "ghost ship" F.J. King, a three-master schooner that disappeared in September 1886, has been discovered in Lake Michigan. The ship, which had become a local legend, was found on June 28 by the Wisconsin Underwater Archeology Association (WUAA), led by Brendon Baillod. The discovery marks the end of a long search for one of the most sought-after lost ships on the Great Lakes.
The F.J. King's Final Voyage
Built in 1867, the F.J. King primarily transported grain through the Welland Canal, connecting Lake Ontario and Lake Erie, to Buffalo and Oswego, before heading to the East Coast. In September 1886, under the command of Captain William Griffin, the ship picked up a load of iron ore in Escanaba, Michigan, bound for Chicago. This heavy cargo proved to be its downfall.
The Sinking of the F.J. King
Off the Door Peninsula in eastern Wisconsin, the F.J. King encountered a severe gale. High seas caused the ship's seams to open, and despite the crew's efforts, the ship began to sink. Captain Griffin ordered the crew to abandon ship at 2 a.m. on September 15, 1886. The crew watched as the iron ore cargo rushed forward, causing the ship to plunge bow-first to the bottom, violently ending its journey.
"They watched as the ship plunged for the bottom. The iron ore cargo rushed forward, and slammed into the bow. Air rushed backward and blew the stern deckhouse 50 feet into the air. The captain's papers went flying. It was a violent end for the vessel." - Brendon Baillod
The crew was rescued by the schooner La Petite and taken to Baileys Harbor. The loss of the F.J. King, valued at $9,000, was reported in the Watertown Daily Times on September 23, 1886.
The Discovery Mission
Despite numerous search efforts over the years, the F.J. King remained elusive. Brendon Baillod and the WUAA used original documents and insights from previous searchers to narrow down the search area. A report from the Cana Island Lighthouse keeper, who saw masts breaking the surface nearer to shore, provided a crucial clue. The WUAA focused their search on a two-square-mile grid and, during an educational voyage on June 28, the ROV located the wreck. Iron ore was visible around the site, confirming the ship's identity.
Preserving History
The wreck lies in 120-to-140 feet of water, classified as a technical dive. The WUAA is working with Wisconsin officials to document the wreck through 3D photogrammetry. They plan to nominate the site to the National Register of Historic Places and, upon listing, will release the location for divers to explore while ensuring its historical significance is respected.
The Fate of Captain Griffin
Captain Griffin was not blamed for the loss of the F.J. King, as such incidents were common at the time. He continued sailing and died in Chicago in November 1893, after falling on another vessel. He is buried in West Potsdam Cemetery with his wife, Sabrina.
