Helfenstein (Brig), U11144, 21 Jun 1874

The brig HELFENSTEIN, built at Milwaukee in 1847, has terminated her career under that rig and has followed the career of numberless other old craft to which all (if not previously wrecked) have to come to. SHe has been one of the most remarkable vessels ever on the lakes, not only for her longevity, but from her numerous narrow escapes from total loss. She is charged in the records during her career of upward of 40 disasters, and has been commanded by nearly double that number of skippers. Of her misfortunes the first took place July 4th, 1852, on Lake Michigan, where she became disabled, lost both anchors, struck the beach at Milwaukee, got off a few hours after and run for Chicago, got inside and sunk, involving a loss of $3,600. The same year in October she rode down a pier on Lake Michigan and was damaged. In 1856 she threw over part of a deck load of slate on Lake Michigan, lost her foreyard and collided with the prop. OMAR PASHA going into Chicago. In November, 1856, she got ashore at Grand River, Ontario. In 1858 lost a man overboard on Lake Michigan, and her mate overboard in October 1860. Ashore at Harrisville, Lake Huron, in August 1866. Sunk with a cargo of ore at Marquette in June 1871, and during her time has been twice abandoned. But very few of those who have commanded her are now living.
      Detroit Free Press
      June 21, 1874


      Schooner HELFENSTEIN. U. S. No. 11144. Of 281.40 tons. Home port, Buffalo, N.Y.
      Merchant Vessel List, U. S., 1869