Oneida (Propeller), capsized, 12 Nov 1852

The ONEIDA was capsized off Erie, all hands probably lost.
      Buffalo Morning Express
      November 16, 1852 2-5



There is little doubt that the prop. ONEIDA is lost with all aboard. Her books, papers and portion of the wreck are said to have floated ashore near Erie. The ONEDIA belonged to O.A. Knight of this city, and was insured for $10,000.
      Cleveland Plain Dealer
      November 17, 1852 3-2



      We understand that the KEYSTONE STATE passed the ONEIDA, keel up, and that for 9 miles above Dunkirk, the beach is strewn with portions of the wreck and cargo, but no bodies have yet been found. The small boat with the books and papers of the ONEIDA had come ashore, also the provision box, and at Erie flour from the wreck had been found. The ONEIDA belonged to O.A. Knight of Cleveland and was insured for $10,000.

There is no longer any doubt of the loss of the prop. ONEIDA and but little hope remains that any of those on board her were saved. It is supposed says the Cleveland Herald, that there were 17 persons on board, and it is rumored that besides the crew, there were 2 passengers. We have been unable to ascertain the names of the crew, but believe the officers were W.S. Rich, Captain; Samuel Hulgate, 1st mate; Charles Williams, 2nd mate; E.B. Sherwood, Clerk; ----- Ferris, Engineer; and Henry White, steward.
      Buffalo Commercial Advertiser
      November 20, 1852 3-1



Last evening's Cleveland Plain Dealer learns from Mr. John Martin who has just returned from the scene of the wreck of the prop. ONEIDA , that all the upper light work of the vessel is strewn along the shore from 2 - 6 miles above Dunkirk. Her prominade deck, doors, windows and 2 small boats were found. The boats were marked ONEIDA. Under the stern of one of the boats, a roll of bills of lading was lashed, mostly dated in August and September. Four trunks were found. One of these Mr. Knight, the owner of the vessel recognized as being the property of the engineer. In one of them are a dozen of shirts, but the marks were illegible. Some 7 barrels of flour were such as were shipped on board of her in this city. A piece of the forward bulkwark was found with a portion of her name on.
It is supposed she was full loaded, and had on board her some 3,500 barrels of flour, 1,100 on deck and the rest in her hold. Those barrels which came ashore have been stowed in barns near by.
The number of men on board was supposed to be between 20 and 25, all of whom are no doubt lost. William Stearns Rich was the captain and Samuel Hulgate, mate. None of the bodies have been seen.
Capt. Stone of the KEYSTONE STATE, saw a vessel on Thursday night, bottom up and from the painting, he took it to be the ONEIDA.
      The ONEIDA left this port on Thursday night.
      Buffalo Daily Republic
      November 20, 1852 3-1


      A fearful calamity was the loss of the prop. ONEIDA. It has drawn the vail of sorrow over many a heart, and shrouded it in a pall of woe. A wife and family in Massachusettes mourns the loss of a beloved husband and father in William S. Rich the Captain of the vessel. A mother weighed down by years, a beloved wife and child and 2 sisters weep over the untimely death of Samuel Hulgate, the mate. He resides in Ohio City and was exteemed by all who knew him. Mr. C. Williams the second mate, left a wife and child in this city. Mr. Sherwood a clerk, leaves a wife in this city. Mr. Loss an employee of the boat, a young man of 20, leaves a widowed mother in Ohio City.
      Cleveland Plain Dealer
      November 23, 1852


      ONEIDA Propeller, capsized off Erie, cargo flour, total loss, and all hands, 19 lives.
Property loss $36,000
      Buffalo Morning Express
      Dec. 25, 1852 (casualty list)