Smith & Post (Schooner), U23527, overboard, 10 Aug 1878

FELL FROM THE MASTHEAD. - The Oswego schooner SMITH & POST, Capt. Henderson arrived up yesterday with a load of coal, and now lies at Hurley's dock. Capt. Henderson reports a sad affair as occurring on the vessel on Saturday, August 10, when she was about 10 miles off North Devil's Nose. It is the first serious occurrance that has ever happened to him, and he feels peculiarly sad on that account, as well as at the untimely end of one of his men. On the day in question, at about 4 o'clock in the afternoon, it became necessary to shift the gaff topsail sheet, and one of the sailors, Lyman A. Bonsteel, went aloft to do it. He had been above but a moment when he called to the mate on deck for a new clewing block. The mate was looking for one, when suddenly he heard a dull thud and a splash in the water on the port side. He ran to the rail on that side, and arrived just in time to see a large circle of blood, but nothing more. Boats were immediately lowered and everything done to find the missing man, but without avail. At the time the wind was blowing light from the west. Bonsteel struck on the rail at the foot of the foremast shrouds, and marks are plainly visible, where he struck. The deceased was about 45 years of age, and has a wife and several children living in New Haven, Oswego County, N.Y. He has been a master and mate for several years. There is an insurance on his life, but how much Capt. Henderson does not know.
      Detroit Post & Tribune
      Monday, August 19, 1878


Schooner SMITH & POST. U. S. No. 23527. Of 212 tons gross; 201 tons net. Built At Oakville, Ont., by Potter in 1866. Home port, Cleveland, Ohio. 117.0 x 25.0 x 11.0 Owned by Jos. Doville
      Great Lakes Register, 1900