Ontario (Barge), adrift in ice, 29 Nov 1871

      A heavy northwest gale passed over the head of Lake Erie yesterday, causing serious disasters to the shipping. Tug TORRENT with schr. J.W. SARGENT and five barges, all coal laden from Cleveland, struck ice at the islands. Two of the barges sunk. The others and the schooner were abandoned.
      Buffalo Commercial Advertiser
      November 30, 1872 3-5

      . . . . .

      About the close of the season a tow of barges, including aslo the schr. J.W. SARGENT, all laden with coal for Detroit, on arriving at Middle Bass Island became so firmly surrounded by ice as to prevent any further progress on the voyage. The names of the barges were the MORNING STAR, RITCHIE, ONTARIO, JOHN F. WARREN and the OTTAWA. The latter craft sunk and became a total loss soon after reaching the above place. The RITCHIE at the same time also stranded and became a total loss. The ONTARIO drifted out into the lake and was not seen afterward. The MORNING STAR, WARREN and schr. SARGENT were well anchored and under as good protection under the island as could be secured under the circumstances. Within the past few days it is supposed they have parted their cables, and have also been sunk by the ice and totally lost. , with their cargo save the SARGENT, which has been discovered adrift in the lake from various points on the north shore, and was last seen somewhere off Rondeau on or about the 15th instant. Capt. Sims her late master has left on a visit to the coast, and will use every possible endeavor to rescue the lost vessel. - Detroit Post.
      Buffalo Commercial Advertiser
      December 21, 1872 3-7

      . . . . .

      The schr. J.W. SARGENT and barge ONTARIO are still among the missing, and have not been seen by either of the other vessels that wintered in the ice at the head of the lake. Their owners have well nigh abandoned all hope of their recovery.
      Buffalo Commercial Advertiser
      April 14, 1873 3-5

      . . . . .

      The owner of the lost barges MORNING STAR, OTTAWA, ONTARIO and J.W. SARGENT have been making a diligent search for the past two weeks near the Islands, but thus far it has been fruitless, and further efforts have been abandoned.
      Port Huron Daily Times
      Wednesday, May 7, 1873