In recognition of Memorial Day, we present a two part story of the wreck of the ship, Atlantic, in 1873, where over five hundred people died. One of our Defiance County residents was a witness to it all and shared his tale with the newspaper about twenty years after the ship went down.
From the Defiance Democrat - December 6, 1894
"A THRILLING EXPERIENCE
Jacob Funk Tells a Horrible Story of a Ship Wreck.
Lashed to a Mast Fifteen Hours in Frozen Garments.
The Fatal Day in 1873, when the White Star Liner, 'Atlantic," was Dashed to Pieces on the Rocks.
Jacob Funk, who resides in South Richland township, this county, has had an experience in his life which for hardship and privation is hardly without a parallel in the annals of history.
Mr. Funk was a caller at this office last evening, and told the thrilling story of how 573 persons met death on the ill fated White Star Line steamer Atlantic the night of March 31st and April 1st, 1873.
He is now nearly 40 years old, but distinctly remembers the incidents that time can never efface from his memory.
March 20, 1873, he took passage on the Atlantic at Liverpool for America. At that time he was about 20 years old and left his birth place, Germany, to link his fate and fortune with the people of the United States. His father's estate had recently been settled, and young Funk, when he had exchanged his German money for American gold, had $500 with which to begin life.
With this in his possession, the future looked bright and it was with a light heart indeed that he bade farewell to the old world to seek prosperity across the water.
The Atlantic was a new, staunch steamer, and had not made many trips across the ocean. She was commanded by Captain Williams, a veteran in the service of the White Star Line Company, a seaman to be trusted with a new boat and the keeping of her hundreds of passengers.
The human freight of the big ocean liner consisted of 900 souls. There were 370 Germans in the steerage. The voyage was an uneventful one. The weather was all that could be desired, and the ship made rapid progress and the crew and passengers were happy.
The evening of March 31st, there was a dance on board and the hours were beguiled away in the mazes of the dance while shouts and merry laughter rang out over the water. While the revelry was at its height, one of the mates looked at the compass and saw the ship was out of its course. The ship was in command of the first mate, the captain being below. The mate who made the discovery immediately informed his superior officer that the boat was not being held to the course and chart, being too far north.
The officer in command ordered his subordinate below and somewhat angrily informed him he knew his business and would not be dictated to. Mr. Funk says he has since heard that the officer in command had been imbibing too much of the ship's grog and was not competent to have command of the ship.
About midnight, Mr. Funk was rudely awakened by being unceremoniously pitched out of his berth. When he struck the floor of the ship, he immediately divined something unusual had happened, and it had. Soon he heard the screams of the frightened and thoroughly terrorized passengers. Jacob was clad only in his drawers and undershirt, but he hastily climbed on the deck.
The ship had been steered out of her course and had struck a rock and was being dashed to pieces. The crew immediately tried to man the pumps, but before they could get them to work, they discovered it was useless to attempt it, as the vessel was doomed. In less than five minutes, the stern of the vessel began to sink. The waves were running high and the sounds of the breakers beating against the rocks could be distinctly heard.
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| A lithograph by Currier and Ives showing passengers hanging onto rigging to get to a rock 40 yards away. |
The crew made an effort to lower the lifeboats when the vessel careened on its side and one of the boats was submerged. The other one was loosened from its davits and when a portion of the crew attempted to launch it, a wave swept the deck and the sailors and the boat, the only haven of safety remaining, was swept into the seething, hissing waves, and were lost to view.
Mr. Funk hastily grabbed a piece of rope and following the example of others, took to the rigging of the ship. He secured a position on a cross head and firmly lashed himself to the spar. Nearly all of the women and children stayed on deck a few moments and were then washed off by the waves. Funk says the scene at this time was horrible and haunted him for many years.
On every conceivable portion of the ship above water were to be seen men clinging for safety. All of them were in their night clothing. It was bitter cold and rain and sleet was falling, which froze as soon as it touched their clothing. The portion of the deck that was not under water was constantly being swept by the waves and the benumbed creatures were in momentary peril of being swept into the sea. The mast he had sought refuge on, owing to the careening of the vessel, was but a few feet above the water and occasionally the salt spray would saturate his clothing.
The boat struck the rock about a half mile from shore, fifty miles from Halifax. Halfway to the shore, a large rock reared its summit above the water. Captain Williams tried to comfort his companions by cheering words, but all felt they must perish, soon. One of the sailors suggested that if a line could be got to the rock, they might yet be rescued. It would be necessary for someone to swim to that rock. The captain called for volunteers. No one responded.
Finally a mate named Brady, a hardy, robust fellow, announced his willingness to make the attempt, which meant almost certain death. He fastened a light line around his body, bid his companions good-bye and plunged into the sea. Those on the ship witnessed his battle with the waves with interest. Their lives depended upon his success or failure.
After being in the water nearly a half hour, in the fast approaching daylight, they could dimly discern him scrambling to the summit of the rock. A cheer arose from the ship. They saw him no more for several minutes, and hope again died in their breasts. Had he succeeded only to perish when his efforts were crowned with success?
Presently, there came a shout and a tug at the rope. Instantly a stronger line was fastened to the slender cords upon which hinged hundreds of lives. This rope was hauled to the rock. Then one sailor grasped the rope and hand over hand proceeded to the rock. Two more then followed, and in the same manner, twelve sailors gained the rock.
The captain sternly commanded all to remain quiet until he gave them permission. He said it was not his purpose to save the remaining members of the crew first, but he wished experienced men to handle the rope at the shore end, as he doubted whether it could be safely fastened.
To be continued...
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