W.K. Merrill:
The Legacy of Rum-Running on the Great Lakes
Part One
William K. Merrill and Prohibition
William K. Merrill was born in 1876 in Wilson, a small town situated on the southern shore of Lake Ontario in Western New York. He spent most of his childhood exploring the surrounding waters and developing a deep passion for fishing and boating. In 1900, he started his own fishing company, which quickly became one of the most successful in the region.
William K. Merrill at the Fish Company Dock in Wilson, NY
The W.K. Merrill Fish Co. supplied fresh fish to local restaurants, markets, and individuals. The company’s reputation for quality and freshness grew quickly, and soon it was supplying fish to cities as far away as New York City and Chicago. Merrill’s success allowed him to purchase several fishing boats and employ a team of experienced fishermen.
Merrill’s fishing boats were a common sight on Lake Ontario, and his company was known throughout the region for its reliability and quality. The W.K. Merrill Fish Co. became a mainstay of the local economy, providing employment for many people in the surrounding area.
However, Merrill’s life took a dramatic turn with the onset of Prohibition in 1920. The ban on alcohol created a lucrative opportunity for those willing to break the law and smuggle illegal alcohol into the United States. Merrill saw a chance to expand his business and take advantage of this new demand.
He transformed his fishing company into a bootlegging operation, using his fishing boats to transport illegal alcohol across Lake Ontario from Canada into the United States. Merrill’s boats were ideal for this task as they were fast, agile, and difficult to detect by law enforcement. Despite the dangers of being caught by the authorities, Merrill’s bootlegging operation proved highly profitable, and he quickly became one of the most successful bootleggers in Western New York.
Part Two
The Rise of Merrill's Operation
As the demand for illegal alcohol increased during Prohibition, Merrill’s operation grew in size and complexity. He recruited experienced sailors and fishermen to help him run the operation and built a network of contacts and suppliers throughout Canada and the United States.
The center of Merrill’s operation was O’Connell Island, which he had purchased in the early 1900s. The island provided a safe haven for his illegal activities, as it was separated from the mainland and had limited access. Merrill built a warehouse and dock on the island to store and offload illegal alcohol. He also set up a sophisticated system of lookout towers on nearby Sunset Island to spot approaching law enforcement and signal to his crew to alter their course.
Wilson Harbor | Image Source: Wilson Historical Society
Merrill’s operation was not without its challenges. The Great Lakes could be treacherous, and storms and rough waters were a constant threat to his boats. There was also the danger of raids and arrests by law enforcement, which could result in the loss of boats, alcohol, and freedom.
However, Merrill was always one step ahead of the authorities. He had connections with corrupt officials on both sides of the border, which allowed him to bribe his way out of trouble when necessary. Merrill was also innovative, constantly looking for new ways to improve his operation and stay ahead of the competition. Despite the risks, Merrill’s operation continued to thrive, bringing in significant profits and establishing his reputation as a savvy sailor.
Part Three
Run-Ins with the Law
As Merrill’s reputation grew, so did the size of his operation. He began running large shipments of illegal alcohol across Lake Ontario, using a fleet of fast boats to outmaneuver the Coast Guard and Canadian authorities. Merrill was a savvy sailor and a master of disguise, often changing the names and appearances of his boats to avoid detection.
Despite his careful planning and precautions, Merrill’s luck eventually ran out. In June of 1922, federal agents raided two of Merrill’s rum-running boats and arrested six of his associates. The raid was a major blow to Merrill’s operation, but he was able to bounce back quickly. Over the years, there were several other raids and arrests, but Merrill managed to avoid serious consequences and continued his operation. He paid fines and bribes and hired the best lawyers to keep himself and his associates out of prison.
William K. Merrill entering Wilson Harbor
One particularly notable run-in with the law occurred in 1927, when Merrill was involved in a high-speed chase with Canadian police on Lake Ontario. Merrill was transporting a load of illegal alcohol from Canada to the United States when he was spotted by police. He refused to stop and engaged in a high-speed chase. Merrill’s boat was faster and more maneuverable than the police boats, and he was eventually able to shake them off. But the chase had taken its toll on Merrill and his crew.
The incident made headlines in newspapers across the country, and Merrill became something of a folk hero to those who opposed Prohibition. He was seen as a daring and courageous figure who was standing up against an unjust law. But Merrill’s luck would eventually run out for good. In 1933, Prohibition was repealed, and the demand for illegal alcohol dried up almost overnight. Merrill returned to his legal fishing business, but it was never as profitable as his illegal operation had been.
Part Four
Merrill's Legacy
Wilson Harbor was forever changed by the presence of W.K. Merrill and his rum-running operation. Today, his legacy lives on in the memories of those who knew him and the stories that have been passed down from generation to generation.
One of the most enduring legacies of Merrill is the impact that he had on the local economy. During the Prohibition era, Wilson Harbor was a bustling hub of activity, with dozens of fishing boats, rum-running vessels, and other vessels coming and going at all hours of the day and night. The harbor was a major center of commerce, and it brought wealth and prosperity to the local community.
But Merrill’s impact on Wilson Harbor was more than just economic. He was also a larger-than-life figure who left an indelible mark on the town and its people. He was known for his quick wit, his love of practical jokes, and his unwavering dedication to his business.
Merrill was a man of many talents. In addition to his rum-running operation, he was also an accomplished fisherman and boat builder. He built several of the boats that he used in his operation, including the famous “Black Duck,” which was said to be the fastest and most maneuverable boat on the Great Lakes.
Even after Prohibition ended, Merrill remained a fixture in Wilson Harbor. He continued to fish and build boats, and he remained an active member of the community until his death in 1955. Today, his name is synonymous with Wilson Harbor and the rich history of the region.
The impact of Merrill’s operation can still be seen in Wilson Harbor today. The harbor is still a thriving center of commerce, and it remains a popular destination for boaters and anglers from around the world. The stories and legends of Merrill and his rum-running operation continue to be passed down from generation to generation, adding to the mystique and allure of this historic town.
Part 5
O’Connell Island Folklore
Today, almost a century later, O’Connell Island still retains its allure, drawing visitors from all over the world to the scenic waterways of Western New York. Many are attracted by the natural beauty of the island and the tales of W.K. Merrill’s daring escapades during the Prohibition era. But the island is more than just a recreational destination. It is a symbol of the region’s rich history and cultural heritage.
Over the years, O’Connell Island has become the subject of countless local legends and ghost stories. For some residents of Western New York, the island is a sacred place, imbued with the spirit of Merrill’s rum-running operation and the enduring strength and resilience of the local people.
Some people claim to have seen the ghost of William Merrill himself, still walking the shores of the island and watching over his beloved fishing boats. Others say that strange lights and eerie noises can be heard on the island at night, adding to its mystique and allure.
Despite the skepticism of some, these stories continue to be passed down from generation to generation, preserving the island’s rich cultural heritage and adding to its mystique and appeal. They are a reminder of the profound impact of Merrill’s operation on the local community and the lasting legacy of Prohibition in American history.
Today, O’Connell Island remains an important part of Western New York’s cultural landscape, a testament to the region’s rich history and enduring spirit. Whether you come to fish, boat, or simply take in the stunning natural beauty of the island, you can’t help but be drawn in by its rich history and vibrant cultural heritage.