WILSON, THOMAS (1892, Whaleback)

Description

Identification

Construction and Ownership

Built at:: West Superior, WI
Vessel Type:: Whaleback; Note: Hold beams, double bottoms, 2 watertight bulkheads, steam pump system, conoidal head & stern
Hull Materials:: Steel
Number of Decks:: 1
Hull Number:: 119
Builder Name:: American Steel Barge Company
Original Owner and Location:: American Steel Barge Company, Buffalo, New York
Ownership Notes:: Alex McDougall, manager

Power

Number of Masts:: 0
Engine Type:: Triple Expansion
# Cylinders:: 3
# Boilers:: 2
# Propellers:: 1
Propulsion Notes:: 20, 32 + 54 x 42" engine, 1256hp at 76rpm by Hodge Works, Detroit, Michigan (1892) 10'7" x 13' scotch boilers, 160 pounds steam by Lake Erie Boiler Works, Buffalo, New York (1892)

Hull Dimensions

Final Disposition

Final Location:: Off Duluth, Minnesota. Lake Superior
Date:: 7 Jun 1902
Notes:: Rammed & sunk by steamer GEORGE G. HADLEY; 9 of 20 lives lost 1902 Salvage efforts unsuccessful 1939 Second salvage attempts unsuccessful

History

Chronology:

1892, April 4 Enrolled Marquette, Michigan; 19th whaleback & largest

at that time

1892, April 30 Launched; wheat & coal carrier, Duluth, Minnesota to

Buffalo, New York

1892, July 11 New propeller following grounding

1892, August Largest cargo 2,646 tons iron ore

1893, May 11 Downbound with whaleback barge NO.101 in tow, she

collided with whaleback barge NO.115 in tow of COLGATE

near Two Harbors

1896, October Aground opposite Star Line dock