V. H. Ketchum (Propeller), U25908., 21 Apr 1874

The mammoth prop. V.H. KETCHUM was launched from Lester's yard at Marine City on Thursday. She is named after a citizen of Toledo and owned by the Toledo & Saginaw Transportation Co. Her dimensions are: Length over all, 260 ft.; on keel 235 ft., breadth of beam, 41 ft.; depth of hold 24 ft.. She is a three-decker, and the first of that class built on the lakes. It is estimated that she will carry 70,000 bu. wheat, or 2,100 tons. She will be driven by 2 low pressure engines working on the same shaft; cylinders, each 36 inch bore and 32 inch stroke. The boiler is 10 ft. 6 inches in diameter and 21 ft. long. The KETCHUM will be towed to Detroit shortly, to be completed.
      Buffalo Commercial Advertiser
      April 21, 1874 3-5

The stm. KETCHUM built on the river St. Clair and taken to Detroit for completion is nearly ready. She will be one of the largest vessels on the lakes, and has been well got up, both in machinery and hull, besides having all the improvements of the day, with excellently arranged cabins.
      Buffalo Commercial Advertiser
      June 25, 1874 3-5

The new stm. V.H. KETCHUM, besides being the largest vessel on the lakes is the first 3-decker floating on inland waters. Her dimensions (as given by the Detroit Post) are: Length on deck 257 ft.; length of keel 232 ft.; beam 40 ft.; hold 24 ft.; measurement, 1,661 tons. She has been put together in a very staunch manner, her sides being strengthened by a series of arches and she has a center arch connecting her keelsons with the main deck by truss work. The machinery of the KETCHUM consists of 2 direct acting condensing engines 36 x 32 inches on one shaft. Her boiler is a 10 1/2 ft. shell and 21 ft. long. It is believed that she will carry about 70,000 bu. grain. She will be commanded by John McNeal.
      Buffalo Commercial Advertiser
      July 6, 1874 3-6

Mr. David Leste, who built the mammoth stm. V.H. KETCHUM, and John McNeal, her captain, are highly pleased with the behavior of their boat.
      Buffalo Commercial Advertiser
      July 10, 1874 3-4

The London Engineer of a recent date has three full-pafe illustration of the hull, machinery, etc. of the American lake propeller V.H. KETCHAM, owned by the Toledo & Saginaw City Tranportation Co. The Engineer takes her a a type of modern shipbuilding, and goes on at some length to show her capacity, strength, power of engine, dimensions, etc.
      Buffalo Commercial Advertiser
      August 30, 1875 3-5