Steamer ALBANY, wrecked near Presqu'Isle, Lake Huron, cargo of provisions and supplies. Property loss $32,000
Buffalo Express
January 2, 1854 (1853 casualty list)
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The steamer ALBANY, Capt. Jones, was wrecked near Presque Isle, thirty miles from Thunder Bay, Saturday last. She went ashore about midnight, striking a reef, falling off soon filled and sunk. Passenger all landed safely next day. Boat and cargo probably a total loss. Owned by McKnight, of Detroit; also owner of the propeller INDEPENDENCE recently lost on Lake Superior. Insurance ran out only a few days ago.
Buffalo Daily Republic
Thursday, December 1, 1853
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Telegraphic News, Detroit, Nov. 30. -- The steamer ALBANY, Capt. Jones, was wrecked Saturday evening near Presque Isle, thirty miles from Thunder Bay. She went on shore about midnight, striking a reef and then falling off nearer the shore, where she soon filled and settled. The passengers had a horrible night, but through the exertions of Captains Jones and Spauldings aided by a noble crew, all were safely landed before dark next day.
The boat is probably a total wreck. The insurance ran out a day or two before the accident. Mr. Caugham of Cleveland, who was blown up on the INDEPENDENCE, arrived here safely today.
Cleveland Daily Forest City Democrat
Thursday, December 1, 1853
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Steamer ALBANY, Capt. Jones, owned by McKnight of Detroit, wrecked Saturday near Presqu'Isle, Lake Huron, boat and cargo likely a total loss.
Toronto Globe
December 3, 1853
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The attempt to raise the stm. ALBANY has been given up. The gale of the night of Thursday week had the effect of making holes of such magnitude in her bottom that it was impossible to pump her out.
Detroit Free Press
December 11, 1853
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We learn from the officers of the steamer MICHIGAN that Col. McKnight has abandoned the steamer ALBANY sunk in Lake Huron. The propeller GLOBE with a large force of men and a steam pump and other machinery for raising the ALBANY had spent several days at the wreck. The steam pump and some nine hand pumps were kept working for several hours, but the water gained as fast as it was pumped out, and all hope of raising her were given up. She has been stripped of her furniture, &c., and the GLOBE has returned to Detroit.
Buffalo Daily Republic
Monday, December 12, 1853
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THE WRECK AT PORT HURON. -- The PEARL reports that it is pretty certain that pieces of a wreck found near Port Huron belonged to the ALBANY, which was wrecked above Presque Isle last fall, and which it is probable has been carried down by the floating ice, --- Det. Adv.
Buffalo Daily Republic
Thursday, April 20, 1854
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Capt. Clark, of the WESTMORELAND, informs us that men were engaged by the wrecks of the steamer ALBANY, which, it will be remembered, struck on a rock in Lake Huron, last fall, and have succeeded in removing the boiler and most of the machinery of that steamer, and have taken it to Presque Isle. Capt. Clark brought down a quantity of the recovered machinery to this port.
The Democracy, Buffalo
Friday, November 17, 1854
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LIST OF VESSELS LOST IN THE LAKE SUPERIOR TRADE.
Since the discovery of copper in the Upper Peninsula, in 1845, and the commencement of the Lake Superior steamer and vessel trade, many craft engaged in the trade have been lost. Previous to the discovery of copper, there was no other trade but that of furs, and one of the fur-trading vessels was lost - the JOHN JACOB ASTOR. We have compiled the following table, which will be found of interest to those connected with the Lake Superior trade:
Name of vessel lost Value Value cargo Year lives lost
Schooner MERCHANT $4,000 $2,000 1847 18
Propeller GOLIATH $18,000 $18,000 1847
Steamer BEN FRANKLIN $15,000 $4,000 1850
Propeller MONTICELLO $30,000 $10,000 1851
Schooner SISKOWIT $1,500 $500 -- (SISKAVIT)
Schooner SELBY $500 $500 --
Propeller INDEPENDENCE $12,000 $18,000 1853 3
*Steamer ALBANY $30,000 $2,500 1853
Propeller PENINSULA $18,000 $12,000 1854
Steamer E.K. COLLINS $100,000 $1,500 1854 20
Steamer BALTIMORE $15,000 $4,000 1855
Steamer SUPERIOR $15,000 $10,000 1856 54
Propeller B.L. WEBB $50,000 $15,000 1856
Propeller CITY OF SUPERIOR $50,000 $25,000 1857
Propeller INDIANA $8,000 $2,500 1858
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$366,500 $125,500 95
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Making a Grand Total of $492,000. - Detroit Advertiser.
Buffalo Daily Courier
Saturday, September 11, 1858
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Paddle steamer ALBANY, of 669 tons, Built Detroit, Mich., 1846. First home port, Detroit, Mich. DISPOSITION:-- Lost 1853. by stranding at Presque Isle, Mich., November 25, 1853.
Merchant Steam Vessels of the U. S. A.
The Lytle-Holdcamper List, 1790 to 1868
