Nelson (Barge), U18173, aground, 27 May 1896

Sault Ste. Marie, Mich. - In approaching the upper entrance to the Canadian Canal last evening, the barge NELSON lost steerage way and drifted against the end of the stone pier. The contact crushed the starboard bow of the barge and she settled upon the bottom in water 20 feet deep, at the end of one hour. When the danger to the NELSON became apparent the steamer FOLSOM endeavored to gain control of the craft and pull her clear of possible harm, but failed.
      The barge NELSON was built at Milwaukee in 1866, above Oneida Street bridge, by Ellsworth & Davidson. She carried a barkentine rig then and was considered one of the handsomest sailing vessels ever turned out on the Great Lakes. When converted into a barge she was double decked, and the change obliterated almost every trace of her early day beauty, although to the practiced eye some traces of the fine lines were still discernible. The net measurement of the NELSON is 729 tons and her valuation about $15,000.
      Milwaukee Wisconsin
      May 28, 1896

      . . . . .

      Detroit, June 17. -- The schooner NELSON, lately sunk at the Canadian Sault canal, arrived this morning in tow of the FOLSOM. After discharging the steampump she will be placed in the upper dock for repairs.
      Evening Wisconsin
      June 17, 1896
     
     
Schooner NELSON. U. S. No. 18173. Of 766 tons gross; 729 tons net. Built Milwaukee, Wis., 1866. Home port, Port Huron, Mich. 163.5 x 32.2 x 12.1
      Merchant Vessel List, U. S., 1898