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THE GRUMMOND FLEETS 1855-1897 Part I (continued) Capt. Stephen B. Grummond passed his early life in St. Clair county, and, early evincing a liking for the life of a sailor, at the age of fifteen years began his business career by securing a position on a lake vessel, his winters being spent in school. When eighteen years old, with the savings of his own industry, and with some aid from his father, he purchased a vessel which he sailed for several years, retiring from the command of her in 1855. He then moved to Detroit, bought another vessel, and ever after was more or less engaged in buying, selling and running vessels of various kinds. By enterprise and straightforward business methods he secured a vast deal of business, and among his many ventures may be mentioned a profitable tug and wrecking business, which is now one of the largest on the lakes. He was also owner of Grummond's line of steamers, his business extending from year to year until he became recognized as one of the principal owners of lake vessels. In fact, he succeeded in accumulating a large fortune, which he invested in Detroit real estate and various business enterprises. He died January 3, 1894, after a lingering illness. On December 18, 1861, Captain Grummond married Miss Louisa B. Prouty, of Detroit, and by her had a family of eleven children, some of whom are deceased. In politics the Captain was a Democrat until the election of Abraham Lincoln, after which he was an _ earnest supporter of lican principles. In municipal affairs he held several of the most prominent offices in the government of his adopted city, including that of mayor. Socially, he was a man of broad and generous impulses, and at all times among the foremost in aiding every good and deserving work." "Black Steve", as he was nicknamed by the maritime community, because of his black moustache, became highly successful in his business because of his foresight. Many of the vessels he owned or operated were recovered wrecks which he rebuilt and sold to other parties. Some of the vessels he owned for only a few years, a couple he owned twice. The following vessels in alphabetical order were in his fleets between 1855 and 1897. There may be a few missing in this list but I hope, that by printing the list, someone might fill in the blanks. Your comments are most welcome. Here is the first part of the (56) vessles that were owned or operated by Grummond. The eo photographs we will include are the ships we have photos of. There are many we have never seen. 1) ACADIA (US 29127) wood brig, later a barge, built in 1847 at Brownsville, NY: 118.2 x 25.5 x 8.7; 192 gross tons. In the fleet from 1866 to 1871. Document surrendered 1871, "Destroyed in 1869". Data wanted. 2) ACONTIAS (US 1394) wood schooner built in 1856 at Oswego, NY by J. Navaugh. 136.5 x 25.8 x 10.5; 264 gross tons. In fleet 1879 to 1880. Ashore and wrecked near Presque Isle, Lake Huron, November 2, 1887. 3) ALMEDA (US 313) wood schooner-barge built in 1847 at St. Joseph, MI by A. Gilmore. 123.0 x 25.3 x 9.5; 216 gross tons. In fleet 1879 to 1881. Disposition unknown. Data wanted. 4) ARK (US 29712) wood lighter built in 1871 at Port Huron by Henry Kewley. 100.0 x 31.5 x 4.3; 68 gross tons. Known by Port Huron residents as "Kewley"s Ark". In fleet 1879 to 1883. Document surrendered 6-3-83 "Out of Commission". 5) ATLANTIC (US 298) wood package and freight propellor built in 1863 at Cleveland by Peck and Masters. 176.5 x 28.4 x 10.7; 656 gross tons. In fleet 1882 to 1896. Renamed b) HOMER WARREN in 1901 and reduced to a steam barge. Sold Canadian in 1914 (C 130222). Sank with all hands (9) 13 miles west of Sodus Point, Lake Ontario, October 28, 1919. 6) JANE BELL (US 12782) wood schooner built in 1862 at Detroit by Campbell. 140.4 x 28.4 x 12.0; 373 gross tons. In fleet 1877 to 1880. Stranded 8 miles SW of Ashtabula, Ohio, September 7, 1880. Two lives lost. 7) A. BOODY (US 872) wood schooner built in 1863 at Toledo by G. Rogers. 137.0 x 25.0 x 11.0; 287 gross tons. In fleet 1880 to 1889. Sold Canadian (C 100762) and renamed b) E.A. ULTON. Date of sale and final disposition unknown. Out of Canadian Registry in 1921. Data wanted. 8) EDMUND A BRUSH (US 7488) wood tug built in 1864 at Detroit by Charles Hinman. 50.5 x 11.9 x 5.5; 23 gross tons. In fleet 1865 to 1866. Renamed b) E.A. BRUSH in 1866. Renamed c) ALICE J. DAY in 1870. Abandoned and cut up for firewood on Glen Lake, MI in 1920.