Kittie M. Forbes (Propeller), U14413, 24 Nov 1882

The plans for Wm. Forbe's new propeller, now building at Wheeler & Crane's shipyard at Bay City, are nearly completed, says the Bay City Tribune, and show a remarkably handsome model, something similar to the OSCEOLA, which was launched from the same yard last fall. The new boat is but just begun, the keel being only finished. The first frame was raised on Monday. Her dimensions are given by Mr. Wheeler, senior partner of the firm who are building her, are as follows: Keel 195 ft., overall 210 ft.; minimum depth of hold, 14 ft. She will be fitted with entire new machinery instead of the old machinery from the CITY OF WINNIPEG, as was first intended. She is designed for carrying grain and oil and will ply between Buffalo and the upper lake ports. Her engine will be a fore-and-aft, of the most approved manufacture, and of the following dimensions 27 and 44 inches by 40 inches. Her boiler is a large round shell, 12 x 12 1/2 ft., similar to those that were put in the COMEMAUGH and her mate, but of large dimensions than was ever heretofore put in any boat built on Lake Huron, or, with few exceptions, on any other lake. The new boat will be built regardless of expense, with every attention to detail and thorough workmanship, and will cost complete about $70,000. She is contracted to be complete on the first of May next. Wheeler & Crane have the contract to complete her outfit in machinery, sails, rigging, etc., and she will sail from their yard ready for business. SHe will be fitted with 3 spars, raised deck forward and aft, and cabin arrangements similar to the OSCEOLA.
      Buffalo Morning Express
      November 24, 1882

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At Wheeler & Crane's yard, Bay City, Capt. Forbes new steam barge KITTIE M. FORBES is all in frame. She is 196'7" keel, 34' beam and 14' hold. She will carry three spars. Her engine is now being made by Samuel F. Hodge of Detroit and will be a fore and aft compound 27 x 40 x 44.
      Port huron Daily Times
      February 9, 1882

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      Capt. Forbes' new steam barge KITTIE M. FORBES, named in honor of his daughter, was launched on Satuyday afternoon at Wheeler & Crane's shipyard in Bay City. Her keel was laid on Dec. 1, 1882. She is 195 feet keel, 209 feet over all, 35 feet wide and 14 feet depth of hold. The engine and boiler were built by Samuel F. Hodge. The engine is a fore and aft compound, with universal coupling, the high pressure being 27 x 40, the low pressure 44 x 40.
      Port Huron Daily Times
      Monday, May 7, 1883
     
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Steam screw KITTIE M. FORBES. U.S. No. 14413, of 968.71 tons gross; 775.30 tons net. Built 1883 at Bay City. Home port, Port Huron.
      Merchant Vessel List U.S. 1884
     
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