Matt Root (Schooner), 10 Jul 1855

The schr. built at Richmond the present season, says the Painesville Telegraph , 4th inst. by M.I. Root, Esq. and Capt. S. Snell, was launched on Saturday afternoon (6/30). The MATT ROOT is 450 tons carpenter's measurement, and is only excelled in size by 2 vessels on the Lakes. Her keel is 133 ft. 6 inches in length; she is 143 ft. on deck, 26 ft. 3 inches beam, as wide as can pass through the Welland Canal, and 12 ft. deep. Her timbers, ribs and planking are all of the best oak, spiked and bolted in the most substantial manner. Her beams all rest on knees thoroughly bolted. Outside planking is 3 and 4 inshes, and inside 5,6,7. Her centre board 33 ft. She is built in a most thorough and seviceable manner. She is of a clean model, and we doubt not will be known as a free sailer; she is capable of taking 20,000 bu. wheat, and drawing 10 ft. of water, all the St. Clair Flats will allow. She will float 17,000 bu. wheat or 20,000 bu. oats. Her model was drawn by Capt. Joel R. Norton, of Madison, who has been her master builder. She is intended for the Buffalo and Chicago trade, and Capt. Snell goes as skipper. - Buffalo Democracy, 7th.
      Detroit Free Press
      July 10, 1855