Wissahickon (Propeller), U80598, 3 Jul 1876

The new Anchor Line prop. WISSAHICKON, Built to take the place of the ill-fated MERCHANT, wrecked on Racine Reef last fall was successfully launched from the yard of the Union Drydock Co. about 3:00 Saturday afternoon.
      The new boat is an exact conterpart of the Union Steamboat Company's propeller PORTAGE, and is consequently 253 feet in length, 25 feet beam and 15 1/2 feet hold. She has a carrying capacity of about 2,000 tons of freight. The keel was laid the first part of this year and work on her has been pushed with all possible speed, giving employement to a large number of men. She is constructed of the best seasoned white oak, and the reputation of her builders is sufficient guarantee that she has been put together in the staunchest manner. The propelling power is one of the celebrated Perry & Lay compound engines, built at the King Iron Works in this city by Mr. Henry Trout. These engines are chiefly notable for their power to economize fuel. It is estimated the WISSAHICKON will be able to make the round trip between this port and Chicago with 100 tons of coal. The PORTAGE has accomplished the feat, and as the two boats are of the same capacity there is little doubt of the new propeller being also able to do so.
      When entirely equipped the draught of the boat will be 7 ft. aft and 4 ft. 4 inches forward. She is now completed up to the main rail, and it is thought she will be rady for sea about the 1st of August. The terms of the contract require that she shall be equipped throughout before she is accepted by her owners. The new boat has been constructed under the personal supervision of Mr. M.M. Drake, Superintendent of the Drydock Co. Her cost complete will be about $95,000.
      Buffalo Commercial Advertiser
      July 3, 1876 3-6


Steam screw WISSAHICKON. U. S. No. 80598. Of 1,619.53 tons gross; 1,423.37 tons net. Built Buffalo, N.Y. 1876. Home port, Erie, Pa.
      Merchant Vessel List, U. S., 1884