Republic (Propeller), 16 Mar 1881

The name of the new vessel Messrs. Presley & Co. are building for the Republic Iron Ore Company has not been decided on, but there is some talk of naming her REPUBLIC, after the ore company.
      Cleveland Herald
      Wednesday, March 16, 1881

      . . . . .

      LAUNCH OF THE STEAMSHIP REPUBLIC.
The steamship REPUBLIC was successfully launched yesterday afternoon at the yard of Messrs. Presley & Cp. The launch was announced to take place at 3 o'clock, but it was 4:15 before the shores and blocks were knocked out, and the word given by Mr. George Presley to cut the rope. The ways were sawed off close to the water's edge, and the ship slid along them until it reached their ends, when she
      Gave a Sudden Plunge
downward and rocked to and fro in the water. She struck the opposite shore, but very lightly, doing no damage. The water was thrown high in the air by the concussion. Three guy ropes had been placed around her, but they were unnecessary. The launch was witnessed by a large crowd, including many ladies, and a large number of vessel captains, among them being noticeable Captains Lockwood and Peterson of Milan. The vessels in the neighborhood were all crowded with spectators. When the vessel struck the water, the harbor tugs began whistling, which was prolonged quite a little time.
      The Vessel
was graced with the private signals on the foremast, the burgee on the mainmast, and the ensign on the mizzenmast. The vessel was built for the Republic Iron Ore Company, at a cost of about $100,000, including a complete outfit.
      The ship drew 9 feet aft and 4 feet 2 inches forward. Mr. Presley says there is 100 tons of ice, water, and staging in her, which, when taken out, will lighter her at least two inches. She rates A 1, and registers from 1,600 to 1,700 tons. The wheel is 10 feet 6 inches in diameter, and has a 14 feet lead. All who saw her yesterday pronounced her a fine craft, and she does credit to her builder. The following are the
      Leading Features
of the REPUBLIC: Length of keel, 236 feet; over all, 250 feet; breadth of beam, 36 feet; depth of hold, 20 feet. The frame is molded 17 inches at the keel, 14 inches at the bilge, and 21 inches between the centers. The main keelsons are 16 x 16 inches, and the assistant keelsons, 14 x 14 inches. She has arches inside extending from forward the foremast to aft the engine, the crown reaching to the upper deck. The arches are about 150 feet long, and 6 feet deep by 4 inches thick. The garboard strakes are 6 inches thick. The planking on the bottom to the upper turn of the bilge is 5 inches thick, and from there to the plank-shear 4 inches thick. She is a double decker and has three masts. Her frames are grooved for ventilation and briming, each groove being secured at the top with brass screw-caps. The midship stanchions run from the keelson to the upper deck, and are secured at the bottom with heavy iron knees. The beams under the boilers and coal bunkers are of wrought iron. She has an iron shoe and rudder, and an iron stem and apron. She is provided with
      a Hoisting Engine
on the main deck, which runs a large bilge pump, and a force pump to be used for fire purposes.
      The machinery was made by the Globe Iron Works. She has two condensing low pressure engines, 36 x 36 inches. The engine room is 26 x 32 feet. The boiler has return flues, and is 12 feet in diameter and eighteen feet long. There is steel on all the fire surfaces and iron outside. The capacity of the ship is about 65,000 bushels of wheat. captain Davis, formerly of the D. M. WILSON and V. SWAIN, will command her.
A peculiarity of the contract is that Messrs. Presley & Co. completely outfit her for the sea, including furniture, glassware, etc. This is probably the first contract of this kind made in the city. The outfit was furnished by Messrs. Upson, Walton & Co., which is sufficient guarantee of its excellence.
      Cleveland Herald
      Friday, April 22, 1881

      . . . . .

Propeller REPUBLIC, of 1343 tons. Built at Cleveland May 1881 by Presley & Co. Owned by the Republic Iron Co. Home port, Marquette. Value $85,000. Class A 1.
      Inland Lloyds Vessel Classification, 1882