William Gardner (Propeller), burnt, 12 May 1883

THE TUG GARDNER BURNED
      A dispatch was received in Oswego announcing the burning of the well known lake tug GARDNER near the Galloo Islands last night. The particulars were not given. The dispatch requested Mr. C.C. Buel to send the Tug SEYMOUR at once, but a later dispatch countermanded the order saying that the two barges the ONONDAGA and TUSCARORA had reached Cape Vincent in safety. The tug left Fair Haven last bound for Ogdensburg with coal. She was owned by George Hall & Company and was sailed by "Dutch" Leonard. The cause of the burning is not stated.
      The owners, George Hall & Company of Ogdensburg, could give no particulars in regard to the loss at noon, and C.C. Buel had heard nothing at 3 p.m. The Tug was insured for $10,000. It is understood that the barges reached Capr Vincent in safety.- Times
A dispatch from Cape Vincent says the Tug GARDNER of Ogdensburg was burned about two o'clock this morning near the Galloo Islands, about twenty miles west from this village.
      She left Oswego last night with two barges in tow for Montreal. The fire originated under the boiler and within five minutes after it was discovered the tug was all in flames and the engineer had barely time to back her to the first barge to allow the men to get off. Several escaped in this way and the rest took to the life boats. No hands were lost although a few were somewhat scorched. The tug is a total loss which amounts to about $20,000 and is no doubt fully insured. The wind blew a gale from the Southwest and about 10 o'clock today the two barges sailed down and anchored in this harbor all right.
      Marine Record
      May 19, 1883


GARDNER, WILLIAM Propeller Tug, which was burned last week is owned by George Hall & Co. A coal and towing company of this city (Ogdensburg). She was commanded by Capt. William Leonard, of Ogdensburg, one of the best and most reliable captains on the Lakes. The tug was one of the strongest and fastest in the service, and was in good order. She was built about 1872, cost in the neighborhood of $23,000 and was named after William Gardner, of the firm of Hall & Gardner, the original founders of the coal and towing company, since known as Seymour & Company and latterly as George Hall and Company. She was valued at about $15,000, and was insured for $10,000. The burning of the GARDNER will occasion some inconvenience and considerable loss to her owners, but she will be replaced as soon as possible, with as good if not a better, boat and all their contracts will be carried out with but little delay.
      Marine Record
      May 19, 1883


GARDNER of 107 Tons, and 11 years of age . Valued at $12,000. Became a total loss on Lake Ontario during 1883
      Lost Tonnage on the Lakes in 1883
      Marine Record, December 27, 1883