Edward Smith (Propeller), U135660, aground, 1 Aug 1883

Racine, Aug. 23. -- At about 4:30 this afternoon the steambarge EDWARD SMITH, bound for this port with a cargo of coal, struck the east side of Racine reef and went hard aground. The captain made a desperate effort to get her off, but got one length further on the rocks. The tug KNAPP went to her immediately and brought the captain to shore, where he made haste to secure lighters. It is thought at this hour that the SMITH is so securely wedged in the rocks that should a heavy sea blow up, she would be a total wreck. The captain, who is a part owner of the barge, says he sounded her before leaving, and he thinks she does not leak. The SMITH passed Racine at about noon today with the GRATWICK and another barge in tow for Kenosha, and when she struck the reef she was returning and trying to make this port. Her master says he cannot give any reason for running aground; he thought he was on the same course he made when going south this morning. A great many people standing on the Post Office corner saw the vessel go ashore, and witnessed the effort of the captain to get her off. When the boat grounded she was under full sail and was working a good deal of steam. Messrs. Knapp & Gillen have gone to the grounded barge with two large scows and twenty-five men, and they expect to have her lightered by morning.
      J.W. Hall Great lakes Marine Scrapbook, August, 1883
     


      The Propeller EDWARD SMITH, recently aground on Racine Reef, has gone into Milwaukee drydock. -- Cleveland Report.
      Marine Record
      Aug. 30, 1883


The steambarge EDWARD SMITH, which was ashore on Racine Reef, was docked here today. Her injuries were slight, and she will be out of dock tomorrow.
      J.W. Hall Great lakes Marine Scrapbook, August, 1883
     
     
     
Steam screw EDWARD SMITH. U. S. No. 135660. Of 700.89 tons gross; 523.6 tons net. Built Detroit, Mich., 1883. Home port, Marine City, Mich. 194.0 x 32.9 x 16.5
      Merchant Vessel List, U. S., 1885