Harvey Bissell (Bark), U11281, damaged in launching, 14 May 1866

A MISFORTUNE.--THE NEW BARK NOT LAUNCHED.--Arrangements were made for launching the new Bark of Capts Bissell & Miner, yesterday afternoon, but the effort to get her into the watery element was not successful. By a mistake the hull was started before everything connected with the ways was prepared to receive so heavy a weight, and after sliding about her width, one of the ways broke and let her sink into mud and water, about 3 feet deep. Several tugs then took hold of the hull and endeavored to pull it out of the disagreeable location, but were unsuccessful. The vessel has received the name of one of her owners--HARVEY BISSELL, her dimensions were published yesterday.
Another accident occurred at the yard during the attempt to launch the vessel. While workmen were preparing for a movement of the vessel, a man climbed up the mizen-mast to the crosstrees, and seated himself on the latter. Watching operations below, he neglected to keep firm hold of the spar, and when the vessel started, the sudden lurch threw him overboard. As he fell his coat brushed against the rail, and he dropped into water about 2 feet deep. The crowd thought him severely injured, if not killed, and were surprised to see him scramble out of his watery and muddy position and wade ashore. The man received a slight cut in his face, and his nose was bruised, but his injuries were not of a serious nature. It is surprising that he was not killed.
      Toledo Blade
      May 15, 1866

( length 160 feet, beam 31 & a half feet, depth of hold 12 & a half feet, and of about 600 tons burthen, old measurement)
      Toledo Blade (part of article)
      May 14, 1866


BARK HARVEY BISSELL.---The wrecking steamer MAGNET was in the harbor today, having been obtained to aid in getting the hull of the Bark HARVEY BISSELL from its unpleasant situation, at Bissell's yard. An effort was made to haul off the hull yesterday afternoon, but it was unsuccessful.
      Toledo Blade
      May 26, 1866


AFLOAT.---The hull of the bark HARVEY BISSELL was hauled out of its muddy berth late Saturday afternoon, by the wrecking steamer MAGNET and Tug ENSIGN.
      Toledo Blade
      May 28


BARK HARVEY BISSELL.---This new vessel is being hurried towards completion with all possible dispatch. We learn she was not injured by grounding at the time of the launch, and that when finished she will be one of the best vessels afloat on the lakes. She will be ready for service in a few weeks.
      Toledo Blade
      June 9, 1866


LOADING.---We learn that the new Bark HARVEY BISSELL is completed, and that she is taking in a cargo of ship timber for Tonawanda.
      Toledo Blade
      June 20, 1866



Schooner HARVEY BISSELL. U. S. No. 11281. Of 496.86 tons gross; 472.02 tons net. Built Toledo, O., 1866. Home port, Detroit, Mich. 162.4 x 33.6 x 12.4.
      Merchant Vessel List, U. S., 1885