J. W. Westcott (Propeller), U76136, burnt, 27 Nov 1887

Chicago.---The steamer J.W. WESTCOTT recently sunk off the Marine Hospital, was discovered in flames Sunday morning. The Department put the fire out after the cabin and all of the upper works had burned off. The loss will amount to about $5,000. The WESTCOTT was raised, towed here and was only recently discharged from dry-dock. The origin of the fire is not definately known, but as the firemen found an overturned stove in the cabin, it is surmised that the shipkeeper had been entertaining a party of friends, and that they had become so jolly they kicked the stove over. A few hours before she caught fire she was sold to T.D. Stimson, a Chicago lumber dealer: However, the damage, about $5,000 falls on Robert Holland, the original owner, as she was to deliver the WESTCOTT to Mr. Stimson at Port Huron, she having been chartered for a cargo of grain to that port. The charter was cancelled and the boat will be repaired here, after which she will be turned over to the purchaser.
      The Marine Record
      Thurs. Dec. 1, 1887 p. 1


      Propeller J.W. WESTCOTT, of 451 tons. Built 1880. Home port, Cleveland. Owned by
R. Holland and classed A 2 and a half. On November 26, 1887, propeller burnt at Chicago. Property loss, hull $1,000. No cargo.
      1887 Casualty List (Partial Loss)
      The Marine Record, Dec. 15, 1887