Fayette (Propeller), U120024, fire, 3 Jul 1878

THE FAYETTE ON FIRE.
      She Is Seriously Damaged At Michigan City
      Messrs. Ruddock, Palmeter & Co., received a dispatch from Michigan City at 8:40 a. m., yesterday saying that the steambarge FAYETTE was in the harbor there and on fire. Later dispatches announced that the fire broke out around the boiler. The flames were put out after damage (all aft of the bulkheads) of $4,000 or $5,000.
Last evening the captain notified the insurance companies here and asked for a pump, intending to bring the damaged craft here, but it is understood that he was instructed to keep her where she is until an agent arrives there.
      The FAYETTE measures 322 tons, classed A 2 dash, and was valued at $17,700. She is the property of Ruddock, Palmeter & Co., who bought her a short time ago for $11,000 or $12,000. The hull, as indicated above, is insured, the risks being in the Orient and other companies.
      Also
      Michigan City, Ind., July 3. -- The steambarge FAYETTE, lumber-loaded from Manistee, took fire at 8 o'clock this morning, while laying at Peck's lumber yard. The fire is supposed to have originated from slabs piled near the boiler. The fire made such headway, being out of reach of the fire protection, that she was towed out into the lake, with the intention of scuttling her, but the tug A. C. WATERS, having a small pump, threw water, and the GERMANIA Fire Company, with hand engine, went to her assistance, and succeeded in subduing the fire enough to tow her back into the harbor within reach of the fire company, but with two streams playing they were unable to control the fiend, and the barge was sunk, and now lays in the harbor at the foot of Franklin Street. Great credit is due Captain Cambell, of the tug WATERS, who went to the rescue of the FAYETTE, when her boiler was expected to explode every moment. He was also the means of preventing the burning of Peck's lumber yard, by using his pump while getting the FAYETTE from the dock. Captain Campbell received a dislocated ankle, which will confine him to his room for some time.
      Chicago Inter Ocean
      July 4, 1878


      THE FAYETTE FIRE.
      The Craft will have to be rebuilt. - A testimonial to Capt. Campbell of the tug WATERS.
Michigan City, Ind., July 4. -- The burning and sinking of the steambarge FAYETTE in this port yesterday will cause the loss of about $8,000 to the owners, as she will have to be entirely rebuilt. The damage to her cargo was light. But for the timely aid of captain Campbell with his tug A.C. WATERS the FAYETTE, with her entire cargo, would have been a total loss. Pesk & Son's lumber yard would also have suffered the same fate. Major Peck appreciated Captain Campbell's services,
      Chicago Inter Ocean
      July 6, 1878


      The steam barge FAYETTE took fire on Wednesday at Michigan City, and was almost wholly destroyed. Her registered valuation was $17,700. Partly insured. She was rated A 2; was built at Cleveland in 1872, by Quayle & Martin, and was of 322 tons burden. Her cargo consisting of 250 m lumber, was somewhat damaged
      Detroit Post & Tribune
      Saturday, July 6, 1878

      . . . . .

      The steam barge FAYETTE, recently burned at Michigan City, is being repaired at Chicago.
      Detroit Post & Tribune
      Monday, July 15, 1878

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Steam screw MATHEW WILSON. * U.S. No. 120024. Of 322 tons gross; 243 tons net. Built at Cleveland, Ohio, 1n 1872. Home port, Grand Haven, Mich. 141.3 x 27.9 x 10.8
      *Formerly steam screw FAYETTE.
      Merchant Vessel List, U.S., 1900