Puritan (Propeller), U150396, rough trip, 29 Sep 1895

TERRIBLE GALE.
      Yesterday's Gale On The Upper Lakes One Of The Worst Storm In Years.
      EIGHTEEN SHIPS STRANDED.
      Five Steamers Aground Near Detroit And a Barge Gone To Pieces Near The "Soo".
      Fears For The Schooner CONDOR -- Excursion Steamer's Plight.
Chicago, Sept. 30. - Yesterday's storm on the lakes was one of the most violent and destructive of recent years. No less that 18 vessels have been reported stranded at various points, while reports continue to be received of others flying signals of distress.
      At Milwaukee the schooner CONDOR is long overdue, and grave fears are felt for her safety. Thirteen persons narrowly escaped drowning when the steam barge KERSHAW went on the reef at Chocolay Beach, breaking completely in two.
      Five steamers are grounded near Detroit, and the barge R.J. Henry* went to pieces on the rocks near Sault Ste. Marie. Several vessels lost deck cargoes and also were stripped of all canvas, steering gear, etc.
      The excursion steamer PURITAN, with 40 passengers, has returned to this city, having been unable to land at St. Joseph on account of the heavy sea which was running. Three attempts were made to land, but each time the boat was caught in the trough of the sea and whirled about as though it were an egg shell.
      The captain said he has never seen such rough weather on the lake before. The passengers were thoroughly frightened but no one was in any way injured.
      Buffalo Evening News
      Monday, September 30, 1895

* R.J. CARNEY.


Steam screw PURITAN. U. S. No. 150396. Of 289.67 tons gross; 163.09 tons net. Built Benton Harbor, Mich., in 1887. Home port, Grand Haven, Mich. 172.0 x 23.0 x 12.8
      Merchant Vessel List, U.S., 1895


The old year's record ended with the partial destruction on December 31st by fire of the Graham & Norton steamer PURITAN which was lying in winter quarters at manistee.
      Lake Disasters of 1895
      Door County Advocate
      Saturday, January 11, 1896