Lake Michigan (Propeller), aground, 18 Oct 1880

Last night about 8 o'clock the propeller LAKE MICHIGAN ran upon Bay State Rock, about 12 miles from Brockville, knocking a hole in her starboard sides. She filled so rapidly that the captain was compelled to run for the American shore. In three quarters of an hour after the disaster the propeller sunk in 12 feet of water. The propeller was laden with railroad iron from Montreal to Hamilton, and she had also on her deck about 20 tons of merchandise, which is not damaged. The Captain and Purser arrived here by the propeller OCEAN and engaged Mr. John Donnelly, divers and steam-pumps to raise the unfortunate boat. Should temporary repairs be insufficient she will go on the Ogdensburg ways. The vessel is owned by Hamilton parties. The second mate was on watch. He is a trusty man and often piloted the boat through the most dangerous places. The wind was blowing fresh, and the propeller was drifting considerably.
      Kingston Whig-Standard
      October 19, 1880



Last evening about 7 o'clock the steamer HIRAM A. CALVIN, on her way down the river with wreckers and steam pumps on board, to raise the propeller LAKE MICHIGAN which struck and sunk on Monday night at Crossover Light, ran on a shoal about five miles east of Gananoque, near Duffin's Light; while the Captain and crew were at tea. It is thought she will be got off without serious damage. The steamer PIERREPONT took the pumps off the HIRAM CALVIN and has proceeded to the relief of the propeller LAKE MICHIGAN.
      Kingston Whig-Standard
      October 20, 1880



The PIERREPONT delivered at Swifts wharf this morning a quantity of the LAKE MICHIGAN's cargo. Another pump was procured at Garden Island and a ruturn made to the wreck.
      Kingston Whig-Standard
      October 21, 1880


      After delivering some of the merchandise taken from the deck of the sunken steamer , the PIERREPONT took aboard a second pump at Garden Island and returned to the LAKE MICHIGAN, one pump having failed to raise the boat. At 5 o'clock last night the propeller was raised sufficiently to let diver Rob't Donnelly, get to work. The forefoot of the propeller was carried away, leaving a great hole. Blankets were stuffed into the oriface and then over all a piece of canvas was placed. The propeller left for Ogdensburg where she will go into dry dock for repairs.
      Kingston Whig-Standard
      October 22, 1880


      Capt. Donnelly has returned after successfully raising the propeller LAKE MICHIGAN and putting her on the ways at Ogdensburg. The propeller's stem and port keel were broken. The last time she struck the rocks three planks were broken. Again she struck and broke three more planks. Her repairs will cost $1,50.
      Kingston Whig-Standard
      October 26, 1880