John M. Glidden (Propeller), U76080, sunk by collision, 9 Oct 1903

The ship canal at the St. Clair Flats is blockaded as a result of the sinking of the wooden steamer JOHN N. GLIDDEN by the barge MAGNA at 9 o'clock this morning. The GLIDDEN was loaded with iron ore. Only one vessel can pass at a time because the GLIDDEN lies directly across the channel. The MAGNA was being towed by the EMPIRE STATE. The GLIDDEN was built in 1879 and is owned by Wm. Gerlach of Cleveland. She lies about 500 feet from the southern entrance to the canal.
      Port Huron Daily Times
      Friday, October 9, 1903


As a result of the sinking of the propeller JOHN N. GLIDDEN by the barge MAGNA in St. Clair Flats Canal, navigation in the Detroit River was practically put to an end. The propeller sunk to her decks diagonally across the channel in the canal at the Lake St. Clair end. A channel 75 feet wide remains between the stem of the boat and the east pier, but the current is so strong as to make it perilous for vessels to try to make the passage and from present indications navigation will be tied up for at least a week. When the accident occurred the GLIDDEN was bound down the canal with a cargo of iron ore. The steel trust propeller EMPIRE CITY was steaming swiftly up the canal with the barge MAGNA in tow. In passing the GLIDDEN the suction of the EMPIRE CITY drew the GLIDDEN into the tow line and the barge crashed into it, splitting it open to the pilot house. The GLIDDEN went to the bottom instantly. Assistance was immediately sent to the scene of the blockage and tugs have been ordered to assist vessels in passing the wreck. A large fleet of vessels has already accumulated on both sides of the obstruction waiting to pass.
      Buffalo Evening News
      Saturday, October 10, 1903
     
     
      The wreck of the GLIDDEN will be blown up.
      Port Huron Daily Times
      Wednesday, October 14, 1903
     
     
Heavy parts from the bow of the sunken propeller GLIDDEN in the St. Clair Flats Canal have been blasted by wreckers and the anchors, windlass and anchor chains have been loacted and will be removed. Yesterday 54 vessels passed the obstruction.
      Buffalo Evening News
      Thursday, October 15, 1903
     
     
      Capt. Harris W. Baker, who has the contract for removing what remains of the wreck of the propeller GLIDDEN in the St. Clair Flats canal, went to the scene of the wreck Saturday night. He took a ton of dynamite, three divers and a crew of 14 men on the steamer SNOOK. Capt. Baker expects to have the wreck cleared away in six or eight days
      Buffalo Evening News
      Monday, April 18, 1904


Steam screw JOHN N. GLIDDEN. U. S. No. 76080. Of 1322.60 tons gross; 1110.92 tons net. Built Cleveland, O., 1879. Home port, Cleveland, O. 221.7 x 35.1 x 19.3. Of 986 Noninal Horse-power.
      Merchant Vessel List, U. S., 1885