Ironton (Barge), aground, 22 Oct 1889

Chicago. - The steamer D. BALLANTINE, her consort, the barge IRONTON, and the tug PROTECTION went ashore in a bunch at Winnetka last night.
It was reported that the schooner AMERICA was on the beach not far from them.
      Buffalo Evening News
      Wednesday, October 23, 1889

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      DISASTERS ON THE LAKES.
      Four Vessels Ashore at WINNETKA-Rumors of the Wreck of a Schooner.
Chicago, Oct. 24. - The steamer D. BALLENTINE, her consort, the barge IRONTON, and the tug PROTECTION went ashore in a bunch at Winnetka about ten o'clock at night. It was reported that the schooner AMERICA was on the beach not far from them. The wind was heavy from the northeast, and a heavy sea was rolling when the boats went on. The weather was also extremely thick. The tug was following the steamer and tow into this port. They got too far in and struck the ledge that runs from Grosse Point north for many miles, some 700 or 800 feet from the shore. It is a hard bottom, and, with the heavy seas running, the chances are that a serious loss will result.
      The tug BUTLER, which was following the schooner AMERICA, was close by when the three boats struck. The BUTLER also ran on the ledge, but worked herself off, though not without breaking her shoe. The AMERICA disappeared in the darkness, and up to 2 o'clock in the morning had not reached this port. It is though that she could not have gotten out of the trap and must have fetched up somewhere this side of Winnetka and beyond Gross Point. Her crew would be in serious danger.
The BALLENTINE and IRONTON went on broadside. It is thought there was no likelihood of loss of life. The Evanston Life Saving crew were notified of the trouble.
The BALLENTINE and IRONTON are owned by William Mock, of Cleveland. They were laden with coal. The BALLENTINE is valued at $42,000, and the IRONTON at $25,000. The point where the boats struck has been the scene of many disasters, some of them attended by heavy loss of life. At 2:30 o'clock in the morning the wind was going down, but the sea continued remarkable heavy. The negligence of the keeper of the fog horn at Evanston is said to be directly responsible for the wrecking of the three boats.
      Buffalo Evening News
      Thursday, October 24, 1889

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