Ruby (Steamboat), U110236., fire, 18 May 1880

The excursion steamer RUBY burned to the water's edge early this morning while lying in the lighthouse slip. She is owned at Detroit and came here last season. Her value was about $12,000.
      Chicago Inter Ocean
      May 17, 1880


      AROUND THE LAKES -- BURNING OF THE RUBY
Chicago, May 17. - The excursion steamer Ruby, owned in Detroit, was burned to the water's edge at 2 o'clock this morning, while lying at the north pier. The flames made a beautiful sight viewed from the city, but did not last over half an hour. The captain and watchman, who were sleeping on board, had a narrow escape, the latter jumping into the water and being rescued by the schooner Newsboy, which also came near burning. The Ruby was valued at $12,000, and the pier was damaged to the extent of $500.
[The Ruby was of 134 tons register, built at Trenton in 1875 by A. A. Turner, and was owned by the L. E. & I. steamboat company. She was valued at $9,500 and rated as B-1 by the Inland Lloyd's. - Ed. Post and Tribune]
      Detroit Post and Tribune
      Tues., May 18, 1880


      AROUND THE LAKES -- THE RUBY
Chicago, May 18. - The principal topic of conversation along the dock yesterday was the burning of the steamer Ruby in the lighthouse slip Sunday night. The steamer had occupied moorings near Clark street bridge since last fall, and was towed into the slip to make room for the Flora. She was an old boat on a comparatively new bottom, having received a rebuild in 1875. The engine was at one time in service on a steamboat known as "Little" Erie, which, like her larger namesake, suffered destruction by fire with loss of life. Afterward it was placed in boat called the Island Queen and since the palmy days of the Queen has done service on the Ruby. The iron work of the engine is about all that can be saved, as the destruction has been thorough. The Ruby was about to be run in the excursion business by Mr. Baby. She was insured for $6000.
      Detroit Post and Tribune
      Wed., May 19, 1880



      AROUND THE LAKES -- THE RUBY
Chicago, May 18. - The principal topic of conversation along the dock yesterday was the burning of the steamer Ruby in the lighthouse slip Sunday night. The steamer had occupied moorings near Clark street bridge since last fall, and was towed into the slip to make room for the Flora. She was an old boat on a comparatively new bottom, having received a rebuild in 1875. The engine was at one time in service on a steamboat known as "Little" Erie, which, like her larger namesake, suffered destruction by fire with loss of life. Afterward it was placed in boat called the Island Queen and since the palmy days of the Queen has done service on the Ruby. The iron work of the engine is about all that can be saved, as the destruction has been thorough. The Ruby was about to be run in the excursion business by Mr. Baby. She was insured for $6000.
      Detroit Post and Tribune
      Wed., May 20, 1880


The work of removing the machinery of the burned steamer Ruby was completed Wednesday at Chicago, and the hulk was towed to the south branch, where she will be converted into a lighter barge.
      Detroit Post and Tribune
      July 2, 1880

The schooner RUBY, formerly the steamer, has been rebuilt. She was sold yesterday for $3,310.
      Chicago Inter Ocean
      June 14, 1882


Schooner RUBY. U. S. No. 110236. Of 106.71 tons gross; 101.38 tons net. Built Trenton, Mich., 1875. Home port, Milwaukee, Wis. 109.5 x 20.6 x 6.3
      Merchant Vessel List, U. S., 1891
     
RUBY was actually converted from the 135 t. sidewheeler to a 106 t. three-masted schooner and lived out her usefulness in the lumber trade until abandoned about 1894.