Eber B. Wood & Samuel Ward

The Traveller was initially owned by Eber B. Wood of Detroit and Samuel Ward of Newport. These men were part of a wave of investors and entrepreneurs who capitalized on the economic boom associated with Great Lakes shipping in the 1850s.

• Eber B. Wood was a businessman from Detroit, Michigan, who recognized the potential of steam-powered vessels for the transport of goods and people throughout the Great Lakes. Detroit, as a rapidly growing commercial and industrial center, relied heavily on efficient transport across the lakes to bring in supplies and move locally produced goods. Wood’s investment in the Traveller reflected Detroit’s burgeoning role as a hub of Great Lakes shipping.

• Samuel Ward, based in Newport, Michigan, had a background in regional trade and shipping. His connection to Newport, a strategic shipbuilding location, positioned him well to capitalize on the local shipbuilding expertise offered by Wolverton. Ward’s involvement as an owner reflected his interest in leveraging the growing shipping industry to support both local and regional trade.

The partnership between Wood and Ward was indicative of the time, with investors pooling resources to fund substantial vessels like the Traveller. The vessel’s sidewheel design allowed for a mix of passenger and cargo capabilities, making it a valuable asset on the Great Lakes, where both the shipping and passenger sectors were expanding. Although the original ownership of the Traveller changed after a few years, Wood and Ward’s initial investment set the stage for the vessel’s role in connecting Great Lakes ports and supporting regional commerce.