Edward Phillips of Saint Clair, Michigan

Overview:

Edward Phillips was a prominent figure in the maritime trade industry in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, particularly in the Great Lakes region. Operating out of Saint Clair, Michigan, a key hub for shipping and trade, Phillips played a notable role in the transportation of industrial goods, such as brick, coal, and lumber, across the lakes. His career reflects the entrepreneurial spirit of the era, focusing on maximizing the utility of vessels like the C. Hickox, which he owned during its final operational years.

Maritime Involvement

Role as a Shipowner

Edward Phillips acquired the C. Hickox in the early 1900s, during a period when Great Lakes commerce was booming. Under Phillips’s ownership, the vessel was primarily tasked with coal transportation, an essential commodity for industrial and domestic use. Phillips likely utilized the C. Hickox to connect smaller ports with major industrial centers, enabling the efficient movement of goods within the Great Lakes shipping network.

Business Strategy and Vessel Usage

1. Versatile Operations:

Phillips’s ownership reflected an ability to adapt vessels to the evolving needs of commerce. The C. Hickox, initially built for the lumber and brick trade, transitioned into coal transport under his leadership. This versatility was a hallmark of successful shipowners who sought to maximize profits by meeting regional demands.

2. Strategic Port Location:

Saint Clair, Michigan, was strategically located along the St. Clair River, part of the vital shipping route connecting the Great Lakes. This allowed Phillips to leverage his proximity to shipping lanes, ensuring efficient operations and quick access to markets.

3. Focus on Coal Trade:

The demand for coal surged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries as cities and industries across the region expanded. By focusing on this lucrative trade, Phillips positioned himself to capitalize on a critical resource, utilizing vessels like the C. Hickox to transport bulk coal shipments.

Notable Incident: The Final Voyage of the C. Hickox

Under Edward Phillips’s ownership, the C. Hickox met its tragic end on December 2, 1906. While en route from Oswego, New York, to Belleville, Ontario, loaded with coal, the vessel caught fire and was stranded on Main Duck Island in Lake Ontario. Though the crew survived, the ship and its cargo were declared a total loss. The estimated financial damage of $8,000 was significant, reflecting the challenges of the Great Lakes shipping industry at the time.

Legacy

Edward Phillips’s role as the owner of the C. Hickox during its final operational years highlights his contribution to the bustling maritime trade of the Great Lakes. Despite the unfortunate loss of the vessel, Phillips’s ability to adapt to market needs and utilize aging vessels for profitable ventures exemplifies the resourcefulness of shipowners during this era. His involvement with the C. Hickox remains a notable chapter in the history of Great Lakes navigation, connecting him to the broader legacy of maritime commerce in Michigan and beyond.