John Pridgeon of Detroit

John Pridgeon of Detroit – Overview

John Pridgeon Sr. (1816–1894) was a prominent shipowner, tug operator, and businessman based in Detroit, Michigan, during the 19th century. Known as one of the Great Lakes’ most influential maritime entrepreneurs, Pridgeon built a reputation for owning and operating a fleet of steam tugs, towboats, and passenger vessels. His contributions significantly shaped the development of Detroit’s maritime industry and commerce on the Great Lakes.

Biography and Career

• 1. Early Life:  John Pridgeon was born in England in 1816 and immigrated to the United States in the 1830s, settling in Detroit. He initially worked as a mariner and ship captain, gaining extensive experience navigating the Great Lakes.
• 2. Business Ventures:  By the 1850s, Pridgeon had transitioned into ship ownership and management, establishing himself as a leading figure in the Great Lakes towing and shipping industry.  His operations primarily focused on providing tow services for schooners, barges, and larger vessels navigating the busy shipping lanes of Lake St. Clair, the Detroit River, and surrounding waterways.
• 3. Fleet Expansion:  Pridgeon owned or managed a substantial fleet of steam-powered tugs and towboats, including notable vessels like the Canadian and the *W.G. Fargo.
• 4. Public Service: Later in life, Pridgeon served as Mayor of Detroit (1875–1876), during which he advocated for improved infrastructure and economic development in the city.

Maritime Activities

Purchase of the Steamer Canadian (1861):

 Transaction:

• In 1861, Pridgeon purchased the sidewheel steamer Canadian (built in 1853) for $12,000. The vessel was converted into a towboat and operated under his management.The Canadian was primarily used for towing lumber rafts and other cargo along the Detroit River and Lake St. Clair. In 1862, it towed a record-breaking 3.4 million feet of lumber from Saginaw Bay, highlighting its power and efficiency.
• The Milton D. Ward was a versatile sidewheel steamer, serving passenger and freight routes across Lake Huron, Lake Michigan, and the Detroit River. Over her 24-year career, she endured multiple ownership changes, collisions, and modifications. Her final years were marked by service as a floating hospital during the 1892 cholera epidemicbefore she was destroyed by fire in 1894 and abandoned in 1898. By 1900, her hull was scrapped, leaving no remains of this once-prominent Great Lakes steamer.

Casualties and Incidents: Like many vessels of the era, the Canadian experienced mishaps under Pridgeon’s ownership, including collisions and machinery failures. For example:

• June 1861: Struck a sunken scow in the Thames River, sustaining damage to her hull.
• July 1862: Broke machinery while towing in Saginaw Bay.
• October 1862: Collided with the steamer Forester in the Detroit River, resulting in significant damage.

Contribution to Tugboat Industry:

•  Fleet Expansion:  Pridgeon owned several powerful tugs, including the W.G. Fargo, a competitor in towing and even racing competitions.  His vessels were known for their speed and strength, supporting Detroit’s growing industrial and shipping economy.
•  Tugboat Race:  In 1862, Pridgeon’s Canadian was scheduled to race the W.G. Fargo over a route between Port Huron and Malden. Although the formal race was canceled, the Canadian demonstrated her speed by completing the course in 1 hour and 46 minutes—a remarkable achievement at the time.

Maritime Entrepreneur:

Pridgeon was widely respected as a pioneer in Great Lakes shipping, especially in the towing sector. His ability to adapt older vessels like the Canadian into efficient tugs demonstrated his business acumen.

Political Leadership:

As Mayor of Detroit, Pridgeon’s maritime experience influenced his vision for improving the city’s waterfront infrastructure, further cementing his legacy as a leader in the region.

Later Life and Legacy

Death: John Pridgeon Sr. passed away in 1894, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most influential figures in Detroit’s maritime history. His son, John Pridgeon Jr., continued the family’s involvement in shipping and politics.

Impact on Detroit: Pridgeon helped transform Detroit into a vital hub for Great Lakes commerce and shipping. His work laid the foundation for Detroit’s maritime and industrial growth during the 19th century.

Research Resources

• 1. Detroit Historical Society Archives: Documents related to Pridgeon’s fleet and his tenure as mayor.  Detroit Historical Society
• 2. Maritime History of the Great Lakes:  Vessel records and incidents related to Pridgeon’s ships, including the Canadian. Maritime History of the Great Lakes
• 3. Library of Congress Digital Collections:  Historic newspapers, including coverage of Pridgeon’s activities and political caree Library of Congress