Identification & Site Information

• Name: ALANSON SUMNER
• Former Names: None
• • Official Number: 105155
• • Date Built & Launched: 1872
• • Builder: Goble & McFarland, Oswego, New York
• • Original Owner: Paige & Dobbie, Oswego, New York
• • Registration Number(s): 105155
• • Measurements:
• • Length: 127 ft (38.71 m)
• • Beam: 24.2 ft (7.38 m)
• • Depth: 11.1 ft (3.38 m)
• • Gross Tonnage: 207 tons

Vessel Type

The ALANSON SUMNER was a wooden-hulled Tug (Towboat) designed for heavy towing operations on the Great Lakes. Originally built for harbor and towing service, she later transitioned to passenger transport and general towing duties, showcasing the adaptability of tugs in the 19th-century maritime industry.

Description

Constructed in 1872 at Oswego, New York, by Goble & McFarland, the ALANSON SUMNER was a robust, single-Deck Tugboat designed for both inland and Great Lakes service. She was powered by a steeple compound steam enginemanufactured by Trout (King Iron Works) in Buffalo, New York, with cylinder dimensions of 20 inches and 38 inches in diameter and a 32-inch stroke. This type of engine was known for its improved efficiency over earlier steam technologies, providing strong towing power for vessels in her class.

The Tug was originally built with a wooden Hull, standard for the period, and featured sturdy construction to withstand the demands of towing large Schooner-barges and freight vessels across the often-turbulent waters of the Great Lakes.

History

The ALANSON SUMNER had a long and varied career, marked by multiple ownership changes, structural modifications, and operational roles across the Great Lakes region:

• 1872: Launched for Paige & Dobbie of Oswego, NY, and entered service as a general-purpose Tug.

• 1884: Suffered a significant fire while docked in Oswego, New York, which burned her cabins down to the deckline. Despite the damage, she was Rebuilt, highlighting her value as a working vessel.

• 1885: Transitioned briefly into passenger service on Lake Superior, operating between Port Arthur, Ontario, and Duluth, Minnesota—an unusual role for a former Tug, showcasing her versatility.

• 1886: Received a new boiler from Phoenix Iron Works in Port Huron, Michigan, improving her steam capacity with a 12’ x 12’ unit.

• 1888: Sustained damage in Duluth, Minnesota, after being struck by the Steamer F.W. WHEELER while docked, another testament to the hazards of busy port environments.

• 1889: Acquired by F.W. Gilchrist of Alpena, Michigan. In June of the same year, the vessel stranded but was successfully salvaged, allowing her to return to service.

• 1891–1897: Passed through a series of owners, including the Howard Towing Company (Port Huron), A.D. Bennett(Port Huron), H.N. Loud (Au Sable, Michigan), and Henry W. Botsford (Port Huron).

• 1896: Under Botsford’s ownership, the SUMNER was converted into a steam Barge with a new engine, reflecting the evolving needs of Great Lakes commerce as steam barges became more prevalent.

• 1899: Owned by D.M. Smith of St. Clair, Michigan, marking the final phase of her operational life.

Role in the Loss of the Schooner-Barge SAGINAW

The ALANSON SUMNER played a notable role in the events surrounding the loss of the Schooner-Barge SAGINAW on August 27, 1880. The SUMNER was towing a line of four barges, with the SAGINAW as the last in the tow. Caught in a severe gale off Port Stanley, Ontario, the SAGINAW broke loose from the Towline, drifted ashore, and was later lost due to storm damage and fire. The event illustrates the inherent risks of towing operations during the era, especially when facing sudden storms on the Great Lakes.

Final Disposition

The ALANSON SUMNER’s career ended in 1899 when she sank in Lake St. Clair. The exact circumstances of her sinking are not detailed, but her registration documents were surrendered on May 26, 1899, at Port Huron, Michigan, with the notation “sunk in Lake St. Clair.” Given her age and extensive service life by that time, it is possible that structural fatigue, combined with operational wear, contributed to her loss.

Located By & Date Found

There are no specific records indicating that the wreck of the ALANSON SUMNER has been located. If she remains in Lake St. Clair, her wooden Hull may have deteriorated significantly over time, although parts of the structure or mechanical components could still exist.

NOTMARs & Advisories

No current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) are associated with the ALANSON SUMNER’s wreck site in Lake St. Clair. However, Lake St. Clair is a heavily navigated waterway, and mariners are advised to consult updated nautical charts when operating in the area.

Resources & Links

• Great Lakes Vessels Database – Bowling Green State University

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes

• David Swayze Shipwreck File

• Dossin Great Lakes Museum, Detroit, MI

Conclusion

The ALANSON SUMNER had a remarkable and diverse career spanning nearly three decades, transitioning from Tugboat operations to passenger transport and later to a steam Barge. Her involvement in significant maritime events, including the towing incident that led to the loss of the SAGINAW, reflects the risks faced by Great Lakes vessels in the 19th century. Despite her ultimate sinking, the SUMNER’s story remains a fascinating chapter in the Maritime History of the Great Lakes.