Collier & Van Black

Overview:

Collier & Van Black were recorded as co-owners or stakeholders of the schooner Eliza Quinlan in April 1881, operating out of South Bay, Ontario. Their involvement reflects the common practice of shared ownership among merchants or maritime investors during the 19th century. This partnership likely managed the schooner for commercial purposes, emphasizing its role in Great Lakes trade.

Connection to the Eliza Quinlan

• April 1881 Ownership:

The schooner was registered under Collier & Van Black, based in South Bay, indicating a possible shift in the vessel’s operations to serve new trade routes or markets along the Great Lakes.

• The specific activities of Collier & Van Black are not detailed, but their ownership during this period suggests they were engaged in the transportation of essential commodities, such as lumber, coal, or grain, which were commonly shipped on schooners like the Eliza Quinlan.

Role in Great Lakes Maritime Commerce

• Maritime Partnerships:

It was typical for partnerships like Collier & Van Black to pool resources to acquire and operate vessels. Such collaborations allowed smaller merchants or entrepreneurs to share the costs and risks associated with ship ownership and trade.

• South Bay Operations:

Based in South Bay, a location with access to major waterways, the partnership likely utilized the Eliza Quinlan for regional shipping, connecting smaller ports with larger markets.

Transition and Later Ownership

After their ownership in 1881, the schooner returned to William H. Brawnd and others in 1882. This brief tenure under Collier & Van Black suggests a specific purpose or need for the vessel during their ownership, possibly related to short-term trade opportunities or logistical requirements.

Legacy

While little is known about the individual identities or broader activities of Collier & Van Black, their association with the Eliza Quinlan illustrates the dynamic and interconnected nature of maritime commerce on the Great Lakes in the 19th century. Partnerships like theirs were vital in maintaining the flow of goods and resources across the region.

Keywords

Collier & Van Black, South Bay, Eliza Quinlan, Schooner, Great Lakes Maritime Commerce, 19th-Century Shipping, Maritime Partnerships.