Identification & Site Information

• Name: P. H. Birkhead
• Former Names: None
• Date Built and Launched: Early 1870s (exact date not specified)
• Builder: P. Lester, Marine City, Michigan
• Vessel Type: Propeller (Steam-Powered Freighter)
• Hull Material: Wood
• Number of Decks: Not specified
• Measurements:
• Length: 165 ft (50.3 m)
• Beam: 28 ft (8.5 m)
• Depth of Hold: 15 ft (4.6 m)
• Propulsion: Steam Screw Propeller
• Engines: Double vertical engines, both connected to a single shaft, built by J.B. Wilson
• Boilers: Two return-flue boilers, each 14.5 ft (4.4 m) long and 6 ft 10 in (2.08 m) in diameter, manufactured by John Brennan
• Materials: Engines and boilers constructed primarily from Lake Superior iron
• Original Owner: Toledo and Saginaw Company

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Vessel Type:
Wooden-hulled steam-powered propeller freighter designed for towing large loads, particularly in the lumber trade across the Great Lakes.

Description:
The P. H. Birkhead was a robust steam-powered propeller freighter, purpose-built to handle significant towing demands. Measuring 165 feet (50.3 m) in length, with a beam of 28 feet (8.5 m) and a hold depth of 15 feet (4.6 m), she was designed to haul massive loads rather than prioritize speed. Her double vertical engines, built by J.B. Wilson, were connected to a single shaft, providing the vessel with substantial towing power. The two return-flue boilers were crafted by John Brennan and, along with the engines, were constructed from high-quality Lake Superior iron, ensuring durability and efficiency.

One of the vessel’s most notable features was her impeccable construction. Upon completion, she embarked on her trial trip without requiring any adjustments—a testament to the craftsmanship involved in her building. Though not designed specifically for speed, her owners claimed that the Birkhead would rival any vessel in her class for both speed and power.

History:
The P. H. Birkhead quickly established a reputation as a workhorse on the Great Lakes, particularly in the lumber trade. She frequently operated between Saginaw and Toledo, towing large fleets of barges loaded with timber. One significant record mentions her towing nine barges with a combined load of 2,800,000 feet of lumber, an impressive feat that underscored her power and capacity. Later, she was seen passing with eleven vessels in tow, demonstrating her strength in managing large, cumbersome flotillas.

Her powerful machinery and durable construction made her a valuable asset for the Toledo and Saginaw Company, facilitating the efficient movement of lumber and other goods across key shipping routes in the Great Lakes.

Final Disposition:
The specific circumstances of the P. H. Birkhead‘s final disposition are not documented in the provided information. Further research is needed to determine if she was lost, scrapped, or repurposed in her later years.

Located By & Date Found:
No confirmed modern discovery or documentation of the wreck site has been reported.

NOTMARs & Advisories:
No current navigational hazards related to this vessel.

Resources & Links:

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes
• Great Lakes Vessels Database – BGSU
• Edward J. Dowling Collection, University of Detroit – Mercy

Conclusion

The P. H. Birkhead was a testament to the industrial prowess of the Great Lakes shipbuilding era, combining powerful steam propulsion with superior construction techniques. Known for her immense towing capacity in the lumber trade, she played a critical role in the economic development of ports like Saginaw and Toledo. While her ultimate fate remains unclear, her legacy as a formidable workhorse on the lakes is firmly established.

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Keywords: Steam Propeller, Lumber Trade, Great Lakes Freighter, Towing Vessel, Toledo, Saginaw
Categories: Great Lakes Steamships, Lumber Industry Vessels, 19th Century Freighters
Glossary Terms: Screw Propeller, Return-Flue Boiler, Double Vertical Engines, Tow Operations