Identification & Site Information

• Vessel Name: Welshman (later renamed Glen Isle)
• Year Built: 1900
• Built At: Ottawa, Ontario
• Type: Steamship (Screw-Propelled)
• Hull Material: Wood
• Number of Decks: 1
• Original Official Number: 107789
• Dimensions (Original): Length: 105 feet (32 meters) Beam: 23 feet (7 meters) Depth: 6 feet (1.8 meters)
• •Tonnage: 156 gross tons
• •Dimensions (After First Rebuild in 1909):  Length: 108 feet (33 meters) Beam: 24 feet (7.3 meters) Depth: 7 feet (2.1 meters)
• •Engine: Manufactured by Black & Co., Brockville (12×14 configuration).

Vessel Type Description

The Welshman, later known as Glen Isle, was a wooden screw-propelled Steamship designed for cargo transport along the waterways of Ontario and Quebec. Powered by a reliable engine and with a modest Gross Tonnage of 156, the vessel played a critical role in supporting the region’s economic development by transporting goods and materials between ports.

History

Early Service:

The Welshman was constructed in 1900 by N. Tessier in Ottawa, Ontario, for the Ottawa Forwarding Co., which operated the vessel until 1908. The Steamship was a vital part of the region’s transportation network, moving goods efficiently along the bustling waterways of Ontario and Quebec.

First Rebuild:

In 1905, the vessel underwent its first significant Rebuild, which maintained its functionality and improved its dimensions. After the Rebuild, the Welshman measured 105 feet in length, 23 feet in width, and 6 feet in depth.

Ownership Changes:

•1911: The vessel was renamed Glen Isle and acquired by the Rideau Canal Supply Co., continuing its service until 1927.

•Fire in 1909: The vessel suffered significant damage from a fire near Lachute, Quebec, on July 11, 1909. Despite the severity of the incident, the vessel was Rebuilt to larger dimensions, allowing it to remain operational.

Final Disposition

• Date of Loss: October 11, 1930
• Location: Gatineau, Quebec
• Cause of Loss: Destroyed by fire.

Despite its resilience in surviving the fire of 1909, the Welshman (Glen Isle) met its ultimate end in 1930, marking the close of a three-decade career. The circumstances of the fire that destroyed the vessel are unclear, but the event signaled the conclusion of its operational life.

Significance

The Welshman/Glen Isle highlights the adaptability and utility of early 20th-century steamships in regional commerce. Its construction, rebuilds, and eventual demise reflect the challenges faced by wooden steamers, including wear, tear, and the ever-present risk of fire. The vessel’s contributions to the economy of Ontario and Quebec are emblematic of the vital role such ships played in connecting communities and industries.

NOTMARs & Advisories

No Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) are associated with the Welshman (Glen Isle).

Resources & Links

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes Database: Comprehensive historical accounts of Great Lakes vessels.
• Ottawa Historical Archives: Repository for detailed records of steamships and their economic impact on Ontario and Quebec.
• Facebook Post

Analysis

The story of the Welshman is a testament to the durability and importance of steamships in Canada’s early 20th-century maritime history. The vessel’s ability to adapt and continue operating after a major fire in 1909 demonstrates the ingenuity of its operators. Its ultimate destruction by fire in 1930 underscores the vulnerabilities of wooden vessels in an era of increased industrial activity and fire hazards.

Keywords

Welshman, Glen Isle, Steamship, Screw-Propelled Vessel, Ottawa, Gatineau, Rideau Canal Supply Co., wooden Steamer, maritime history, Great Lakes shipping, vessel fire.

Conclusion

The Welshman, later known as Glen Isle, served as a crucial component of the early 20th-century maritime infrastructure in Ontario and Quebec. Its history of resilience, utility, and eventual loss offers valuable insights into the evolution of shipping technology and the inherent challenges of the era. Though the vessel is long gone, its legacy endures as part of Canada’s rich maritime heritage.

Public Domain Photo of the Glen Isle