The PAWNEE, later renamed MAPLEGULF, was a wooden steam barge built in Marine City, Michigan, and completed in October 1888. It had a US measurement of 639.9 tons gross and 475.02 tons net, with dimensions of 174 feet between perpendiculars. Under Canadian measurement, it was recorded as 621 tons gross and 453 tons net, with a length of 175.1 feet. The barge featured a well deck, steel arches, and a bow sheathed for protection against ice. It was equipped with a compound steeple engine producing 80 horsepower.
Initially owned by the Toledo and Saginaw Transportation Co., the PAWNEE was later sold to Curtis and Brainerd of Toledo, Ohio, and entered service for them in 1889. In 1900, it ran aground on Gull Island reef while towing three barges. Interestingly, two of the barges involved in the incident, J.R. EDWARDS and MINNIE E. ORTON, were also later owned by the Montreal Transportation Co. The PAWNEE underwent extensive repairs in 1910.
According to different sources, the PAWNEE was acquired by Canada Steamship Lines in 1919. Bascom and Gillham state that it was purchased from the Reid Wrecking Co., while Miramar suggests it was acquired through the Port Huron, Michigan branch of the firm. The Canadian Railway & Marine World, however, reported in June 1920 that the Montreal Transportation Co. bought the steamer from H. McMorran of Michigan, who was also the owner of the two aforementioned barges subsequently purchased by the Montreal Transportation Co. The New Mills List and Miramar attribute the first Canadian ownership of the vessel to Thomas (Tom) Ranger Enderby, who served as the secretary-treasurer of Montreal Transportation Co. in 1919 and the managing director of Canada Steamship Lines in 1919-20. Although the actual ownership remains unclear, MAPLEGULF was operated by Canada Steamship Lines during its time in Canadian registry.
Tragically, on November 15, 1920, MAPLEGULF broke its back during a storm on Lake Ontario and was subsequently wrecked. The remains of the vessel were later scrapped.
