- Steamer
- 30 – 40fw 11m
- 270ft Length
- Point Pelee, Lake Erie
- N 41 53.249 W 82 33.248
The George Stone, built in 1893 at West Bay City, MI, was a bulk freighter that played a significant role in the transportation of goods across the Great Lakes. Constructed by F. W. Wheeler & Co., this vessel was made primarily of wood, but it incorporated several steel elements such as hold beams, internal arches, diagonal straps, and a steel boilerhouse. These features enhanced its structural integrity and ensured its durability during the demanding operations of a bulk freighter.
Originally owned by Alva Bradley of Cleveland, OH, the George Stone possessed impressive power and propulsion capabilities. It featured three masts and was propelled by a screw propulsion system. The vessel was equipped with a triple expansion engine, consisting of three cylinders measuring 17.25 inches, 27 inches, and 47 inches in diameter. This powerful engine, built by F. W. Wheeler & Co., generated 1,125 horsepower at 78 revolutions per minute. The propulsion system was supported by two Scotch boilers measuring 11 feet by 12 feet, producing steam at a pressure of 170 pounds per square inch. The vessel was driven by a single propeller, allowing it to navigate the waters with efficiency and reliability.
With its dimensions of 270 feet in length, 40 feet in beam, and 19.1 feet in depth, the George Stone had a gross tonnage of 1,841 and a net tonnage of 1,501. Its spacious cargo holds had a capacity of 2,700 gross tons, enabling the vessel to transport large quantities of goods, particularly coal.
Tragically, the George Stone met its final fate on October 13, 1909, near Grubbs Reef in the Pelee Passage of Lake Erie. While bound for Racine, WI, from Ashtabula, OH, the vessel ran aground and subsequently caught fire. The crew’s attempts to escape were further hindered when a lifeboat capsized, resulting in the loss of six lives. The vessel was ultimately wrecked and lost to the depths of Lake Erie.
Throughout its operational history, the George Stone undertook various towing assignments, highlighting its versatility and capability to assist other vessels. It towed notable ships such as the S.H. Kimball, Sulperior, Baldwin, Adriatic, Negaunee, Quayle, Sandusky, S.O. No. 86, and Thomas Quayle. These towing operations demonstrated the George Stone’s reliability and the trust placed in its abilities within the maritime community.
The George Stone’s final demise marked the end of a vessel that had served the Great Lakes shipping industry for over a decade. Its loss, along with the tragic loss of lives, serves as a reminder of the challenging conditions and risks faced by those involved in maritime transportation during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
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