The Steamer ELLA ROSS, formerly known as GIPSEY, was a paddlewheel passenger steamer that served on the waterways of Ontario, Canada, during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Built in 1879 at Montreal by William Webster, the vessel was originally intended for river and bay travel, with a home port in Kingston.
**Early Years and Ownership Changes:**
Initially, the steamer was owned by J. D. Murphy of Toronto, Ontario, and was classified as an A1 vessel. It had a gross tonnage of 325 tons and measured 99 feet in length, 19 feet in breadth, and 6 feet in depth. The ELLA ROSS had a sidewheel configuration, and its powerful engine, a horizontal low-pressure engine built at Kingston, produced 85 horsepower.
In 1887, the vessel underwent a significant change in ownership and name. Captain W. Garrett of Smith’s Falls acquired the steamer from the Rathbun Company and renamed it ELLA ROSS. The vessel was re-registered under the Official Canadian Number 77589 with a home port in Deseronto.
**Rise and Fall:**
Under the new ownership, the ELLA ROSS operated as a sidewheel steamer and primarily served the waterways between Montreal and Kingston via Ottawa and the Rideau Canal. The vessel’s journey took passengers through picturesque landscapes and offered a unique travel experience.
Throughout its years of service, the ELLA ROSS changed hands multiple times. The Rathbun Company and Deseronto Navigation Co. were among the subsequent owners.
**The Tragic End:**
On June 5, 1912, tragedy struck the ELLA ROSS at the Parry Sound wharf. The vessel caught fire and was completely destroyed, resulting in a total loss. The incident marked the end of its storied career on the waterways of Ontario.
**Wreck and Legacy:**
Following the devastating fire, the wreck of the ELLA ROSS was left to rot at the Parry Sound wharf. The vessel’s value at the time of the accident was estimated at $6,000.
Despite the tragic end, the legacy of the ELLA ROSS lives on through historical records and documentation of its role in the transportation and passenger travel industry of 19th and early 20th-century Ontario. As an integral part of the region’s maritime history, the ELLA ROSS continues to be remembered and commemorated as a vessel that once navigated the scenic waterways, connecting people and places during an era of growth and exploration.
