SMITH MOORE

The MOORE, SMITH, a propeller ship built in 1880, had a distinctive design with a plain head and round stern. It was constructed in Cleveland, Ohio, by George Presley & Co. for the original owners, Smith Moore et.al. from Cleveland. The vessel had two decks and was owned by a group of individuals including F.W. Pelton, H.H. Brown, J.W. Moore, Maria L. Pankhurst, Jno. B. Cowle, and H.D. Coffinberry, all from Cleveland.

Powered by a low-pressure screw propulsion system, the MOORE, SMITH had a single cylinder, 32 x 36″ engine manufactured by Globe Iron Works in Cleveland. It also featured a 10.5 x 18′, 60-pound steam firebox boiler. With hull dimensions measuring 223.4 feet in length, 35 feet in beam, and 18 feet in depth, the vessel had a gross tonnage of 1191.42 and a net tonnage of 1000.22. It had a carrying capacity of 1600 tons.

Throughout its history, the MOORE, SMITH primarily operated in the grain and ore trade. It transported cargo between Cleveland and Marquette, Michigan, from 1881 to 1885. However, the ship encountered some challenges along the way. In February 1881, it was grounded in Toledo, Ohio, but was later released. In September 1884, while unloading cargo in Sandusky, Ohio, it suffered damages due to a fire incident.

Ownership of the vessel changed in 1885, with H.H. Brown and others from Cleveland taking over. The MOORE, SMITH was involved in towing operations, including the towage of the GRACE HOLLAND. In May 1887, the ship’s boiler was rebuilt by the Iron Bay Manufacturing Co. It also towed other vessels such as the JUDA, S.H. KIMBALL, and possibly the FAYETTE BROWN and ALTA.

In February 1889, the MOORE, SMITH entered into a contract with Powell & Mitchell to quarry and pile rocks on a breakwater. However, tragedy struck on July 13, 1889, when the vessel sank in Lake Superior off Grand Island near Munising, Michigan. It was involved in a collision with the steamer JAMES PICKAND in dense fog. Although assistance was provided by the M.M. DRAKE after the fog lifted, the MOORE, SMITH ultimately sank while en route to Munising. It went down with a cargo of 1743 tons of iron ore. The ship’s documents were surrendered on December 21, 1889, marking the end of its active service.