Other Names #
- ARGYLE
Site Orientation #
- Propeller
- 70ffw
- 135ft length
- Amherst Island Graveyard
History #
GLENGARRY, originally named ARGYLE, is filled with various incidents and transformations. The vessel was built in 1872 at St. Catharines by J. Shickluna, initially serving as a passenger and package freight steamer. ARGYLE encountered misfortunes early on, going ashore on Grenadier Island in the St. Lawrence River in August 1872. Despite the setbacks, the ship continued its operations and became part of the “Merchant’s Line” between Montreal and Chicago from 1873 to 1880. Ownership of ARGYLE changed hands over the years, with notable owners including R.C. Graham, George Campbell, and John E. Graham.
In its eventful journey, ARGYLE suffered damages and sinking incidents. In September 1877, the ship hit a pier while entering Port Burwell, Ontario, resulting in its sinking. However, it was successfully raised and eventually wrecked at Michipicoten on Lake Superior in May 1884 while carrying supplies for Canadian Pacific Railway construction crews. The ship was scuttled for hull protection but later salvaged and laid up at Collingwood. In 1885, the wreck was purchased by Rorie McLennan of Prince Arthur’s Landing, and subsequently acquired by the Montreal Transportation Co. in September 1885.
Under the ownership of the Montreal Transportation Co., ARGYLE underwent a significant transformation. The vessel was rebuilt as a steam barge at the company’s Kingston yard, with reconstruction completed in April 1886. The rebuild involved lengthening the ship by 35 feet, widening it by 3 feet, and reducing its height by 1 foot. To strengthen ARGYLE for service on the upper lakes, solid sides and a steel arch were added, and the keelson was reinforced with wood and steel. The ship received new stanchions and timber holes. Although there were considerations to compound the engine, it appears that this modification was not implemented.
ARGYLE faced further challenges and accidents, including collisions and fires. In August 1888, the vessel collided with the American paddle steamer SYLVAN STREAM in Rochester, New York harbor during a gale. Subsequently, it underwent repairs at the Montreal Transportation Co.’s Kingston yard in the winter of 1888-1889. The repairs included altering the stern and installing a new boiler worth $7,000. ARGYLE encountered additional accidents and incidents, such as running aground on Lake Superior, losing the barge GLENORA, and experiencing a cabin fire in Kingston in 1892, resulting in the death of one woman.
In 1893, ARGYLE underwent another round of rebuilding. This time, its pilothouse was relocated forward, and three masts were added. The ship frequently towed the consort barges JOHN GASKIN and GLENORA, forming the “three G’s” towing unit. Despite its troubles, ARGYLE continued its operations, including a collision with the American dredge CLINTON in 1898.
The vessel went through further transformations and changes in ownership. It sank in 1903 but was rebuilt for the third time. It was subsequently sold to the Melbourne Steamship Co. in 1906 and then to grain dealer James Richardson and Sons of Kingston in 1908. Under James Richardson and Sons’ ownership, the ship struck a pier of Montreal’s Victoria Bridge and sank in August 1909. After being rebuilt in Sorel, Quebec, in 1912, ARGYLE collided with the canaller J.H. PLUMMER in October 1915. Alphonse A. Laroque of Montreal (Sincennes-McNaughton) owned the vessel during this time.
After its eventful history, ARGYLE was eventually converted into a barge. It faced further challenges, including being waterlogged at the entrance to the Berthier Channel of the St. Lawrence River in 1920 and was subsequently abandoned.
It is worth noting that the McLennan brothers, founders of the Montreal Transportation Co., hailed from Glengarry County. The Montreal Transportation Co. also had a tow barge with the same name as ARGYLE from 1872 to 1910, adding to the historical significance of the vessel and its connection to the company’s operations.
