C HICKOX C105817

C. Hickox was built in Black Creek, Ohio, marking the beginning of its maritime journey. Registered under Canadian number 105817, this vessel, with dimensions of 131 feet in length, 25 feet in beam, and 9 feet in depth, had a gross tonnage of 208 tons. Originally constructed in the United States, it eventually found its way into Canadian waters.

Throughout its history, C. Hickox changed ownership multiple times and underwent various transformations. In 1874, it came under the ownership of the Kelley Island Lime Company, with Charles Hickox serving as the company’s president. A new wheel was added to the vessel, enhancing its propulsion capabilities. In subsequent years, it changed hands several times, owned by individuals and companies in Detroit, Muskegon, and Milwaukee, among others.

The vessel served diverse purposes, from carrying lumber between Muskegon and Chicago to transporting brick under the ownership of Edward Phillips in Saint Clair, Michigan. Its versatile nature allowed it to navigate the Great Lakes and contribute to various industries along its routes.

However, tragedy struck C. Hickox on December 2, 1906, as it met a devastating fate on Lake Ontario. Bound from Oswego, New York, to Belleville, Ontario, the vessel suffered a destructive fire, which ultimately led to its stranding on Main Duck Island. It was a total loss, both in terms of the vessel itself and its cargo of coal. The estimated value of the loss was $8,000, a substantial sum at the time.

The ill-fated vessel left a mark on the landscape of Main Duck Island. The remains of its boiler served as a somber reminder of the shipwreck for decades to come