Eli Schriver (later renamed Emma Munson, and briefly Ella Munson U61169

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Link to a video of the Remains of the EMMA MUNSON –
Bob Sherwood Video

Vessel Name: Eli Schriver (later renamed Emma Munson, and briefly Ella Munson)
Vessel Type: Tugboat / Towboat (Wooden Screw Steamer)
Built: 1873, Buffalo, New York
Builder: George H. Notter
Dimensions:
- Length: 64.5 feet (19.7 meters)
- Beam: 12.1 feet (3.7 meters)
- Depth: 6.8 feet (2.1 meters)
  Gross Tonnage: 32 tons
  Propulsion: Single screw propulsion system
  Initial Owner: A. E. Munson, Cobourg, Ontario
  Final Ownership: McNaughton & Co., Montreal, Quebec
  Home Ports: Cobourg, Ontario; Montreal, Quebec
  Official Number: C 61169

The Eli Schriver, a tugboat (also known as a towboat), was constructed in 1873 in Buffalo, New York. Built by George H. Notter, the vessel measured 64.5 feet in length, 12.1 feet in beam, and 6.8 feet in depth. It had a gross tonnage of 32 tons and was powered by a single screw propulsion system. The tugboat was initially owned by A. E. Munson of Cobourg, Ontario.

In 1876, the ownership of the Eli Schriver transferred to A. E. Munson and it was renamed the Emma Munson. Under this new name, the vessel continued its operations. It underwent a rebuild in 1886 and was reduced to its original gross tonnage of 32 tons. In 1886, Fred A. Munson of Winnipeg, Manitoba became the new owner.

Throughout its history, the Emma Munson encountered various incidents. In 1890, it collided with the steamer Niagara in Buffalo, resulting in damage to its upper works. By 1899, ownership of the vessel had changed to McNaughton & Co. based in Montreal, Quebec. At this point, it was still recognized as the Eli Schriver, indicating its previous name.

The National Board of Lake Underwriters provided additional information about the Emma Munson and its previous name. In their records, the vessel was classified as a propeller with a tonnage of 50 tons. It was built in Buffalo in 1873 by George Notter and owned by A. E. Munson. The Emma Munson had a home port in Montreal and was valued at $9,000. It was classified as Class A1.

Similarly, the National Board of Lake Underwriters’ Lake Vessel Register for 1873 listed the Eli Schriver as a propeller with no specified tonnage. It was built in Buffalo in 1873 by G.H. Notter and owned by Shriver & others. The tugboat had a home port in Buffalo and was valued at $10,000. It was also classified as Class A1.

The vessel underwent a name change and was renamed Ella Munson in Canada, identified by the official number C 61169. The Herman Runge List mentioned the steam screw Eli Schriver, which was renamed Ella Munson in Canada and had a gross tonnage of 32 tons. The information provided in the list matched the details of the vessel.

In the Ship Registration records, the name of the vessel was recorded as Emma Munson, with its registration taking place in 1873. It was classified as a wooden screw steamer and registered in Montreal, Quebec. The ship’s gross tonnage was 32 tons, and the official number was 61169.

Overall, the history of the Eli Schriver (later renamed Emma Munson) involves changes in ownership, a rebuild, a collision, and eventual ownership by McNaughton & Co.

3D Model by Thousand Islands Historical Society

Emma Munson by SRHF on Sketchfab

Discharge mortgage on register of steam tug EMMA MUNSON

References and Links #

Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Comprehensive documentation of Great Lakes vessels, including the Eli Schriver / Emma Munson.
David Swayze Shipwreck File: Detailed records of vessels, including ownership changes, incidents, and other significant events.
National Board of Lake Underwriters Lake Vessel Register: Provides classification and valuation of vessels like the Eli Schriver during its service life.
Herman Runge List: Historical documentation of vessels, including official numbers, tonnage, and registry details.
Canadian Ship Registration Records: Information on the registration and classification of vessels like the Emma Munson under Canadian law.