Other Names
- JUSTIN R. WHITING
The Whiting and the Bessemer: Tales of Great Lakes Propellers
The Great Lakes have witnessed countless stories of maritime adventures, and among them are the tales of two remarkable propeller-driven vessels—the JUSTIN R. WHITING or the Bessemer. These wooden barges played their roles in the bustling shipping industry of the late 19th century, navigating the vast expanse of the Great Lakes to transport cargo and passengers. Let’s delve into the fascinating history of these vessels, from their construction to their final moments on the tempestuous waters of Lake Superior.
The Justin R. Whiting, later known as the Bessemer, was built in 1875 at St. Clair, Michigan, under the watchful eye of shipbuilder Simon Langell. Constructed from wood, the barge measured 138.2 feet in length, 26.2 feet in beam, and had a depth of 15.8 feet. Its gross tonnage amounted to 458.32 tons, and it featured a single deck and two masts. Originally owned by Simon Langell and others, the vessel was later listed under the ownership of J. R. Whiting and associates.
In 1885, the Justin R. Whiting underwent a transformative journey, undergoing extensive reconstruction in Milwaukee. It was lengthened by 45 feet and widened by 3 feet, emerging as the newly christened Bessemer. The vessel was reimagined as a package freighter with passenger cabins, showcasing the adaptability of Great Lakes propellers to meet the changing demands of the shipping industry.
Throughout its career, the Bessemer played a significant role in the transportation of iron ore, a vital commodity in the region. It towed various barges, including the Guiding Star and the David Vance, as it traversed Lake Superior. However, the ship was not without its share of challenges. In 1887, it suffered damage from ice while navigating the frigid waters of Lake Superior.
The final chapter in the life of the Bessemer unfolded on October 5, 1889, off the north end of the Portage Lake Ship Canal in Lake Superior. Caught in a rapidly intensifying storm, the Bessemer and its consort, the Schuylkill, made a desperate attempt to seek shelter. However, their efforts were in vain, as the vessels collided and ran aground on a reef near the canal’s mouth. The crew, numbering nineteen individuals, narrowly escaped by leaping onto the breakwater.
The wreckage of the Bessemer and the Schuylkill obstructed the Portage Lake Ship Canal until the following autumn when dynamite was used to clear the debris. The loss of the Bessemer marked the end of its storied career on the Great Lakes, but its memory lives on as a testament to the challenging conditions and risks faced by mariners of that era.
The stories of the Justin R. Whiting and the Bessemer epitomize the era of Great Lakes propellers—a time when these vessels plied the waters, braving storms and carrying valuable cargo. From their construction and transformations to their fateful encounter with Lake Superior’s unforgiving nature, these ships stand as reminders of the resilience and perseverance of those who sailed the Great Lakes.
