THE SAGA OF THE STEAMER WILLIAM C. MORELAND: FROM TRAGEDY TO TRIUMPH
The steamer William C. Moreland, a magnificent freighter owned by Jones & Laughlin of Pittsburgh, was a sight to behold when she first set sail in September 1910. However, her fate took a dark turn on October 18, 1910, when she ran aground at Eagle River Reef, Michigan, with 23 crew members on board. The grounding left the vessel stranded, and efforts to remove her before winter proved futile. As the harsh winter weather took its toll, the Moreland broke into three parts, leaving her a total loss. The fortunate silver lining in this unfortunate event was that all crew members managed to escape in small boats, ensuring no lives were lost.
In the aftermath of the tragedy, efforts to salvage the vessel were undertaken. Wreckers were dispatched to the site, attempting to salvage some of the cargo. However, they were driven away by a ferocious northwest storm, delaying their efforts. The tugs Favorite and Whalan continued their salvage operations when conditions improved, but the damage had been done.
The Eagle River Reef had earned a notorious reputation over the years, with the Moreland becoming the sixteenth vessel to meet its demise at the perilous spot in just 16 years. Previous wrecks included the steamer J. H. Pickands in 1894 and the steamer Colorado, lost two years later. Even while attempting to salvage other wrecks, the tug Fern itself became another victim of the reef.
In November 1910, tragedy struck again near Keweenaw Point when the wooden steamer Wasago caught fire while taking shelter from heavy northwest gales at Copper Harbor. The crew was rescued, but the vessel sank in 30 feet of water, with a total loss of $200,000.
In a surprising turn of events, hope arose for the Moreland in 1911 when Captain James Reid of the Reid Wrecking Company managed to float the wreck and announced plans to take her to Superior for repairs. The vessel was pumped out and eventually towed to Portage Lake, displaying remarkable resilience despite the ordeal she had endured.
However, fate seemed determined to test the Moreland’s endurance. Once the wreck was brought into port, it was revealed that during the winter, the vessel had been looted of almost everything movable, leaving Captain Reid determined to prosecute those responsible for the theft.
After several months of repairs, the Moreland embarked on another adventure in 1916 when she was towed stern-first to the Superior shipyards, where a new forward end was built for her. The salvaged half of the vessel was now ready to be connected to the new bow, making her complete again.
The Moreland’s transformation was complete when she was officially renamed the Sir Trevor Dawson. The vessel, previously a symbol of tragedy, had now become a testament to resilience and triumph. Under the operation of the Canada Steamship Company, she was ready to sail once more.
The Sir Trevor Dawson, formerly known as the William C. Moreland, stands as a reminder of the unpredictable and unforgiving nature of the Great Lakes. She bore witness to the tragedies of the treacherous Eagle River Reef, but also demonstrated the determination of those who refused to let her tale end in sorrow. As she set sail once more, she carried with her the stories of survival, resilience, and the unwavering spirit of those who navigated the perilous waters of the Great Lakes.
