Other Names
- General Sherman U10630
The Alexander, originally built as the General Sherman with the official number US#10630, was a wooden propeller vessel used for passenger and package freight transportation. It was constructed in 1865 by J. Monk in Sandusky, Ohio. The ship had dimensions of 104 feet in length, 23 feet in width, and 6 feet in depth, with a gross tonnage of 129.
On October 4, 1879, the Alexander met its tragic fate approximately four miles from Belle River, Ontario, in Lake St. Clair. The vessel was carrying lumber, specifically ship planks, while en route from Chatham, Ontario, to Detroit. A fire broke out near its stack, rapidly engulfing the ship. Despite efforts to control the blaze, the Alexander ultimately burned to a total loss. The fire was so severe that the vessel broke in two and sank. No mention was made of any loss of life in available records.
In 1873, the Alexander was sold to Canadian owners. It was primarily associated with Joseph Roberts or Peter McKerran of Chatham, although its port of hail was listed as Montreal.
Interestingly, there are discrepancies regarding the vessel’s propulsion type. While some sources indicate it was a propeller or steambarge, the Detroit newspaper at the time of its launch described it as having side wheels on its quarter, suggesting it may have been a sidewheeler or a “pollywog” (a vessel with side wheels). However, most sources categorize it as a propeller or sternwheeler.
The information provided is based on available historical records, including details from the Marine Museum of the Great Lakes (MMGL) and contemporary newspaper sources.
External Links
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes
- Marine Museum of the Great Lakes – Mills Listing
- David Swayze Shipwreck File
