IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION: #
VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION: #
The Welshman was a wooden steamship constructed in 1900 in Ottawa, Ontario, by N. Tessier. The vessel was powered by a screw propulsion system, using a propeller for movement, and was initially equipped with an engine measuring 12×14, manufactured by Black & Co. in Brockville. With a gross tonnage of 156 tons, the Welshman was designed for cargo transport and likely served as a steam barge throughout its operational life.
HISTORY: #
The Welshman began its service in 1900 under the ownership of the Ottawa Forwarding Co., which retained ownership until at least 1908. The vessel played a critical role in transporting goods along the waterways of Ontario and Quebec, contributing to the region’s economic activities.
The Welshman underwent its first significant rebuild in 1905, which resulted in its dimensions being recorded as 105 feet in length, 23 feet in width, and 6 feet in depth. The rebuild likely involved enhancements to the vessel’s structure or machinery, maintaining its utility as a steam barge. Despite the rebuild, the vessel retained its original official number of 107789.
Ownership of the Welshman changed hands again in 1912 when it was transferred to the Rideau Canal Supply Co., which owned the vessel until 1927. In 1911, the vessel was renamed Glen Isle and continued its service, likely still involved in transportation and cargo operations.
FINAL DISPOSITION: #
The Welshman (Glen Isle) encountered a significant incident on July 11, 1909, when it was damaged by fire near Lachute, Quebec. Despite the damage, the vessel was rebuilt to larger dimensions, measuring 108 feet in length, 24 feet in width, and 7 feet in depth, indicating substantial modifications or repairs.
Unfortunately, the vessel met its final fate on October 11, 1930, when it was destroyed by fire in Gatineau, Quebec. The specific circumstances of the fire that led to the vessel’s destruction are not detailed in the available historical records, but the incident marked the end of the Welshman’s operational history.
NOTMARs & ADVISORIES: #
No specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) related to the Welshman (Glen Isle) have been identified.
RESOURCES & LINKS: #
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Provides records and historical accounts related to the vessels of the Great Lakes and surrounding waterways.
- Ottawa Historical Archives: For further research into the history of steamships like the Welshman and their impact on regional maritime activities.
CONCLUSION: #
The Welshman, later known as Glen Isle, was a versatile and significant vessel that served various roles in the transportation and maritime industry of Ontario and Quebec during the early 20th century. From its initial construction in 1900 to its multiple rebuilds, the steamship adapted to the changing needs of its owners and continued to play a vital role in cargo transportation. Despite surviving a fire in 1909 and being rebuilt, the vessel’s ultimate destruction by fire in 1930 marked the end of its service. The legacy of the Welshman reflects the challenges faced by steamships during this period and the important role they played in the region’s economic development.
KEYWORDS: #
Welshman, Glen Isle, Steamship, Ottawa Ontario, Gatineau Quebec, Screw-Propelled Vessel, 20th-century maritime history, wooden shipwreck, fire, steam barge.
