WESTON, ALEX (1870, Propeller)
Identification & Site Information:
•Vessel Name: WESTON, ALEX
•Year of Build: 1870
Construction and Ownership
•Built at: Wallaceburg, Ontario
•Vessel Type: Propeller-driven vessel
Power and Propulsion
•Propulsion: Screw
Hull Dimensions
•Tonnage (Gross): 150 tons
Vessel Type
The Alex Weston was a screw-propelled vessel, a type commonly used in the Great Lakes for transporting cargo and passengers in the late 19th century. Screw propulsion, as opposed to paddlewheels, allowed for greater maneuverability and efficiency in navigating the lakes and rivers. Built in Wallaceburg, Ontario, the Alex Weston was likely involved in local trade routes, carrying goods across Lake Ontario and nearby areas.
History
The Alex Weston had a very brief career:
•1870: Built and launched in Wallaceburg, Ontario.
•1871: The vessel was destroyed by fire at Lambton, Ontario, just a year after its construction. The available records provide no details regarding the cause of the fire or whether any lives were lost.
Final Disposition
The Alex Weston was destroyed by fire in 1871 at Lambton, Ontario. There are no known records detailing the exact circumstances of the fire or any potential salvage efforts. The ship was a total loss, marking a short service life.
Located By & Date
There are no modern records indicating the wreck of the Alex Weston has been located or recovered. Given the nature of the fire, it is likely that little, if any, of the vessel remains.
Notmars & Advisories
There are no navigational hazards associated with the Alex Weston as the vessel was destroyed by fire at Lambton, Ontario.
Resources & Links
For more historical information on Great Lakes vessels:
•Maritime History of the Great Lakes
The Alex Weston’s brief service and untimely destruction highlight the risks faced by early screw-propelled vessels, where fire was a common hazard, especially aboard wooden ships.
