Other Names #
- COLIN CAMPBELL U5719
History #
The COLIN CAMPBELL, initially launched as the steambarge EMBURY in 1869 at Gibraltar, Michigan, had a long and eventful history before meeting its tragic end. Constructed by Linn & Craig, the vessel was built with a wooden hull, measuring 158.7 feet in length, 30.2 feet in beam, and 11.4 feet in depth. It had a gross tonnage of 373.23 and a net tonnage of 280. The COLIN CAMPBELL was capable of carrying 500,000 feet of lumber.
Originally owned by the Northwestern Transportation Co. in Detroit, Michigan, the COLIN CAMPBELL was powered by a high-pressure non-condensing engine, with a single cylinder and a propeller for propulsion. Over the years, the vessel changed owners several times, including William H. Ingram and Joseph W. Dennis of Buffalo, New York.
Throughout its existence, the COLIN CAMPBELL was involved in various towing operations, frequently hauling barges and vessels laden with cargo. It carried iron ore between Escanaba, Michigan, Cleveland, Ohio, and Erie, Pennsylvania. The vessel also faced numerous incidents, including running aground at St. Clair Flats, breaking loose from tow, and colliding with the schooner L.B. WILSON near Racine, Wisconsin.
In 1874, the COLIN CAMPBELL was reported to have made eight round trips to Lake Superior. It towed the schooner HALSTAD, and in September of that year, it served as a consort to the CITY OF PAINESVILLE and SEABIRD. The vessel underwent repairs and improvements over the years, including being re-boilered in Milwaukee and rebuilt with steel internal chords.
In 1901, the COLIN CAMPBELL was renamed the EMBURY. Tragically, on December 4, 1903, the vessel caught fire and was beached at Eldorado Dock on Grand Island in the Niagara River. It was ultimately destroyed by the fire and became a total loss. At the time of the incident, the EMBURY was carrying lumber. The vessel’s long and eventful history came to an end, leaving behind a legacy of its maritime adventures and misfortunes.
