The Ida E. was built in 1887 in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. Originally constructed as a steambarge, it had a length of 132 feet, a beam of 28.5 feet, and a depth of 9 feet. Its gross tonnage was 181.92 and net tonnage was 146.85. The vessel was powered by a single high-pressure engine with one cylinder, measuring 18 inches by 20 inches, producing 250 horsepower. It had a single propeller and was equipped with a 7-foot by 17-foot firebox boiler generating 100 pounds of steam.
The Ida E. had several owners throughout its history. It was initially owned by the Manistee Salt & Lumber Co. in Manistee, Michigan. Over the years, ownership changed hands, with various lumber companies and individuals from Manistee and Mt. Clemens, Michigan, acquiring the vessel. In 1909, ownership transferred to Grant Graham Horne of Wolfe Island, Ontario, Canada.
In 1910, the Ida E. was registered in Canada with the official number C126222. In 1917, the vessel underwent a rebuilding process in Montreal, Quebec, resulting in a reduced length of 120.3 feet, increased beam of 29 feet, and decreased tonnage of 198 gross tons. During this reconstruction, the engines were removed.
The Ida E. had various owners involved in the sand and gravel industry. It was owned by the River Sand Co., Consolidated Sand Co., and Consolidated Oka Sand & Gravel Co., all located in Montreal. Its final registration closed in 1942.
Unfortunately, the available information does not provide specific details about the sinking of the Ida E. near Île Perrot, Quebec, or the circumstances surrounding the incident.
