Identification & Site Information

• Vessel Name: Marshall F. Butters
• Vessel Type: Steam Propeller (Lumber Hooker)
• Year Built: 1882
• Official Number: 91408
• Construction: Wood
• Length: 164 feet (50 meters)
• Beam: 30 feet (9.1 meters)
• Depth: 10 feet (3.0 meters)
• Gross Tonnage: 376 tons
• Engine: Compound Steeple Engine (18” and 40” x 30”), 275 nominal horsepower
• Final Location: Lake Erie, near Southeast Shoal, close to the mouth of the Detroit River
• GPS Coordinates: N 41°43.636’, W 82°17.370’
• Depth: 70 feet (23 meters)

Vessel Type Description

The Marshall F. Butters was a steam-powered lumber hooker, a vessel specifically designed for the transportation of lumber across the Great Lakes. The ship featured a sturdy wooden Hull and was powered by a compound Steeple Engine, making it a reliable workhorse for its time. Known for its capacity and versatility, the Marshall F. Butters was a vital part of the lumber trade, which was integral to the economic development of the Great Lakes region in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

History

The Marshall F. Butters began its service in 1882, enrolled in Grand Haven, Michigan, and was initially owned by Horace and Marshall Butters of Manistee, Michigan. Over its operational life, the vessel underwent significant rebuilds, including one at Rieboldt & Walters Shipyard in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin, between 1900 and 1901. The upgrades included a new compound Steeple Engine and additional improvements, ensuring the vessel remained competitive and capable in the demanding Great Lakes trade.

Ownership of the vessel changed hands multiple times, reflecting its ongoing utility in the region’s lumber and transportation industries. By 1915, it was owned by the Stearns Salt & Lumber Co. of Ludington, Michigan.

Despite its resilience and upgrades, the Marshall F. Butters met its end on October 20, 1916, during a severe gale on Lake Erie. While carrying a load of lumber, the vessel Foundered near Southeast Shoal, close to the Detroit River. Remarkably, all 13 crew members aboard were rescued by the steamers Billings and Hartwell, ensuring no loss of life in this tragic event.

Final Disposition

The Marshall F. Butters was declared a Total Loss following its sinking. Reports from the Buffalo Daily Courier indicate that debris, including a mast, was later discovered near Southeast Shoal. This confirmed the ship’s final resting place. The vessel’s sinking marked the end of a 34-year service career that had seen it navigate tens of thousands of miles across the Great Lakes.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The wreck of the Marshall F. Butters lies in approximately 70 feet (23 meters) of water in Lake Erie. The wreck is partially intact, with a prominent rise at the bow. Due to its historical significance and the nature of its cargo and service, the site is of interest to divers and maritime historians. However, care should be taken when diving the site due to potential hazards from the wreckage’s condition and surrounding debris.

Significance

The Marshall F. Butters represents an era when wooden steam-powered vessels were the backbone of Great Lakes commerce. The ship’s service in the lumber industry highlights the economic and industrial importance of the region’s maritime trade. Its eventual loss during a gale underscores the ever-present dangers faced by mariners on the Great Lakes, even aboard sturdy and well-maintained vessels.

Resources & Links

• Great Lakes Ships Database
• Bowling Green State University – Historical Collections
• David Swayze Shipwreck File
• Maritime History of the Great Lakes
• Manistee County Historical Museum  Manistee Historical Museum  The museum houses local records, including maritime and lumber industry archives.
• Library of Congress – Ship Registries
• Wisconsin Historical Society

Keywords

Marshall F. Butters, Lumber Hooker, Lake Erie Shipwreck, Southeast Shoal, Stearns Salt & Lumber Co., Wooden Steam Propeller, Great Lakes Maritime History, 1916 Gale.

Conclusion

The Marshall F. Butters is a testament to the industrious spirit of the Great Lakes’ maritime community during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Its career, marked by resilience and adaptation, ended in a tragic yet fortunate event, with all crew members surviving. Today, the wreck site offers a poignant glimpse into the region’s rich maritime history, preserving the legacy of a vessel that played a crucial role in the development of the Great Lakes’ industrial economy.