The VICTOR was a river barge that operated from 1883 to 1895. It had a new measurement tonnage of 200 tons and a register tonnage of 186 tons. The barge had a length of 104.4 feet and a capacity of 14,000 bushels. It was built in Quebec City (Mills mentioned Levis, Quebec) by Cantin in 1873.
In 1874, the VICTOR was rated 1 and valued at $6,800. By 1878, its rating remained at 1, but its value decreased to $5,200. In 1882, it received an A2 rating, indicating its good condition. However, in 1884, it was rated as 00, rendering it uninsurable. The rating was further downgraded to B2 in 1885. According to the provided definitions, it was only suitable for coarse freight.
The Montreal Elevating Co. was likely the first owner of the VICTOR, possibly intending it for operations on the Richelieu River. In 1873, it was part of Montreal Transportation Co.’s tows to Kingston, Ontario. However, by 1874, it came under the ownership of the St. Lawrence & Chicago Forwarding Co. Later, in 1883, when the Montreal Transportation Co. acquired the forwarding company, the VICTOR became part of their fleet.
In 1891, the VICTOR suffered fire damage, believed to be the result of arson, near the Cotton Mill in Kingston’s inner harbor. The Whig newspaper described the barge as rotten. Subsequently, it was broken up, and on April 27, 1899, it was officially removed from the register.
