Shotline Diving

Connecting You to the Depths of the Great Lakes

John F. Eddy

1. IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION The EDDY, JOHN F. was a wooden bulk freighter built in 1886 at Detroit, Michigan. After an active career in the grain and bulk trades, she was later dismantled and converted into a tow barge. She foundered in Lake Erie on 13 November 1920, approximately 7 miles off West Sister…

1. IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION

The EDDY, JOHN F. was a wooden bulk freighter built in 1886 at Detroit, Michigan. After an active career in the grain and bulk trades, she was later dismantled and converted into a tow barge. She foundered in Lake Erie on 13 November 1920, approximately 7 miles off West Sister Island.

The wreck lies in Lake Erie; precise coordinates are not yet confirmed in the available material. Depth is not specified in current records and requires verification.

She was dynamited after sinking due to her position as a navigation hazard.

2. CONSTRUCTION & OWNERSHIP

The vessel was built in 1886 by Detroit Dry Dock Co., Detroit, MI (Hull No. 76).

  • Type: Wooden bulk freighter (later tow barge)
  • Hull: Wood
  • Decks: 1
  • Length: 259.2 ft (79.0 m)
  • Beam: 37.6 ft (11.5 m)
  • Depth: 20 ft (6.1 m)
  • Gross Tonnage: 1,678
  • Net Tonnage: 1,252
  • Official Number: 76645
  • Original Owner: Eddy Brothers & Shaw, Bay City, MI
  • Notable Later Owners:
    • Eddy Transportation Co., Hampton, MI
    • Sulphite Fibre Transportation Co., Delray, MI
    • Dry Dock Navigation Co., Utica, MI
    • Tonawanda Iron & Steel Co., North Tonawanda, NY
    • Pringle Barge Line Co., Mentor Special District, OH

She was described as having two stacks and three masts during her powered service.

3. POWER & MACHINERY

As built, EDDY, JOHN F. was powered by:

  • Engine Type: Fore-and-aft compound steam engine
  • Cylinders: 25″ and 48″ x 40″ stroke
  • Horsepower: 600 hp
  • RPM: 80
  • Boilers: Two firebox boilers (9½’ x 14′)
  • Steam Pressure: 108 lbs
  • Builder: Dry Dock Engine Works, Detroit, MI (1886)
  • Propulsion: Single screw

In 1913, she was dismantled and rebuilt as a tow barge, removing her machinery.

4. SERVICE HISTORY

Enrolled at Detroit on 20 September 1886, she operated extensively in Great Lakes bulk service, particularly in the Duluth–Buffalo grain trade.

Notable events include:

  • Regular towing operations, including the barge JOHN SHAW and CHARLES FOSTER.
  • 1894: Her tow, schooner JOHN SHAW, foundered off AuSable, MI.
  • 1895: Went ashore at Grosse Point; later released.
  • 1899: Rebuilt.
  • 1900: Operated under Tonawanda Iron & Steel Co.
  • 1913: Dismantled and rebuilt as a tow barge.

Her career reflects the common transition of aging steamers into unpowered barges during the early 20th century.

5. LOSS CIRCUMSTANCES

  • Date of Loss: 13 November 1920
  • Location: Approximately 7 miles off West Sister Island, Lake Erie
  • Cargo: Coal
  • Cause: Foundered after springing a leak while in tow of the tug CUSTODIAN

Weather conditions are not detailed in current records. No casualty information is presently confirmed.

After sinking, the wreck was reportedly dynamited to reduce hazard to navigation, which likely significantly altered site integrity.

6. DISCOVERY, OUTCOME & LATER HISTORY

There is no current documentation of a formal modern rediscovery survey in the available sources. Given that the wreck was dynamited, remains may be scattered or partially buried.

Further hydrographic or diver confirmation is required to clarify present condition and orientation.

7. WRECK DESCRIPTION & DIVE CONDITIONS

Because the vessel was dynamited, the wreck is likely fragmented. Structural remains may include:

  • Hull timbers
  • Deck framing
  • Machinery remnants (if any survived removal prior to barge conversion)

Depth, visibility, and site hazards are not yet confirmed and must be verified before any dive planning.

Divers are reminded:

  • Leave only bubbles, take only memories.
  • Artifact removal is illegal in Great Lakes jurisdictions without proper permits.
  • Shotline promotes strict no-touch documentation practices.
  • Be the diver that makes a difference — remove only modern garbage where appropriate and leave the site better than you found it.

Given its history and post-sinking demolition, the site should be approached as a protected archaeological resource.

8. REFERENCES & LINKS

For detailed references and supporting documents, see the References & Links section on this page.

Shotline Diving Site Profile

Name: EDDY, JOHN F.
Other Names: Not confirmed
Official Number: 76645
Registry: United States
Vessel Type: Bulk Freighter (later Tow Barge)
Builder: Detroit Dry Dock Co., Detroit, MI
Year Built: 1886
Dimensions: 259.2′ x 37.6′ x 20′ (79.0 m x 11.5 m x 6.1 m)
Tonnage: 1,678 gross / 1,252 net
Cargo on Final Voyage: Coal
Date of Loss: 13 November 1920
Location: 7 miles off West Sister Island, Lake Erie
Coordinates: Not yet confirmed
Depth: Not yet confirmed
Home Port: Various (early service Bay City, MI; later multiple owners)
Owners: Eddy Brothers & Shaw; Eddy Transportation Co.; Sulphite Fibre Transportation Co.; Dry Dock Navigation Co.; Tonawanda Iron & Steel Co.; Pringle Barge Line Co.
Crew: Not confirmed
Casualties: Not confirmed