Kate Felcher (1868)

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

• Name: Kate Felcher
• Type: Wooden Tug/Barge
• Year Built: Circa 1868
• Builder:
• Dimensions: Length X ft (Y m); Beam; Depth of hold
• Registered Tonnage:
• Location: At her dock in Saginaw City, on the Saginaw River
• Original Owners: Capt. Geo. Felcher of Saginaw; co-owned by F. Wheeler & W. Garbatt, Saginaw

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

Kate Felcher served as a wooden steam barge or tug, likely used in the Saginaw lumber or freight trade of the early Great Lakes industrial era. Exact dimensions and propulsion details are not documented, but her classification aligns with small commercial steam craft operating on inland waterways.

Description

On 23 November 1870 (some sources cite 1878), Kate Felcher caught fire while docked in Emerson Bayou, adjacent to Saginaw City. She was intentionally scuttled to quench the flames, preventing the fire from spreading. Reports indicate she may have been disposed of profitably, suggesting possible deliberate burning by insurers or owners—a form of early vessel fraud. Her recorded insured value was more than twice that reported in later registers.

After the fire, she appears never to have re-entered registry. Some ambiguity in date—1870 vs. 1878—likely arises from differing documentation; the vessel surrendered her certificate at Port Huron register on 14 January 1878.

History

• Built around 1868, likely commissioned by—or named for—the Felcher family of Saginaw, a local maritime entrepreneur.
• Operated under Capt. George Felcher with registered ownership including F. Wheeler and W. Garbatt—likely involved in Saginaw river trade in coal, lumber, and freight.
• Insured at a value significantly exceeding later valuations—possibly indicating investment over-cost or premeditated loss.

Significant Incidents

• 23 November 1870: Caught fire while docked, leading to intentional scuttling to extinguish the flames.
• Insurance Fraud Possibility: Insured for more than twice her apparent value, hinting at possible deliberate disposal.

Final Disposition

Kate Felcher was destroyed by fire at her dock, scuttled to extinguish the blaze. She never was restored or re-registered for further service. Her registry was formally surrendered in 1878, closing her official record.

Current Condition & Accessibility

• No known archaeological or dive survey exists for Kate Felcher.
• Exact wreck location remains within Saginaw River harbor area, but uncertain given possible removal or salvage.

Resources & Links

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The Kate Felcher, built circa 1868, was a wooden steam tug or barge operating on the Saginaw River. On 23 November 1870, she was reportedly engulfed in fire at her dock in Saginaw City; the flames were contained by intentional scuttling. No casualties were reported. Despite the actual loss occurring around 1870, her registry was only surrendered in January 1878, introducing ambiguity in secondary sources. Notably, she was insured for more than twice her apparent value, and newspaper sources hint at possible intentional disposal. While routine registry data and shipwreck file entries document the vessel’s loss, few technical specifics are known—representing a clear opportunity for archival research into engine registries, insurance records, and local newspaper coverage for fuller reconstruction of her story.