1856 — Sep 24, sidewheel Niagara burns/sinks, Lake Mich., off Port Washington WI –40-60

–40-60 Blanchard estimated death toll.*

–50-170 Swayze. Shipwreck!…Directory of…Shipwrecks on the Great Lakes. 1992, p. 169.
— 100 Madison Daily State Journal, WI. “Dreadful Calamity! Steamer Niagara…” 9-25-2020, p3.
— 100 New York Herald. “Terrible Catastrophe. Burning of…Niagara…” 9-26-1856, p. 4.
— 100 Wisconsin Historical Society. Dictionary of WI History, “Niagara (Shipwreck, 1856)”
–75-100 Fort Wayne Sentinel, IN. “Steamer Burned on Lake Michigan…” 10-11-1856, p. 1.
–70-100 Shelak, Benjamin J. Shipwrecks of Lake Michigan. 2003, p. 54 of pp. 52-54.
— >80 Daily Hawk-Eye…, Burlington, IA. “Steamer Niagara Burned!” 9-29-1856, p. 2.
— ~ 70 Swayze. Great Lakes Shipwrecks “N.”
— 60-70 Simonds. The American Date Book. 1902, p. 100.
— >60 Appel. “Take a tour of Wisconsin’s anchors…” Herald Times Reporter, Manitowoc, WI. 8-10-2020.
— 60 Berman, Bruce D. Encyclopedia of American Shipwrecks. 1972, p. 256.
— >60 Gohr. “Artifacts help tell story of steamship’s past.” Green Bay Press Gazette, 12-9-2016.
— 60 Mansfield (Editor). History of the Great Lakes (Vol. 1). 1899, p. 677.
— 60 Maritime History of the Great Lakes (McNeil). “Niagara (Steamboat), fire, 24 Sep 1856.”
— 60 Nash. Darkest Hours…Encyclopedia of Worldwide Disasters… 1977, p. 683.
— 60 US Congress, House. Hearings. “Safety of Life and Property at Sea.” 1935, p. 247.
— >60 Wisc. Historical Society. Wisconsin Historical Markers. “The Steamer Niagara…”
— 50-60 Childs. A History of the United States In Chronological Order. 1886, p. 152.
— 50-60 Erie Weekly Observer, PA. “Loss of the Steamer Niagara.” 9-27-1856, p. 2.
— 50-60 New York Herald. “Terrible Catastrophe.” 9-26-1856, p. 4.
— 40-50 Nebraska Advertiser, Brownville, Neb. “Awful Calamity.” 10-25-1856, p. 2.
— 35 Blanchard listing of fatalities reported in the press at the time.

* Blanchard estimated death toll. In that the sources we show indicate a wide variation in fatality estimates – from a low of 40 to a high of 170 – we made an attempt to compile a list of fatalities from newspapers at the time. Frequently obituaries can be found, or hometown papers noting the death of someone aboard a lost vessel or reports of bodies washing ashore or found floating offshore. However, even though we carried a key-word search out to the end of the year, we were only able to compile a listing of 35 identified deaths. While not definitive in any sense, it does cause us to question the higher death toll estimates.

It is clear that most sources today, as well as some at the time of the loss, note sixty, or more than sixty, or fifty-sixty deaths. One must note, however, such reporting does not reflect additional research, provide names, or, for the most part, site sources. Nonetheless we use an estimate of sixty deaths as the high-end of our own estimated death toll.

In that our attempt to compile a list of fatalities comes to thirty-five individuals, we choose to show as the low-end of our estimated death toll, the low-end of the 40-50 lives lost reported by the Nebraska Advertiser of October 25. We are not comfortable using our compilation attempt when it results in a fatality estimate lower than the sources we cite.

Narrative Information

Swayze, Great Lakes Shipwrecks “N”: “The passenger & package freight Steamer Niagara “caught fire well offshore while bound Collingwood, Ont. for Chicago. The skipper turned her and ran her for shore, but the speed just fanned the flames and she burned through and sank a few miles short [1.5 miles off Port Washington, WI in 55 feet of water]. The steamers Traveler and Illinois and a number of schooners including Marble and Mary Grover helped to rescue the survivors. It was later determined that some flammable material in her freight was the cause of the fire. The loss caused an uproar in the Cleveland papers about the shipping of contraband flammable goods.” (Swayze. Great Lakes Shipwrecks “N”)

Swayze, Shipwreck!: “Niagara. Sidewheel passenger and package freight steamer of 1,099t. [tons] and 255 ft., launched in 1845 at Buffalo. Lake Michigan: The disastrous loss of the passenger vessel Niagara is, unfortunately, the subject of several reports which conflict in major details. The big steamer caught fire offshore near Sheboygan, Wisconsin, on September 24, 1856. As is often the case, a desperate skipper turned her for shore and made a mad dash for the shallows in hopes of saving her people. The breeze generated by the ship running ‘full ahead’ only fanned the flames to quicker destruction, and the steamer foundered a few miles short of her goal. Casualty estimates vary from about 50 to as many as 170.” (Shipwreck!…Shipwrecks…Great Lakes. 1992, p. 169.)

WI Historical Society: “The burning of the steamer Niagara four miles northeast of Port Washington on September 24, 1856, caused 100 fatalities (another estimate places it at 175). Congressman John B. Macy of Empire, Fond du Lac County, was numbered among the victims. Macy insisted on taking a money belt heavy with gold when he jumped to a lifeboat from the deck of the burning vessel. The lifeboat capsized and drowned most of the occupants, including Macy.” (Wisconsin Historical Society. Dictionary of Wisconsin History, “Niagara (Shipwreck, 1856)”)

Newspapers

Sep 25: “Milwaukee, Sept. 25. We are pained to be obliged to record another awful Lake disaster in the loss by fire of the steamer Niagara of the Collingwood route, last night, off Port Washington, about twenty miles north of this city. We are indebted to Mr. Wm. Snow of the firm of Snow & Williams, of this city, who came up on the Traveller last night, for the following particulars received since our paper went to press this morning:

“The Niagara, Capt. E. Miller, took fire on her on her passage from Collingwood to this port, when within about 4 miles off Port Washington, and some 25 miles from this port, and in a very short space of time was entirely consumed and sunk. The light was plainly seen from her at 7 p.m. last night. The steamer Traveller, Capt. Sweeney, bound here fortunately came to the assistance of the burning boat, and Capt. Sweeny and his officers and men gallantly exerted themselves to save lives, and with success. The following is the list saved by the Traveller. Many others it is said were picked up by boats and vessels which came in sight: [we omit list]

“Mr. Hugh. Kenedy, lost his wife and daughter. Three dead bodies at Port Washington – all ladies. One lady had a ring on marked Z.D.G.

“Capt. Miller says there was about 80 cabin passengers, but has no recollection how many steerage. Thinks there must have been 180 all told besides the crew. Thinks first clerk Holly, was lost. The second clerk was at Port Washington, so exhausted that he could not speak.

“The Niagara had a very large load of freight, all a total loss. Not a pound of anything saved. Crew saved….

“We learn from Mr. Merrell, who was on board the schooner Dan Marble, that the fire broke out about 4 p.m., and the vessel was headed at once for the steamer, as soon as it was noticed, but the fire had been raging for half an hour when the Dan Marble reached her, and many lives were lost already, and others were struggling in the water. The Dan Marble saved about 30. All were in the water, except a few who were clinging to the wheels….

“The Pilot, a schooner from Port Washington, and a clipper schooner, bound up, were on hand and rendered assistance.

“The water was so cold that no one could live in it.” (Madison Daily State Journal, WI. “Dreadful Calamity! Steamer Niagara Burned on Lake Michigan. 100 Lives Lost!” 9-25-2020, p. 3.)

Niagara Fatalities

1. Ainsworth, Mrs. Harvey; Royalton, VT. Janesville Free Press. “Niagara!” 9-26-1856, 2.
2. Ainsworth, child one of two. Janesville Free Press. “Niagara!” 9-26-1856, p. 2.
3. Ainsworth, child two of two. Janesville Free Press. “Niagara!” 9-26-1856, p. 2.
4. Ainsworth, father of Harvey. Janesville Free Press. “Niagara!” 9-26-1856, p. 2.
5. Ainsworth sister-in-law. Janesville Free Press. “Niagara!” 9-26-1856, p. 2.
6. Ainsworth sister-in-law child. Janesville Free Press. “Niagara!” 9-26-1856, p. 2.
7. Atwood, Almon, body recovered. Manitowoc Tribune, WI. “The Lost…” 10-2-1856, p. 2.
8. Atwood, Charlotte “ “ Manitowoc Tribune, WI. “The Lost…” 10-2-1856, p. 2.
9. Chalmers, James, child 1 of 4. Manitowoc Tribune, WI. “The Lost…” 10-2-1856, p. 2.
10. Chalmers, John, child 2 of 4. Manitowoc Tribune, WI. “The Lost…” 10-2-1856, p. 2.
11. Chalmers, Mary, child 3 of 4. Manitowoc Tribune, WI. “The Lost…” 10-2-1856, p. 2.
12. Chalmers, William, child 4 of 4. “ “ “
13. Clark, M.J. (Niagara steward) Buffalo Daily Republic, NY. “From the Niagara,” 9-29-1856.
14. Gould, Charles, Manchester NH. “ “ “
15. Haley, George; Niagara Clerk. New York Herald. “Terrible Catastrophe.” 9-26-1856, p.4.
16. Hessin. B., of Chicago Manitowoc Tribune, WI. “The Lost…” 10-2-1856, p. 2.
17. Hessin, sister of B. “ Manitowoc Tribune, WI. “The Lost…” 10-2-1856, p. 2.
18. Hutchinson, Mr. of Chicago. Manitowoc Tribune, WI. “The Lost…” 10-2-1856, p. 2.
19. Kennedy, Mrs. Hugh. Madison Daily State Journal, WI. 9-25-1856, p. 3.
20. Kennedy, daughter Madison Daily State Journal, WI. 9-25-1856, p. 3.
21. Lyons, father of Mary. Milwaukee Daily American. “Terrible…” 9-26-1856, p. 3.
22. Lyons, mother of Mary. Milwaukee Daily American. “Terrible…” 9-26-1856, p. 3.
23. Lyons, sister of Mary. Milwaukee Daily American. “Terrible…” 9-26-1856, p. 3.
24. Macy, John B. New York Herald. “Terrible Catastrophe.” 9-26-1856, p.4.
25. Malone, Mr. Manitowoc Tribune, WI. “The Lost…” 10-2-1856, p. 2.
26. Malone, Mrs. Manitowoc Tribune, WI. “The Lost…” 10-2-1856, p. 2.
27. Malone, daughter Manitowoc Tribune, WI. “The Lost…” 10-2-1856, p. 2.
28. Mattice, L.F., Green Bay, WI Manitowoc Tribune, WI. “The Lost…” 10-2-1856, p. 2.
29. Pettibone, Mr.; of Milwaukee. Milwaukee Daily American. “Terrible…” 9-26-1856, p. 3.
30. Sargent, Mrs. of Haverhill, MA; body recovered. Manitowoc Tribune, WI. 10-2-1856, p2.
31. Unidentified woman, 1 of 3. Madison Daily State Journal, WI. 9-25-1856, p. 3.
32. Unidentified woman, 2 of 3. Madison Daily State Journal, WI. 9-25-1856, p. 3.
33. Unidentified woman, 3 of 3 (wore ring marked Z.D.G.)
34. Unnamed crewman, 1 of 2. Milwaukee Daily American. “Terrible…” 9-26-1856, p. 3.
35. Unnamed crewman, 2 of 2. Milwaukee Daily American. “Terrible…” 9-26-1856, p. 3.

Sources

Appel, Michael and Kristine Appel. “Take a tour of Wisconsin’s anchors, which tell the s” Herald Times Reporter, Manitowoc, WI. 8-10-2020. Accessed 12-16-2020 at: https://www.htrnews.com/story/life/2020/08/10/wisconsin-anchors-tell-of-lake-michigan-shipwrecks-maritime-history/3318994001/

Berman, Bruce D. Encyclopedia of American Shipwrecks. Boston: Mariners Press Inc., 1972.

Childs, Emery E. A History of the United States In Chronological Order From the Discovery of America in 1492 to the Year 1885. NY: Baker & Taylor, 1886. Google digitized. Accessed 9-4-2017: http://books.google.com/books?id=XLYbAAAAMAAJ&printsec=frontcover#v=onepage&q&f=false

Daily Hawk-Eye and Telegraph, Burlington, IA. “Steamer Niagara Burned!” 9-29-1856, p. 2. Accessed 12-16-2020 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/burlington-daily-hawk-eye-and-telegraph-sep-29-1856-p-2/

Erie Weekly Observer, PA. “Loss of the Steamer Niagara.” 9-27-1856, p. 2. Accessed 12-16-2020 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/erie-weekly-observer-sep-27-1856-p-2/

Fort Wayne Sentinel, IN. “Steamer Burned on Lake Michigan…” 10-11-1856, p. 1. Accessed 12-16-2020 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/fort-wayne-sentinel-oct-11-1856-p-1/

Gohr, Tina M. “Artifacts help tell story of steamship’s past.” Green Bay Press Gazette, WI. 12-9-2016. Accessed 12-16-2020 at: https://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/story/news/local/door-co/2016/12/09/artifacts-help-tell-story-steamships-past/95214932/

Janesville Free Press, WI “Burning of the Steamer Niagara!” 9-26-1856, p. 2. Accessed 12-16-2020 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/janesville-free-press-sep-26-1856-p-2/

Madison Daily State Journal, WI. “Dreadful Calamity! Steamer Niagara Burned on Lake Michigan. 100 Lives Lost!” 9-25-1856, p. 3. Accessed 12-16-2020 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/madison-daily-state-journal-sep-25-1856-p-3/

Manitowoc Tribune, WI. “The Lost by the Niagara.” 10-2-1856, p. 2. Accessed 12-16-2020 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/manitowoc-tribune-oct-02-1856-p-2/

Mansfield, John Brandts (Ed. and Compiler). History of the Great Lakes (Vol. 1). Chicago: J.H. Beers & Co., 1899. http://www.linkstothepast.com/marine/chapt36.html — Google digitized. Accessed 12-16-2020 at: http://books.google.com/books?id=iHXhAAAAMAAJ&printsec=frontcover&source=gbs_v2_summary_r&cad=0#v=onepage&q=&f=false

Maritime History of the Great Lakes (William R. McNeil). “Niagara (Steamboat), fire, 24 Sep 1856.” Accessed 12-16-2020 at: https://images.maritimehistoryofthegreatlakes.ca/40380/data

Milwaukee Daily American. “Terrible Disaster! Burning of the Steamer Niagara!” 9-26-1856, p. 3. Accessed 12-16-2020 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/milwaukee-daily-american-sep-26-1856-p-3/

Nash, Jay Robert. Darkest Hours – A Narrative Encyclopedia of Worldwide Disasters from Ancient Times to the Present. New York: Pocket Books, Wallaby, 1977, 792 pages.

Nebraska Advertiser, Brownville, Neb. “Awful Calamity.” 10-25-1856, p. 2. Accessed 12-16-2020 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/brownville-nebraska-advertiser-oct-25-1856-p-2/

New York Herald. “Terrible Catastrophe. Burning of the Steamer Niagara on Lake Michigan.” 9-26-1856, p.4. Accessed 12-16-2020 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/new-york-herald-sep-26-1856-p-4/

Shelak, Benjamin J. Shipwrecks of Lake Michigan. Big Earth Publishing, 2003. Partially digitized by Google. Accessed at: http://books.google.com/books?id=4CBCcye0n6IC

Simonds, W. E. (Editor). The American Date Book. Kama Publishing Co., 1902, 211 pages. Google digital preview accessed 9-8-2017 at: http://books.google.com/books?id=JuiSjvd5owAC

Swayze, David D. “Great Lakes Shipwrecks Beginning with the letter N.” Accessed 9-7-2009 at: http://greatlakeshistory.homestead.com/files/n.htm

Swayze, David D. Shipwreck! A Comprehensive Directory of Over 3,700 Shipwrecks on the Great Lakes. Boyne City, MI: Harbor House Publications, Inc., 1992.

United States Congress, House of Representatives. Hearings Before the Committee on Merchant Marine and Fisheries, United States Congress (74th Congress, 1st Session). “Safety of Life and Property at Sea.” Washington: U.S. Government Printing Office, 1935. Accessed 8-9-2020 at: https://www.google.com/books/edition/Safety_of_Life_and_Property_at_Sea/l9xH_9sUuVAC?hl=en&gbpv=1&bsq

Wisconsin Historical Society. Dictionary of Wisconsin History, “Niagara (Shipwreck, 1856).” Accessed 12-15-2020 at: https://www.wisconsinhistory.org/Records/Article/CS1777

Wisconsin Historical Society. Wisconsin Historical Markers. “The Steamer Niagara: The Fiery End.” Accessed 12-15-2020 at: http://www.wisconsinhistoricalmarkers.com/2014/07/the-steamer-niagara-fiery-end.html