1892 — July 12, Storm, steamer Frankie Folsom capsizes, Illinois River, Peoria, IL — 12

— 12 Blanchard estimate.*

— 21 Waterloo Courier, IA. “Wind and Water…Cause a Terrible Disaster…”July 20, 1892, 6
— 20 Algona Republican, IA. “Water Graves. Steamer Wrecked…Peoria.” 7-20-1892, 2..
–15-18 The Travelers Record. Hartford, CT, Vol. 28, No. 5 Aug 1892, p. 5.
–12-16 The Reveille, Rolfe, IA. “Sank With The Folsom.” 7-21-1892, p. 3.
— 14 Daily Herald, Oskaloosa, IA. “Terrible Disaster…Little Lake…Peoria, Ill.” 7-14-1892, 4.
— 12 Bodies recovered. Goshen Daily News, IN. “All Found. Victims…Frankie Folsom…” 7-16-1892, 4.
— 12 Goshen Daily News, IN. “Horror at Peoria.” 7-13-1892, p. 4.
— 11 Olar. “Steamboat disaster on the Illinois River.” From the History Room, 8-22-2018.

Steamboat Frankie Folsom
— 20 Bureau County Tribune, Princeton, IL. “Dozens Are Dead.” 7-15-1892, p. 6.
–15-18 The Travelers Record. Hartford. “Peoria’s dreadful…” Vol. 28, No. 5 Aug 1892, p. 5.
–12-16 The Reveille, Rolfe, IA. “Sank With The Folsom.” 7-21-1892, p. 3.
— 14 Algona Republican, IA. “Water Graves. Steamer Wrecked by a Cyclone…” 7-20-1892, 2.
— 12 Goshen Daily News. “All Found. Victims of the Frankie Folsom Disaster…” 7-16-1892, 4.
— 12 Quincy Daily Herald, IL. “The Aftermath at Peoria.” 7-16-1892, p. 1.
— 12 Peoria Historical Society. Facebook post of 11-12-2013.
–10-12 Way’s Packet Directory, 1848-1994: Passenger Steamboat…[MS Riv. Sys.]… 1999, 172.
— 11 Goshen Daily News, IN. “Horror at Peoria.” 7-13-1892, p. 4.
— 11 Olar. “Steamboat disaster on the Illinois River.” From the History Room, 8-22-2018.
— >11 Quincy Herald, IL. “Two More Victims.” 7-15-1892, p. 1.

Small boats out on the river and lake.
— 8 Waterloo Courier, IA. “Wind and Water…Cause a Terrible Disaster…” 8-20-1892, p. 6.
–4-5 One small boat. Algona Republican, IA. “Water Graves…Number of Row Boats…” 7-20-1892, 2.
— ? Goshen Daily News, IN. “Horror at Peoria.” 7-13-1892, p. 4. [Was thought a few perished.]
— 0 Travelers Record, “Peoria’s dreadful steamboat calamity of July 12…” 28/5 Aug 1892, p5.

*Blanchard on fatalities: While there is a broad range of deaths noted for the Frankie Folsom (11-20) as well as from the small boats/craft out on the river (0-8), it is our opinion from reading from the material below that there were twelve deaths from the Folsom and none from small boats.

Narrative Information

Travelers Record: “Peoria’s dreadful steamboat calamity of July 12, the greatest single disaster of the month, brings to mind the colossal accident on Lake Pepin, two years before…. The expansion of he Illinois River known as Peoria Lake is summer breathing-spot and delight of Peoria and Pekin, Ill., and is thronged with pleasure boats all the season. On the evening of this day there had been a performance of the ‘Fall of Pompeii’ at Lake View Park, Peoria, and the steamer Frankie Folsom from Pekin had been carrying passengers there. About 10 P.M. it started for home, with forty people on board; it had backed out from the landing at Caroline Street, Peoria, and was turning to go down the river, when a cyclone struck it and careened it on its side; it sank rapidly to the bottom, and nearly half the passengers were penned in the cabin and drowned like rats in a cage, or blown from the side where they had scrambled as the vessel lurched under the storm. No small boat could live in the wild tempest, but a steamer, the Longfellow, hurried its passengers ashore and went to the rescue; even so, the lifeboat could take off but four at a time, several were blown off in the intervals of its coming, and only force could keep the mad throng, fighting for places on the side of the wrecked steamer, from rushing on and swamping the boat. One man had saved his wife by diving into the cabin after her; but fifteen to eighteen lives were lost, the larger part of them women.

“The same storm scattered far and wide the crowd of rowboats on the lake, and caused vast discomfort and terror, though we believe no fresh tragedy. Many couples of youths and maidens were driven to the opposite shore, their boats filled with water, and they obliged to wait for morning in wretched plight. Several clung to the willows all night. Another couple wandered about till daylight in a swamp, up to their knees in water. Still another had their boat swamped, and the young man, totally unnerved, refused to attempt a return; the girl took his hat, bailed out the boat, and rowed back to Peoria, and her companion was found next morning in a tree, still tightly clutching his eyeglasses.” (Travelers Record, Travelers Insurance Companies, Hartford, Conn. “Peoria’s dreadful steamboat calamity of July 12…” Vol. 28, No. 5 Aug 1892, p. 5.)

Way: Frankie Folsom. Sternwheel wood-hull packet, built in Stillwater, MN, in 1886, measuring 82.6 x 15.4 x 3. “Was running an excursion Peoria-Pekin on Illinois River when she encountered a thunderstorm at Peoria night of July 12, 1892. Capsized and drowned 10 or 12 persons. Capt. Edward Loesch was pilot on watch. Later was renamed LEO and ran on the Ouachita River.” (Way’s Packet Directory, 1848-1994: Passenger Steamboats of the Mississippi River System… 1999, p. 172.)

Newspapers

July 13, Goshen Daily News: “Peoria, Ill., July 12. – Tuesday evening was one of the prettiest ever seen, and the Illinois river and the little lake were fairly alive with boats of every description. At 10 o’clock a cyclone swept over the city, leaving death and destruction in its wake. The most serious and appalling disaster of the night was caused by the capsizing of the pleasure steamer Frankie Folsom at the foot of Caroline street.

Those Known to Be Drowned.

“The following is a list of the unfortunates who are known to have lost their lives by the swamping of the steamer. All were residents of Pekin, Ill.: [11 victims]

John Ahrens,
Mrs. Duesdecker and
two unknown lady companions,
Mrs. Fred Fisher,
Miss Cora Fisher,
Miss Mary Flath,
Misses Anna and
Mary Poebel,
William Ripberger and
Mrs. William Wiles.

The Disaster.

“At Lake View park, a mile above the city, a representation of Pompeii was given. For this occasion the Folsom, a Pekin boat, came up with forty people. A landing was made here and two or three couples joined the party. Fifteen others also got on the boat at the park, so that the passenger list reached fully sixty. As the boat came out of the landing and started down to the city it was struck by the cyclone and turned over. It was about midway in the river and sank rapidly. Owing to the tempest the cries of the passengers could not be heard. The Longfellow with seventy-five passengers from Kingston passed by and ran to the foot of the next street, its passengers were driven off and the boat made ready to go to the aid of the Folsom when the Kingston’s [Longfellow’s? ] wheels broke and it was left helpless.

“Word was conveyed to the police station, and Mayor Warner ordered every man to the scene. The Rock Island road sent a special train to the scene of the disaster, and small boats were put off to the Folsom, the hull of which could be seen when the lake was illuminated by the vivid lightning. Four persons were taken off it by the first boat out.

Caught in the Cabin.

“It is known that there are over a dozen in the cabin of the ill-fated steamer. When the boat careened over every one rushed to the sinking side to escape the steam, and many of them were washed overboard. One man says he saw several women fastened down under the wreck and they were cooked to death by the steam. Every time the boat careened some of the poor unfortunates clinging to the rails would release their hold and disappear in the waves. Some persons who were out in small boats and managed to reach the shore say they saw several bodies floating on the water.

“Some thrilling stories are told by the men who have been brought off the boat. Samuel Sutton missed his wife when the cyclone struck the boat and he heard her calling for him as the cabin filled with water. He dived into the hole to what seemed certain death and managed to bring her to the surface. For an hour they clung to the rail and were both saved. William Hart also went into the cabin and brought up the unconscious form of his wife. It is thought she will die.

Bodies Float Away.

“At 2 a. m. the storm is still so terrific that no search can be made, as small boats cannot be used in the rough water. There are eighteen dead in the Folsom according to the count just made. Only about one-half of these will be found in the cabin of the boat, for the others were swept off the rail into the river. Two bodies have been sighted floating through the lower bridge nearly 2 miles from the scene of the disaster. Whether those are from the Folsom or the bodies of persons from overturned boats cannot be stated. It is thought they are the latter. There is a large number of carriages at the wreck, and as fast as a party is brought ashore they are put in carriages and hurried away to where they can be clothed. Everyone in the vicinity has thrown the houses open and the work of rescue is going rapidly on. The cries of those on the sinking hulk of the steamer are growing weaker every minute, and those brought ashore say there are some whose strength will not last them until they can be taken off.

Many Small Boats Out.

“When the storm struck the lake and river the water was covered with small row beats loaded with merrymakers. The fury of the gale lashed the water into foam, and the frail shells bobbed up and down in the heavy sea like corks. Most of the boatmen were inexperienced, and as soon as the gale burst upon them they lost control of the boats, which were driven along before the wind. Many of the boats filled with water and were swamped, their occupants having to take to the water and swim for the shore. Some of the boats were overturned. The women and children were the greatest sufferers. People who were on the shore rescued many of these from watery graves. It is believed that not a few have perished….

Later Reports.

“3:30 a.m. – The storm abated somewhat as the morning came on and the rescuing parties were able to get to the overturned hull. Grappling irons were brought and the bodies of those in the cabin were taken out as rapidly as it was possible for the men gathered about the craft to work. Twelve bodies have been recovered. Many of these were so badly scalded by the steam that the flesh fell from their faces and their features are undistinguishable. Already the number of persons unaccounted for reaches forty and it is thought there will be more. Some may have reached the other shore or landed below but it is thought few of those who encountered the full fury of the storm could survive it.
Story of the Captain.

“Capt. Loesch, master of the boat, gives the story of the accident. He brought a party of about forty up from Pekin to see Pain’s Last Days of Pompeii. After the exhibition they pulled out, and when in the middle of the river the storm struck them with all its fury, with scarcely a sign of warning. He attempted to head the steamer toward the shore, and as he did so a terrific gust of wind struck the craft and keeled it over in 19 feet of water. The scene which followed was terrible. Men and women were thrown into the water, but the larger part of them managed to reach the upper guard and cling there until help reached them. Their cries of distress were heard from the shore, and in spite of the heavy wind a number of skiffs went to their assistance, and gradually they were brought to shore. Quickly they were taken to residences where dry clothes could be secured, and in this way it was impossible to get any of their names.

“Until the list of missing comes from Pekin the exact number of deaths cannot be told. The persons drowned were nearly all in the cabin. When the boat tipped over there was no escape for them. Everyone perished. A window was smashed in and one woman pulled out. She was breathing, but died in a few seconds. Men and women were pulled out half drowned, and it is feared some of them will die from excitement and exposure.” (Goshen Daily News, IN. “Horror at Peoria.” 7-13-1892, p. 4.)

July 14, Waterloo Courier: “Peoria, Ills., July 14. — The cruel waves of the Illinois have borne down to death a score of persons who were out enjoying themselves. The Frankie Folsom, a Pekin [IL] boat, started out during the evening with forty passengers aboard. A landing was afterward made and about twenty others joined the party, so that the passenger list reached fully sixty. As the boat came out of the landing and started down to the city she was struck by a cyclone and turned over. She was about midway in the river and sank rapidly. Owing to the howling tempest the cries of the passengers could not be heard. The Longfellow, with seventy-five passengers from Kingston, passed her and ran to the foot of the next street. Word was conveyed to the police station, and Mayor Warner at once ordered every man to the scene of the disaster. The Rock Island also sent a special train to the scene and small boats were sent to the Folsom, the hull of which could be seen when the lake was illuminated by the vivid lightning. It is known that there are a dozen in the cabin of the ill-fated steamer. When the boat careened over her cargo rushed to the sinking side.

“A man who has just been brought off said he saw several women carried down and they were cooked to death by steam. Every time the boat rocked the poor unfortunates clinging to the side would release their hold and disappear in the waves. The rescuers saw several bodies floating away which they could not reach….

“The greatest fears are entertained concerning the fate of over a hundred persons who were out in small boats. It is certain that eight lives have been lost in this manner.” (Waterloo Courier, IA. “Wind and Water…Cause a Terrible Disaster…” 8-20-1892, p. 6.)

July 14, Quincy Herald: “Peoria, Ill., July 14. – Grant Hepler, a dentist of Eureka, and a man named Metcalf are now known to have perished with the other victims of the wreck of the Frankie Folsom during the storm here Tuesday night. The bodies of still others besides those whose names have been printed may be confined in the wreck, but if any, it is not known who they are. The body of Lottie Reutler, the restaurant girl, was recovered to-day. It was met by her grief-stricken father as it was brought ashore. The search for other bodies still continues, the searchers looking particularly for the remains of Mrs. Edward Beebe. Ten bodies have been recovered and restored to their relatives. The coroner’s inquest progressed to-day but did not develop any important facts that have not been published.” (Quincy Herald, IL. “Two More Victims.” 7-15-1892, p. 1.

July 15, Quincy Herald: “Peoria, July 16. – The body of Mrs. Kate Beebe was found floating in the river this morning, making the twelfth victim of the Frankie Folsom disaster and believed to be the last. The sunken vessel was towed ashore to-day and is being torn to pieces. There were three funerals in Pekin to-day.” (Quincy Herald, IL. “The Aftermath at Peoria.” 7-16-1892, p. 1.)

July 16, Goshen Daily News, IN: “Peoria, Ill., July 15. – A boy skirmishing along the shore succeeded in accomplishing something the divers at the wreck of the Frankie Folsom, who put in all the night at work, could not do, in the finding of the body of Mrs. Beebe, the wife of the Duluth telegraph operator. Mrs. Beebe’s remains were discovered floating in the water at the foot of Haywood street. Thursday night the body of Grant Kepler, the Eureka dentist, was found floating near the wreck by a man named Henry Kline, and was identified by the clothing and some letters found on it. With the finding of the bodies of Grant Kepler and Mrs. Beebe a total of twelve persons are known to have perished in the wreck.” (Goshen Daily News, IN. “All Found. Victims of the Frankie Folsom Disaster Recovered – The Death List Numbers Twelve.” 7-16-1892, 4.)

July 18, Algona Republican: “Peoria, Ills., July 18. – The cruel waves of the Illinois have borne down to death a score [20] of persons who were out enjoying themselves.

“The Peoria Disaster. Fourteen Persons Drowned by the Sinking of the Frankie Folsom.

“Peoria, Ills., July 14. – The horrors of the disaster on the Illinois river by the sinking of the Frankie Folsom increase as the facts become known. Added to the sorrow over the loss is a fever of indignation over the alleged action of the captain of the steamer Longfellow, who, although only a short distance from the Folsom when it began to sink, is positively declared to have declined to go to the ill-fated steamer’s assistance. So far as known the list of passengers who were lost is as follows:

John H Arends, Pekin.
Mrs. Kate Beebe, Duluth, Minn. (or Pekin) [Body recovered two days later.]
Mrs. Henry Duisdecker, Pekin.
Mrs. Fred Fisher, Pekin.
Miss Cora Fisher, Pekin.
Miss Mary Flatt, Pekin.
Miss Mollie Hepler, Pekin. [Munson, IL] [Body recovered.]
Grant Hepler, Eureka, Ills. (or Streator). [Body recovered.]
Rev. J. H. McMeen, Pekin (or Benson). [Body recovered.]
Miss Lottie Rutler [Reutler], Pekin. [Body recovered.]
Miss Lottie Shade, Shelbyville, Ills.
Mrs. W. G. Willis, Pekin.
Unknown man [Metcalf?] and woman, Pekin. [Metcalf body recovered.]

“It is feared that others not yet rescued may have embarked on the boat. The captain says not, but the accident happened so shortly after starting that he would hardly know.

“The father of Willie Wynn, a resident of this city, was haunting the morgue during the day. His son hired a boat and with three or four companions went out on the river to be gone a couple of hours. Neither the boat nor its occupants have been heard from since….” (Algona Republican, IA. “Water Graves. Steamer Wrecked by a Cyclone on Lake Peoria. A Number of Row Boats Also Lost and Their Occupants Drowned.” 7-20-1892, 2.)

July 21, The Reveille: “Found Watery Graves. Twelve bodies have already been recovered from the wrecked steamer Frankie Folsom, and sixteen persons are yet to hear from, telegraphs a Peoria, Ill., correspondent. The bodies of the following named persons are recovered: [We break out into separate lines the individuals listed in the original paragraph.]

The Rev. J. H. McMeen, Benson;
Mrs. Fred Fisher;
Cora Fisher;
John H Arends, Pekin;
Mary Flatt, Pekin;
Mrs. Henry Duisdecker, Pekin;
Mrs. W. G. Willis, Pekin;
Miss Lottie Shade, Shelbyville;
Miss Lottie Rutler [or Reutler, body recovered], Pekin;
Mrs. Kate Beebe, Pekin;
Grant Heppler, Streator; [Dentist “of Eureka,” body recovered.]
unknown body of a young girl.

“Divers who were sent down near the wreck reported seeing four bodies crushed under the wreckage. These cannot be gotten at until the boat is righted. Nearly the whole excursion party was composed of the better class of the population of Pekin and Delavan.

“Never since the Chatsworth disaster has there been any such excitement here. The storm burst with remarkable suddenness. Above the roar of the wind and thunder the cries of the passengers on the Folsom, as they clung to spars, guards, and pieces of furniture, could plainly be heard, while at each succeeding flash of lightning the wreck could be seen by thousands who lined the river bank in the face of the drenching rain.

“The storm did not last long. It blew up with rapidity little short of marvelous, and as quickly subsided. The rain continued, but the danger was over, and soon more than a score of rowboats were slowly bringing passengers to the shore. Everything possible was done by the citizens and officials. Patrol wagons, ambulances, and nearly the entire police force were ordered out to assist in caring for the rescued.

“Miss Heppler, of Streator, was rescued in an insensible condition and removed to a house. It is impossible to tell whether she will recover or not. James Thomas is in the hospital. A swinging timber struck him, terribly crushing a leg. The search for bodies was prosecuted all night. Mrs. Kate Beebe, of Pekin, is known to have been lost. She was on deck at the time of the accident and must have been washed overboard. Her father, Fred Zuckweiler, was dragged out of the water as he was going down the last time. No trace of the daughter has since been found, and all thoughts of finding her alive have been abandoned. John Smith has not been seen since the accident, and he too must have perished. Immediately on the approach of the storm women took refuge in the cabin, a small room, closed the doors and shut the windows. When the boat capsized they were as if in a prison with no means of egress.

Was Returning from Lake View Park.

“The steamer was returning from Lake View Park…The crew numbered five….It [the storm] burst suddenly with great violence when the boat had gotten out in the middle of the river. Edward Loesch, the captain, was in the pilot house when the storm struck. He attempted to head the boat for the shore, and as he did so the wind caught it and capsized it. Most of those who were on deck rushed to the upper side, and were in this way saved. Capt. Loesch helped all he could to put on life preservers. He pulled up two women who were struggling out of the cabin.

“When the boat began to sink a whistle was sent up for aid, but in a few moments the boilers were under water. Word was sent to the police station and Mayor Warner ordered out at once all the policemen, the patrol wagon, and ambulance. The Folsom lay about 100 yards from shore in sixteen feet of water, and was about two-thirds under water careened over on the side. There was not an available tug in the city. The Longfellow, which was struggling near the Folsom, made a landing as soon as she could, and hurried her passengers ashore. It was the intention to get to the aid of the sinking boat, but the wheel got caught in some manner, and great difficulty was experienced in getting away.

“Meanwhile numerous small boats were put out, although the rough condition of the river rendered the mission very perilous. Rain fell in torrents, and the wind blew in fierce gusts. All of the steamer above water was covered by half-drowned passengers clinging to the upper deck, one side of which showed just above the surface.

“When the first relief boat appeared, men and women leaped from the steamer and swam to the boat. So many attempted this that they had to be driven back with oars in order to keep the little boats from being swamped. Four persons were brought off in the first boat and after this the work of rescue went on rapidly. Mayor Warner had ordered out a number of hacks, and as fast as the people were brought off the steamer they were placed in hacks and driven to places of shelter. The river is being dragged for the bodies of those that are still missing.” (The Reveille, Rolfe, IA. “Sank With The Folsom.” 7-21-1892, p. 3.)

Sources

Algona Republican, IA. “Water Graves. Steamer Wrecked by a Cyclone on Lake Peoria.” 7-20-1892, 2. Accessed at: http://newspaperarchive.com/fullpagepdfviewer?img=122675659

Bureau County Tribune, Princeton, IL. “Dozens Are Dead.” 7-15-1892, p. 6. Accessed 8-31-2020 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/princeton-bureau-county-tribune-jul-15-1892-p-6/

Daily Herald, Oskaloosa, IA. “Terrible Disaster on a Little Lake at Peoria, Ill.” 7-14-1892, p. 4. Accessed 11-1-2012 at: http://newspaperarchive.com/oskaloosa-daily-herald/1892-07-14/page-4

Goshen Daily News, IN. “All Found. Victims of the Frankie Folsom Disaster Recovered – The Death List Numbers Twelve.” 7-16-1892, 4. Accessed 11-1-2012 at: http://newspaperarchive.com/fullpagepdfviewer?img=189798251

Goshen Daily News, IN. “Horror at Peoria.” 7-13-1892, p. 4. Accessed 11-1-2012 at: http://newspaperarchive.com/goshen-daily-news/1892-07-13/page-4

Olar, Jared (Library assistant). “Steamboat disaster on the Illinois River.” From the History Room (Highlights of Pekin and Tazewell County history from the Local History Room of the Pekin Public Library), 8-22-2018. Accessed 8-31-2020 at: https://fromthehistoryroom.wordpress.com/tag/wreck-of-the-frankie-folsom/

Peoria Historical Society. Facebook post of 11-12-2013. Accessed 8-31-2020 at: https://www.facebook.com/PeoriaHistoricalSociety/photos/the-excursion-ship-frankie-folsom-sank-in-peoria-lake-when-the-boat-capsized-dur/10151791151718494/

Quincy Herald, IL. “The Aftermath at Peoria.” 7-16-1892, p. 1. Accessed 8-31-2020 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/quincy-daily-herald-jul-16-1892-p-1/

Quincy Herald, IL. “They Died Together. Rev. J.H. McMeen and his Affianced in the Wreck of the Frankie Folsom.” 7-17-1892, p. 3. Accessed 8-31-2020 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/quincy-daily-herald-jul-17-1892-p-3/

Quincy Herald, IL. “Two More Victims.” 7-15-1892, p. 1. Accessed 8-31-2020 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/quincy-daily-herald-jul-15-1892-p-1/

The Reveille, Rolfe, IA. “Sank With The Folsom.” 7-21-1892, p. 3. Accessed 8-31-2020 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/rolfe-reveille-jul-21-1892-p-3/

Travelers Record, Travelers Insurance Companies, Hartford, Conn. “Peoria’s dreadful steamboat calamity of July 12…” Vol. 28, No. 5 Aug 1892, p. 5. Accessed 8-31-2020 at: http://books.google.com/books?id=eW7nAAAAMAAJ&printsec=frontcover#v=onepage&q&f=false

Waterloo Courier, IA. “Wind and Water. Combined They Cause a Terrible Disaster at Peoria, Ills.,” 7-20-1892, 6. Accessed at: http://www.newspaperarchive.com/FullPagePdfViewer.aspx?img=93451608

Way, Frederick Jr. (Author and Compiler), Joseph W. Rutter (contributor). Way’s Packet Directory, 1848-1994: Passenger Steamboats of the Mississippi River System Since the Advent of Photography in Mid-Continent America (Revised). Athens OH: Ohio University Press, 1999.