1847 — Jan 28, steamer Tuscaloosa boiler explosion/fire, Mobile riv., 10m no. of Mobile, AL-~25

–~25 Blanchard estimated death toll.*

–>30 Delgado, et al. Mobile River Shipwrecks Survey. Baldwin and Mobile Counties, [AL], 2019, p. 17.
— 25 Blanchard listing of fatalities noted in sources cited herein (at end of Newspapers section)
— 20 Daily Chronicle & Sentinel, Augusta, GA. “Terrible Catastrophe.” 2-3-1847, p. 2, col. 2.
— 20 Lossing. Harper’s Encyclopedia of United States History…458 A.D. to 1902. 1902, p.454.
— 20 Simonds. The American Date Book. 1902, p. 98.
— 12 Berman, Bruce D. Encyclopedia of American Shipwrecks. 1972, p. 194.
— 12 Lytle and Holdcamper. Merchant Steam Vessels of the [U.S.] 1807-1868. 1952, p. 227.
— 12 Way’s Packet Directory, 1848-1994: Passenger Steamboats…[MS Riv. Sys.] 1999, p. 460.
— 11 Lloyd’s Steamboat Directory and Disasters on the Western Waters. 1856, p. 156.
— 11 Sandusky Clarion, OH. “Terrible Catastrophe – Loss of Life,” 2-23-1847, p. 4, col. 6.

*Blanchard estimated death toll. Our attempt to compile a listing of fatalities noted by sources cited herein totals to twenty-five deaths. While Delgado, et al., may well be correct that there were more than thirty deaths, their account does not identify the fatalities, just two newspaper accounts. Thus we feel comfortable noting approximately (“~”) twenty five deaths, but are not comfortable with showing a range of 25-30. We note “approximately” twenty-five deaths in that virtually any attempt to compile a fatality list based on newspaper sources in the mid-19th century, is subject to error. We are of the opinion that the usually reliable maritime related sources showing eleven or twelve deaths are based upon early newspaper reports.

Narrative Information

Delgado: “One of the worst early steamboat disasters occurred 10 miles above Mobile in 1847. The stern wheel steamboat Tuscaloosa, built in Tuscaloosa by local merchant and steamboat owner and master James H. Dearing, was an early loss and one of the most tragic. Heavily laden with approximately 60 passengers, 40 crew, and freight, Tuscaloosa departed Mobile on the evening of January 28, 1847, for an upriver trip to Tuscaloosa when its two boilers violently exploded off Twelvemile Island. The steamboat caught fire then suffered another explosion when 20 kegs of black powder on board ignited. As the burning wreck drifted, it struck the bank, and remained stuck, while the stern drifted into the channel. It then burned for three hours as some passengers escaped by sliding down ropes into a yawl, while others took the eater on a makeshift raft of wreckage. Tuscaloosa was a total loss with at least 30 of the passengers and crew killed (Alabama Planter January 30, 1847; New York Weekly Tribune February 13, 1847). Among them were veterans of the then-raging Mexican War, including Abraham Flinn, a 37-year-old member of the Eutaw Rangers. His body was recovered, and he is buried in the historic Mesopotamia Cemetery in Eutaw.” (Mobile River Shipwrecks Survey. Baldwin and Mobile Counties, [AL], 2019, p. 17.)

Lloyd: “The steamer Tuscaloosa left the wharf at Mobile, Ala., about 8 o’clock on Thursday even¬ing, January 29th [sic], 1847, on her way to Tuscaloosa city, the capital of Alabama; and when she had proceeded ten miles up the river two of her boilers bursted. by which accident a number of her passengers and crew were killed and wounded. The explosion completely tore up the boiler-deck, and shattered the after-part of the boat below deck considerably. Immediately after the explosion, the steamer drifted near the shore and grounded, her stern projecting to- wards the centre of the river. A line was made fast on shore, and an attempt was made, by pulling in the stern, to effect a landing for the passengers, but the boat was fixed too firmly in the bed of the river to be moved in this manner. The ladies were then lowered by a rope to the lower deck, and from thence were sent ashore in the yawl. All of them escaped unhurt.

“Those of the male passengers who were uninjured saved themselves, and many of the wounded likewise, by constructing a raft of loose planks, on which they reached the shore in safety; but when they arrived at the banks they found it impossible to obtain a dry footing, as the river bad overflowed its customary bounds to the depth of several inches, which, as the weather was exceedingly cold, made the landing (if it might be called so) very uncomfort¬able. In this state of things the male passengers climbed trees, where they remained spectators of the burning wreck for about three hours, when the steamer James Hewitt hove in sight, and on coming near the wreck, sent her yawl to the assistance of the survivors, who were all taken on board and conveyed back to Mobile. The dead body of Lieut. Inge, one of the passengers of the Tuscaloosa, was also taken up by the James Hewitt.” (Lloyd 1856, 156.)

Simonds: “1847, Jan 28, Tuscaloosa explodes, 20 killed, many injured…” (Simonds. Date Book. 1902, p. 98.)

Way: Tuskaloosa. Sidewheel wood-hull packet built in Cincinnati in 1844 at 320 tons. “Exploded and lost at Mobile, Ala., Jan 29, 1847, with loss of twelve lives.” (Way’s Packet Directory, 1848-1994: Passenger Steamboats…[MS Riv. Sys.] 1999, p. 460.)

Newspapers

Jan 29, Mobile Register and Journal: “From the Mobile Register and Journal, Jan. 29. Terrible Catastrophe.

“The steamer Tuscaloosa left our wharf about 8 o’clock on her way to Tuscaloosa, and after proceeding about 10 or 11 miles up the river, an explosion took place, which instantly killed several of the passengers and many of the boats crew and officers. From a passenger on board we learn that the explosion completely tore up the boiler deck and shattered the after part of the boat (below deck) considerably. Immediately after the explosion, such of the passengers as were unhurt, set themselves to alleviating the sufferings of those who were injured but not killed; while at the same time a portion of the saved were making every possible arrangement to land all on shore who could be found.

“The boat after the explosion, swung to the shore and grounded, her stern remaining near in the centre of the river. A line was made fast ashore from the stern, and an effort made to bring her stern ashore so as to land her passengers, but owing to her grounding these efforts were unavailable. The ladies were then all lowered from the cabin by a rope to the lower deck, and from thence sent ashore in the yawl – all were saved unhurt.

“Those of the male passengers who were uninjured, saved themselves and many of the wounded, by constructing a temporary raft of loose planks, and such articles as were close at hand. On this, they reached the shore in safety. On landing it was found impossible to obtain a dry footing, as the banks of the river were overflowed. In this condition, those who were able climbed trees, &c., where they remained in view of the burning ruins, for about three hours, when fortunately the steamboat James Howitt, hove in sight, and was shortly alongside the wreck when assistance was immediately given to all within reach. The Howitt returned to the city with all of the survivors.

“The number of killed and wounded has not as yet been ascertained, but it is feared that of the former there are not less than twenty; and of the latter a like number. The body of Lt. Inge was on board, and was lost.

“The body of Lieut. Inge was on board and was lost. Killed –Wm. Tanneyhill, C. Chiles, and P. F. Beasley, of Eutaw; W. R. Hassel, of Greensboro; Blue Pastier, second clerk; Clarke, 1st mate; and Arthur McCoy, 2d engineer; Abraham Flynn, volunteer from Green co., and several negro deck hands.

“Badly wounded—Capt. E. P. Oliver, (not expected to survive) George Kirk, 1st clerk, and acting Capt. of the Tuskaloosa; and Col. Wm. Armistead.” (Daily Chronicle & Sentinel, Augusta, GA. “Terrible Catastrophe.” 2-3-1847, p. 2, col. 2.)

Feb 1, Mobile Advertiser: “We are yet left in painful uncertainty as to the number and the names of those who were killed and lost by the explosion and burning of the Tuscaloosa on Thursday night, near this city. We continue our list below, though none are added to the number of those who were known to have been killed at the time of the explosion. To the list of names published as killed and missing, are to be added six of the bodies, not recognized, that were brought from the wreck by the steamer Winona. Also to that number, those of the firemen and deck hands known to be lost and killed, but have not yet been reported – supposed to be not less than fourteen. The list of scalded and wounded has been increased and amended, as information has enabled us so to do.

“It was rumored last evening that five additional dead bodies – not yet recognized – have been found on or near the wreck.

“Killed and Missing. – Blue Pastuer, clerk; _____Clarke, first mate; Edward McDonnough, third engineer, Cinn., Ohio; W. R. Hassail, passenger, Green county; Wm. Tannehill, do do [ditto]; P. F. Beasly, do do; Charles Childs, do do.; John Hoffman, do., Tuscaloosa county; F. Woodard, do do; Abram Flinn, do, volunteer, Green county; Pelt, do, unknown; Pleagsant [?] Bell, of Abbeville District, S.C.

“Scalded. – E. Park Oliver, badly; *Wm. Ward, Pilot, do.; *Evans, deck hand, do.; *Wm. Mervin, passenger, do.’ Col. J. M. Winston, do, do.’ Captain G. Kirk, expected to recover; Col. Wm. Armistead, do., do.; Capt. Hamlet, do, do.’ Capt. Asa White, do, do.; Mr. Lipscomb, do, do.; T. g. Goldsby, do do…. – Mobile Advertiser, Feb 1.” (New York Herald. “Additional Particulars From The Tuscaloosa.” 2-10-1847, p. 1, col. 5.)

Feb 23, Sandusky Clarion, OH: “The details of the following disastrous occurrence were published on the afternoon of the 29th of January, by the Mobile Register….

“Capt. Coleman of the Saladin gives the following additional particulars, which he obtained from one of the passengers, who was on board the James Hewitt at the time she went to the assistance of the Tuscaloosa:

“Immediately after the explosion of the boilers, the boat took fire, and burnt to the water’s
edge, some 20 kegs of powder, that were on board also exploded and added to the horrors of be scene. The number killed and wounded have not been ascertained, but was supposed to be about forty. The day after the disaster, the steamer Wynooa brought to Mobile ten of the bodies that had been recovered, some of them dreadfully burned as not to be recognized.

“Capt. Asa White of Eutaw, was badly scalded in addition to those above named. The situation of the sufferers was dreadful in the extreme, until the arrival of the Hewitt, when they received every attention their wretched condition required.”

(Sandusky Clarion, OH. “Terrible Catastrophe – Loss of Life,” 2-23-1847, p. 4, col. 6.)

Listing of Fatalities Noted in Sources Cited Herein

1. Beasley, P. F. Passenger of Eutaw
2. Chiles [or Childs], Charles, Passenger of Eutaw
3. Clark, Mr. 1st mate
4. Evans,, Mr. Deck hand; died afterwards from scalding injuries
5. Flynn [or Flinn], Abraham Passenger; volunteer [Army?] from Green County
6. Hassel [or Hassail], W. R. Passenger; of Greensboro
7. Hoffman, John Passenger, of Tuscaloosa County
8. McCoy, Arthur 2nd engineer
9. McDonnough, Edward 3rd engineer; from Cincinnati, OH
10. Mervin, William Passenger; died afterwards from scalding injuries.
11. Pastier [or Pastuer], Blue 2nd clerk
12. Pelt, Mr. Passenger
13. Pleagsant, Bell Passenger?, from Abbeville District, S.C.
14. Tanneyhill, William Passenger
15. Ward, William Pilot; died afterwards from scalding injuries
16. Woodard, F. Passenger
17. Unnamed 1 of 3 of “several” black deck hands
18. Unnamed 2 of 3 of “several” black deck hands
19. Unnamed 3 of 3 of “several” black deck hands
20. Unidentified body #1 of 6 found and taken to Mobile; reportedly separate from above.
21. Unidentified body #2 of 6 found and taken to Mobile; reportedly separate from above.
22. Unidentified body #3 of 6 found and taken to Mobile; reportedly separate from above.
23. Unidentified body #4 of 6 found and taken to Mobile; reportedly separate from above.
24. Unidentified body #5 of 6 found and taken to Mobile; reportedly separate from above.
25. Unidentified body #6 of 6 found and taken to Mobile; reportedly separate from above.

Sources

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

Daily Chronicle & Sentinel, Augusta, GA. “Terrible Catastrophe.” 2-3-1847, p. 2, col. 2. Accessed 11-3-2020 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/augusta-daily-chronicle-and-sentinel-feb-03-1847-p-2/

Delgado, James P. et al. (SEARCH Inc. Mobile River Shipwrecks Survey. Baldwin and Mobile Counties, Alabama Final Report (Prepared for The Alabama Historical Commission, The People of Africatown, National Geographic Society, and the Slave Wrecks Project). Montgomery, AL, May 2019. Accessed 11-3-2020 at: https://ahc.alabama.gov/Reports/FINAL_Mobile_River_Survey_SEARCH_redacted.pdf

Democratic Banner, Clearfield, PA. “Terrible Steamboat Disaster – Great Loss of Life…” 2-17-1847, p. 1, col. 4. Accessed 11-3-2020 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/clearfield-democratic-banner-feb-17-1847-p-1/

Lloyd, James T. Lloyd’s Steamboat Directory and Disasters on the Western Waters. Cincinnati, Ohio: James T. Lloyd & Co., 1856. Digitized by Google. Accessed at: http://books.google.com/books?id=JlYqAAAAYAAJ

Lossing, Benson John (Editor). Harper’s Encyclopedia of United States History from 458 A.D. to 1902. NY: Harper & Brothers Publishers, 1902. Digitized by Google at: http://books.google.com/books?id=fnwQAAAAYAAJ&printsec=frontcover&source=gbs_v2_summary_r&cad=0#v=onepage&q&f=false

Lytle, William M., compiler, from Official Merchant Marine Documents of the United States and Other Sources; Holdcamper, Forrest H. (Editor, and Introduction by). Merchant Steam Vessels of the United States 1807-1868. “The Lytle List.” Mystic, CT: Steamship Historical Society of America (Publication No. 6), 1952. Accessed 8-16-2020 at:
https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=mdp.39015018039084&view=1up&seq=8&size=125

New York Herald. “Additional Particulars From The Tuscaloosa.” 2-10-1847, p. 1, col. 5. Accessed 11-3-2020 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/new-york-herald-feb-10-1847-p-1/

Sandusky Clarion, OH. “Terrible Catastrophe – Loss of Life,” 2-23-1847, p. 4, col. 6. Accessed 11-3-2020 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/sandusky-clarion-feb-23-1847-p-4/

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

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.