1919 — Oct 28, sidewheel Muskegon hits pier/sinks, Lake Michigan storm, Muskegon, MI–23-24

–23-24 Blanchard estimated death toll range.*

— 29 Berman, Bruce D. Encyclopedia of American Shipwrecks. 1972, p. 255.
— 29 Nash, Jay Robert. Darkest Hours. 1977, p. 697.
— 29 Shelak. Shipwrecks of Lake Michigan. 2003, p. 154. (Shows date of loss as Sep 22, 1919.
— 29 Swayze. Shipwreck!…Directory… of Shipwrecks on the Great Lakes. 1992, pp. 163-164.
— 29 U.S. Bureau of Navigation. Merchant Vessels of the United States…1920, p. 447.
— 24 Eau Clair Leader, WI. “24 Thought Dead in Muskegon Wreck.” 10-30-1919, p. 1.
— 23 La Cross Tribune and Leader-Press, WI. “Twenty-One Dead in Steamer Wreck…” 10-29-1919, 10.
— 23 New International Year Book: A Compendium of the World’s Progress…1920. 1921, 607.
— 23 U.S. Steamboat Inspection Ser. Annual Report of…[FY] Ended June 30, 1920. 1920, p.25.
— 21 High Point Enterprise, NC. “21 Die as Steamer Sinks in Strong Gale.” 11-10-1919, p. 6.
–~20 Olney Enterprise, TX. “Fourteen Perish in Lake Steamer Wreck,” 11-14-1919, p. 22.
–>20 Sheboygan Press, WI. “Government Has Ordered Federal Investigation.” 11-17-1919, p.1.
— 16 Stevens Point Daily Journal, WI. “Sixteen Go Down With Sinking Ship.” 10-29-1919, p5.
— 15 Cook County Herald, Arlington Heights, IL. “15 Perish …Lake Ship Sinks.” 10-31-1919, 7.

* Blanchard estimated death toll range. A number of sources note exactly twenty-nine deaths, including the U.S. Bureau of Navigation in 1920. However the U.S. Steamboat Inspection Service for the same year notes twenty-three deaths. Given this disparity we undertook a newspaper search from October 28 through December 31, 1919 – getting well over five hundred hits. The highest death toll we saw in any newspaper in this time-frame was twenty-four. Most papers noted 15, 16, 20 or 21. We note only a sampling of these.

We also sought to create our own estimate by looking for the names of individuals reported as dead or missing and presumed dead (placed at the end of the Narrative section). This attempt led to a count of twenty-two deaths. There are always problems with such lists – misspelled names, reporting of deaths, only later to find out the person was alive. Thus there is the risk of garbage in and gospel out.

Nonetheless, this listing, combined with a failure to locate any paper or any other contemporary source noting more than twenty-four deaths, leads us to doubt the accuracy of twenty-nine deaths. While I do not know how the U.S. Bureau of Navigation came up with an estimate of twenty-nine deaths, I can speculate that Berman, Nash, Shelak, and Swayze followed the Bureau in their own reporting of twenty-nine deaths.

Thus, for the low-end of our estimated death toll we use the number twenty-three which is found in a U.S. Steamboat Inspection Service report, a Yearbook for 1920 and a 1919 newspaper report. For the high end of our estimated death toll we use twenty-four, the highest number we saw reported in the press in 1919.

Narrative Information

New International Year Book: “On October 28, 1919, at about 4:20 a.m., the steamer Muskegon struck the northwest corner of the south pier at the entrance to Muskegon Harbor, during a gale and heavy sea, resulting in the total loss of vessel and the loss of 23 lives.” (New International Year Book. 1921, p. 15.)

Swayze: “Muskegon. Steel or composite sidewheel passenger and package freight steamer of 1,149 t. [tons] and 230 ft., launched at Detroit as the steamer City of Milwaukee.

“Lake Michigan: This steamer suffered a tragic accident in the harbor of her namesake city of Muskegon, MI. On September 22, 1919 [sic], she was attempting to enter her harbor in a terrific westerly gale. At a critical moment she went out of control and rammed the pierhead, putting a huge hole in her bows and causing her to sink quickly. Twenty-nine people perished, most trapped belowdecks as she sank. The ship is often seen in the literature under the erroneous name City of Muskegon.”

U.S. Steamboat Inspection Service: “Accidents Resulting in Loss of Life….On October 28, 1919, at about 4:20 a.m., the steamer Muskegon struck the northwest corner of the south pier at the entrance to Muskegon Harbor, during a gale and heavy sea, resulting in total loss of vessel and the loss of 23 lives.” (U.S. Steamboat Inspection Service. Annual Report of the Supervising Inspector General…for the Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 1920. 1920, p. 25.)

Newspapers

Oct 28: “(By United Press). Milwaukee, Oct. 28. Fifteen persons are missing and seven are known to be dead in the wreck of the City of Muskegon, according to a statement issued by Crosby line officials. The boat, valued at $500,000, is a total loss.

“(By United Press). Muskegon, Oct. 28. Seven persons were killed early today when raging Lake Michigan smashed the steamer City of Muskegon against the south pier….

“It was pitch dark and a sixty-mile wind had churned the lake into a boiling yellow mass when the City of Muskegon attempted to nose into the narrow passage between two mile-long piers. At the entrance, a huge wave caught the boat. The ship rocked for a moment, then was hurled into the south pier with its side splintered.

“From below came a rush of terrified passengers and members of the crew off watch….Capt. Edward Miller ordered all to jump. Men and women went over the side, some jumping, some tumbling. Most of them were in their night clothing, over which they had thrown a ew outer garments. Some hurried at once for the shore a mile away.

“Ten minutes after the boat struck, another wave rolled the vessel back into the entrance and it sank almost at once. Only a portion of the upper works is protruding from the water. Some persons are believed to have gone down with it. It was the coldest morning of the fall, and the survivors hurried away, making it difficult to check the missing.

“The coast guard crew turned out at once and went to the assistance of the ship’s officers.

“Nearly all of the dead are from Milwaukee.

“The vessel went down at 4:30 a.m.

“Ten are known to be dead, Capt. Miller, in charge of the boat, said.

“The steamer City of Muskegon was built in 1881 and was owned by the Crosby line. It was the rebuilt City of Holland, a sidewheeler and a popular excursion boat, and was used mainly for short trips from her.

“Paul Burres of Detroit, one of the survivors, said he rolled from his bunk at the first shock and partly clothed himself. Within two minutes, the lights failed. He stumbled to the deck with his overcoat and life preserver. Women had become hysterical in the darkness, and to add to their fright the boat rocked terrifically as it swung back and forth on the pier.

“‘Men made the jump easily,’ said Capt. Miller. ‘The women found it harder and the men helped them. I did not see any fall into the water. The men whose bodies were found evidently failed to land on the pier. Their bodies were badly bruised. Some floated several hundred yards from the spot and were picked up by the coast guard. The coast guard did magnificent work.’….” (South Haven Daily Tribune, MI. “Str. City of Muskegon Hit Pier; 7 Dead; 15 Missing.” 10-28-1919, p1.)

Oct 28: “(By United Press) Muskegon, Mich., Oct. 28. – At least seventeen persons are known to have lost their lives early this morning when the Crosby line steamer, ‘City of Muskegon’ was dashed against a pier at the entrance of Muskegon harbor, one mile from this city. The dead list may reach twenty, it was stated by the authorities….The vessel, a side-wheeler, was dashed to pieces….The known dead are: John Lynch, Milwaukee; Arthur DeWitt, Milwaukee; Albert Hough, Billings, Montana; Mrs. Jennie Hopkins, Muskegon; Mrs. Agnes Johnston, Muskegon; John Armstetter, Manistee; Harry Reese, Milwaukee.

“All but twenty of the passengers climbed upon the pier before the vessel was swept back into the lake. They made their escape under direction of Captain Miller.

“The vessel, a combination passenger and freighter, carried a crew of 35 and 37 passengers. The craft was bound from Milwaukee to the port….

“The loss of life may be higher than at first estimated….” (Marshall Evening Chronicle, MI. “Many Drowned When Steamer City of Muskegon Was Blown Against Pier.” 10-28-1919, p. 1.)

Fatalities from Sidewheel Steamer Muskegon

1. Armstetter, John 2nd cook Manistee MI
2. Baum, Alvin Passenger (missing) Milwaukee WI
3. DeWitt, Arthur Deckhand. Milwaukee WI
4. Hopkins, Mrs. Jennie (Jessie?). Waitress. Muskegon MI.
5. Hough, Albert (Alfred?) 2nd porter. Billings MT
6. Houlihan, Leonard, ~20 Passenger La Crosse WI
7. Johnston, Mrs. Agnes Engineers mother) Muskegon MI
8. Karowitz, Samuel Deckhand Muskegon MI
9. Koski, Joseph Deckhand Muskegon MI
10. Leeus, Mr. Herman. Passenger? Montague MI
11. Leeus (or Lecus), Mrs. Herman. Passenger? Montague MI
12. Lynch, John Deckhand Milwaukee WI
13. Reckletz (Reckeitz? ), Mrs. Rose. Passenger? Milwaukee WI
14. Reilly, James C. ? Grand Rapids MI
15. Ries (Reese?), Harry, Assistant engineer Belgium WI.
16. Rogers, Rosie (trunk picked up on beach, leading Purser to believe she had been aboard).
17. Schendel, Miss Margaret Passenger, nurse Cleveland OH
18. Zimmerman, Oliver ? Muskegon MI
19. Unidentified crewman known only as “John,” not included in the above.
20. Unidentified crewman known only as “Slim,” not included in the above.
21. Unidentified female, one of two, not one of the above, thought to be from Milwaukee.
22. Unidentified female, two of two, not one of the above, thought to be from Milwaukee.

Sources

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

Cook County Herald, Arlington Heights, IL. “15 Perish When Lake Ship Sinks.” 10-31-1919, p. 7. Accessed 12-13-2020 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/arlington-heights-daily-herald-suburban-chicago-oct-31-1919-p-7/

Eau Clair Leader, WI. “24 Thought Dead in Muskegon Wreck.” 10-30-1919, p. 1. Accessed 12-13-2020 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/eau-claire-leader-oct-30-1919-p-1/

High Point Enterprise, NC. “21 Die as Steamer Sinks in Strong Gale.” 11-10-1919, p. 6. Accessed 12-13-2020 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/high-point-enterprise-nov-10-1919-p-6/

La Crosse Tribune and Leader-Press, WI. “Leonard Houlihan…” 11-10-1919, p. 6. Accessed 12-13-2020 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/la-crosse-tribune-and-leader-press-nov-10-1919-p-6/

La Cross Tribune and Leader-Press, WI. “Twenty-One Dead in Steamer Wreck…” 10-29-1919, p10. Accessed 12-13-2020 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/la-crosse-tribune-and-leader-press-oct-29-1919-p-10/

Marshall Evening Chronicle, MI. “Many Drowned When Steamer City of Muskegon Was Blown Against Pier.” 10-28-1919, p. 1. Accessed 12-13-2020 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/evening-chronicle-oct-28-1919-p-1/

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.

Olney Enterprise, TX. “Fourteen Perish in Lake Steamer Wreck,” 11-14-1919, p. 22. Accessed 12-13-2020 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/olney-enterprise-nov-14-1919-p-22/

Racine Journal-News, WI, “Death Toll in Big Lake Steamer Crash is Still Unknown.” 10-29-1919, p. 1. Accessed 12-13-2020 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/racine-journal-news-oct-29-1919-p-1/

Sheboygan Press, WI. “Death List Grows to 24.” 10-30-1919, p. 1. Accessed 12-13-2020 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/sheboygan-press-oct-30-1919-p-1/

Sheboygan Press, WI. “Describe Sinking of the Boat City of Muskegon.” 10-29-1919, p. 3. Accessed 12-13-2020 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/sheboygan-press-oct-29-1919-p-3/

Sheboygan Press, WI. “Government Has Ordered Federal Investigation.” 11-17-1919, p. 1. Accessed 12-13-2020 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/sheboygan-press-nov-17-1919-p-1/

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

South Haven Daily Tribune, MI. “Str. City of Muskegon Hit Pier; 7 Dead; 15 Missing.” 10-28-1919, p.1. Accessed 12-13-2020 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/south-haven-daily-tribune-oct-28-1919-p-1/

Stevens Point Daily Journal, WI. “Sixteen Go Down With Sinking Ship.” 10-29-1919, p. 5. Accessed 12-13-2020 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/stevens-point-daily-journal-oct-29-1919-p-5/

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

The New International Year Book: A Compendium of the World’s Progress for the Year 1920. “Safety At Sea.” NY: Dodd, Mead and Company, 1921. Accessed 12-12-2020 at: https://www.google.com/books/edition/_/92UMAAAAYAAJ?hl=en&gbpv=1&bsq=muskegon

United States Bureau of Navigation, Department of Commerce. Fifty-Second Annual List of Merchant Vessels of the United States…For the Year Ended June 30, 1920. Washington: Government Printing Office, 1920. Google digitized; accessed 12-12-2020 at: http://books.google.com/books?id=mF4uAAAAYAAJ&printsec=frontcover&source=gbs_v2_summary_r&cad=0#v=onepage&q=&f=false

United States Steamboat Inspection Service. Annual Report of the Supervising Inspector General Steamboat Inspection Service to the Secretary of Commerce for the Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 1920. Washington: Government Printing Office, 1920. Accessed 12-13-2020 at: https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=mdp.39015073345376&view=1up&seq=7&q1=muskegon%201919

Wisconsin Tobacco Reporter, Edgerton. “Many Perish When Steamer Hits Pier.” 10-31-1919, p. 18. Accessed 12-13-2020 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/edgerton-wisconsin-tobacco-reporter-oct-31-1919-p-18/