Explosion of the Goliah, Great Lakes Shipping, Lake Huron

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The following was transcribed by Jean Loehde on 20 October 1998.

Surnames included: WHITCOMB COTTRELL FULLER BECKLEY SCHWARTZ CASE STOW

History of the Great Lakes J.H. Beers & Co., Chicago 1899

Volume 1 Page 655 (Events of 1848) Capt. Beckley mentioned

"Explosion of the Goliah. - The saddest of the season's casualties was the
destruction of the propeller Goliah, by fire and explosion, on Lake Huron,
with the loss of 18 lives. Goliah left St. Clair river September 13, with a
very heavy cargo, consisting in part of 200 kegs of powder, 20,000 bricks,
30,000 feet of lumber, 40 tons of hay, and about 2,000 barrels of
provisions and merchandise, destined for the Lake Superior mining
companies. On Thursday morning, soon after daylight, she was seen about
eight miles from shore, with her mast and smokestack overboard, the wind
blowing southeast by east, and the steamer drifting toward shore. It was
evident, from the large volume of smoke that issued from her that she was
on fire. She drifted to within ten miles of the shore, the surf being very
high and the wind subsiding. About 9 A.M. the wind shifted to the
southwest, and the burning hull receded from the shore, and when about
three miles out exploded with a terrible noise throwing fire and fragments
to a great height. Efforts were made by Mr. Whitcomb and others to launch a
boat, with the view of rendering assistance, but the heavy breakers
prevented a boat beyond the surf. It was ascertained that about 18 persons
were on board; Captain Cottrell, Captain Beckley, and Lieutenant Schwartz
were of the number. There were not less than 15 persons on shore who saw
the burning and explosion of the propeller. The schooner Spartan, Captain
Fuller, left the St. Clair river three hours behind the Goliah, and after
several hour's sail saw, heard and distinctly felt the explosion, though
many miles distant.
The charred upper works of the ill-fated craft were discovered at Pine
Point, above Goderich, the mast coming ashore at Kincardine. Among the
articles that came on shore were two or three hundred barrels of flour and
cornmeal. No bodies were ever found."
ibid Page 631 mention of William H. Stow
Other events of 1838.---- March "steamer James Allen launched at Chicago,
built by Captain Case and engine manufactured by William H. Stow.