Explosion of the Goliah
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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.

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