Steam canal boat records circa 1900

Original documents offer clues into the past and questions to answer in the future. My research trip into the textual records of the NationalArchives at Chicago provided a digital copy of the "Consolidated Certificate of Enrollment and License" for the steam canal boat "Niagara." The archives is located at 7358 S. Pulaski Rd, Chicago, IL 60629. See their website for hours and directions. Plan ahead. The staff is knowledgeable, helpful and willing to offer search suggestions.

• ·         William John Schuler (1871-1964) of  Lockport, Will County, Illinois, in 1918 received a master and pilot, steamboat, license
• ·         name of vessel last employed "Niagara"
• ·         last trip with "Niagara" in October 1914, traveled from Peru to Lockport
• ·         goal, history and description of the "Niagara"

National Archives at Chicago, Record Group 41, the Records of the Bureau of Marine Inspection and Navigation

The individual record for each vessel includes the name, date and place of construction.

In this example, the "Niagara" certificate dated 1912 reveals:

• Robert K. Warren is the assistant secretary of the Morton Salt Company
• Morton Salt Company is a corporation existing in the state of Illinois
• Niagara of Chicago was built in 1878 at Chicago
• built of wood
• description includes one deck, plain head, round stern, 98 feet long, 17 feet 6 inches wide, with a 7 feet 2 inch depth
• gross tonnage 99 and net tonnage 71
• classified as a steam canal boat
• W. H. Wallace is the master
• issued by the Port of Chicago 16 November 1912, renewed 1913 and 1914

 Alfred E. Legault (abt 1865-1928) is married to Jessie M. Pemberton (1878-1936). Jessie is the first cousin of William John Schuler. What is their canal connection?

National Archives at Chicago, Record Group 41, the Records of the Bureau of Marine Inspection and Navigation