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 

Why Genealogy Conferences?

The Federation of Genealogical Societies Conference (FGS) will be held 21-24 August 2013 in Fort Wayne, Indiana. As with all research trips, advanced planning is necessary. The FGS website offers planning tips and asks a few questions.

Why are you coming to FGS 2013?

• Education - My ancestors worked with  canals. Originally, the Couch family moved from Rome, New York to Crotty, Illinois in 1856. In Illinois the Schuler family worked on the Illinois and Michigan Canal. I plan to learn more about the canal workers and migration patterns.
• Research  - I recently found that the Schuler family came into the U.S. in 1833. My great-great-grandfather married in 1838 in Ohio. I want to find out how to research in Ohio.
• Renew acquaintances - This will be my third FGS Conference.

What are your favorite parts about genealogy conferences?

• Exhibitors - I want to learn the latest product developments. The exhibitors are very helpful, everyone from the single exhibitor such as Dee Leclair consultant with Creative Memories to Bruce Buzbee the developer of Roots Magic and his staff.
• Networking - We learn from each other by sharing research.
• Lectures - The attendee has over 150 lecture, workshop, luncheon, and special event choices.

What are you most looking forward to at FGS 2013?

• I am most interested in meeting people with the same interest yet different backgrounds and perspectives.

Why should genealogists attend conferences?

• Genealogists should attend conferences for all of the above reasons and many more that they can add.