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 

Family history: SCHULER, William John (1871-1964)

My grandfather, William John Schuler was born in Lockport, Will County, Illinois 12 September 1871. By 1885, he was a mule driver and deck hand on the Illinois and Michigan Canal. Many interesting stories have been handed down such as "Don't pay the deck hands before the boat is tied up." He related how once near Peoria, he paid the men and they jumped ship and swam to shore. During his courting years, he had to stop in Seneca on Sunday for chicken and to visit a certain young chick. William John and Nettie Ethel Couch were married in home of the bride in Seneca, Illinois on 23 December 1908. While on the boat, Nettie cooked for the crew. Eleanor Lena, their first child was tied to the washing machine so she would not fall overboard. By the time of the second child, William Lloyd, permanent residence was established on 8th Street in Lockport. They had five children with four living to adulthood, marriage and raising their own families. On 31 December 1964, Grandpa Schuler or Pa Shoo (privilege to call his name depended on family status) laid down on the bed for his afternoon nap. At 93 years of age, naps are a privilege no one will dispute. Grandma mentioned that it was time for dinner and time to wake him.  What a peaceful way to pass away.

The copies of his pilot license were obtained from the National Archives at St. Louis. MO.

The SchulerKampe family trees are a work in progress on RootsWeb, My Heritage and Ancestry. Or, if you have questions and comments, please write me at sbgenealogy@gmail.com.

Wordless Wednesday - bridge building between IL and KY over the Ohio River

Illinois side of the Ohio River

Kentucky side of the Ohio River

Construction photographs taken circa 1915. Photographer unknown. I am trying to identify the location. The bridge is over the Ohio River between Illinois and Kentucky. The photos need a good home. Somewhere that these will be displayed with the area or town history.
Please contact me, Selma Blackmon, if interested.