Copyright USGenNet Inc., 2017 All Rights Reserved USGenNet Data Repository Please read USGenNet Copyright Statement on this page: Submitted by Linda Talbott for the USGenNet Data Repository http://www.us-data.org/ ========================================================================= NOTICE TO USERS - These files are protected by the The Digital Millennium Copyright Act of 1998. Information contained herein is provided for research purposes and may be freely linked to. Copying for redistribution or presentation by any person, persons or organization is not allowed without the written permission of the author/submitter. Formatted by USGenNet Data Repository Chief Archivist, Linda Talbott All of the above information must remain when copied or downloaded. =========================================================================== VESSEL NAME: Toledo OTHER NAME(s): - OFFICIAL NO: - DATE OF LOSS: 24 October 1856 CAUSE OF LOSS: Storm LOCATION: Lake Michigan, off Port Washington, WI RIG TYPE: Propeller, passenger & freight HULL TYPE: Wood BUILDER: B. B. Jones, Buffalo, 1854 OWNER(S): American Transportation Co. MASTER: Capt. John P. Densham, Buffalo TONNAGE: 585 t. (om) DIMENSIONS: 178 x 29 x 11 CASUALTIES: 39 - 42 (varies), 3 survivors The TOLEDO was bound for Milwaukee* with a full cargo of merchandise and about 40 passengers when she was overwhelmed by a gale that lashed Lake Michigan for two days. Both anchors were dropped about 1/2 mile off Port Washington. Her 30 year old captain later thought to try to beach her as a last resort, but the anchors fouled and couldn't be raised. Her seams opened as she dragged and she soon settled to the bottom. Those ashore could see her distress signal, but all they could do was light fires along the beach as she rolled and labored in the fearful seas. *One source says she was bound for Chicago. Advertise- ment in the Buffalo Daily Courier, just two days before her loss, shows the TOLEDO on the Milwaukee line. Capt. John P. Densham was born in England abt. 1854. He left a widow, Fanny, and at least one child, six year old Elizabeth C. . ======================================================================== Sources: Rochester (N.Y.) Daily Democrat - Tuesday, 28 October 1856 "on Friday last" Buffalo Daily Republic - Wednesday, 29 October 1856 "on Friday last" Vessel Enrollment, 1854 Mansfield, J. B. "History of the Great Lakes," Vol. I 1850 Federal Census, 2d Ward, Buffalo, Erie Co., N.Y., HW Pg 184