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J.R. SPRANKLE

Built in 1894, by Globe Iron Works Incorporated of Cleveland, Ohio (hull #55) as the J.R. Sprankle for L.P. Smith of Cleveland, Ohio.

In 1899, the tug was acquired by the Great Lakes Towing Company of Cleveland, Ohio. Where she retained her name.

In 1918, she was acquired by the Inland Transportation Company of Cleveland, Ohio. Where the tug retained her name.

In 1926, the tug was acquired by an individual named H.J. Dixon of Ontario, Canada. Where she was renamed as the H.J. Dixon.

In 1927, she was acquired by the L.A. Wells Construction Company of Cleveland, Ohio. Where the tug retained her name.

In 1956, she foundered near Avon Point on Lake Erie.

In 1962, the tug was recovered and towed to Lorain, Ohio where she sank again.

In 1963, she was acquired by an individual named George A. Walton of Cleveland, Ohio. The tug was raised, towed to Cleveland, Ohio and was rebuilt. Where she retained her name.

In 1964, the tug was acquired an individual named Jack Olson of Cleveland, Ohio. Where she retained her name.

In 1971, she was acquired by an individual named Joseph W. Rowell of Cleveland, Ohio. Where the tug retained hr name.

In 1974, the tug was acquired by the Martran Company of Detroit, Michigan. Where she retained her name.

In 1982, the tug went out of documentation. Her current, and or final disposition is unknown. She was powered by one, 18.5(in) by 18.5(in) steam engine. Originally, the tug was rated at 350 horsepower. In 1936, she was re powered with a single, ten cylinder, 25kW, GM diesel engine, rated at 400 horsepower.


  • Vessel Name: J.R. SPRANKLE
  • USCG Doc. No.: 7713800
  • Vessel Service: TOWING VESSEL
  • Trade Indicator: Coastwise Unrestricted Registry
  • Hull Material: STEEL
  • Hull Number: 55
  • Ship Builder: Globe Iron Works Inc.
  • Year Built: 1894
  • Length: 58.5
  • Hull Depth: 7.4
  • Hull Breadth: 7.4
  • Gross Tonnage: 44
  • Net Tonnage: 23
  • Previous Vessel Names:
    J.R. SPRANKLE, H.J. DIXON, J.R. SPRANKLE
  • Previous Vessel Owners:
    L.P. Smith, Great Lakes Towing Co., Inland Transportation Co., H.J. Dixon, L.A. Wells Construction Co., George A. Walton, Glenn L. Allen, Jack Olson, Joseph W. Rowell, Martran Co.