Copyright USGenNet Inc., 2013, All Rights Reserved U.S. Data Repository Please read U.S. Data Repository Copyright Statement on this page: Transcribed and submitted by Linda Talbott for the US Data Repository http://www.us-data.org/ ========================================================================= U.S. Data Repository NOTICE: These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or presentation by any other organization. Non-commercial organizations desiring to use this material must obtain the consent of the transcriber prior to use. Individuals desiring to use this material in their own research may do so. ========================================================================= Formatted by U.S. Data Repository Chief Archivist, Linda Talbott All of the above information must remain when copied or downloaded. ========================================================================== Marine History, The Lake Ports, Historical and Descriptive Review of the Lakes, Rivers, Islands, Cities, Towns, Watering Places, Fisheries, Vessels, Steamers, Captains, Disasters, Early Navigators, Mineral Wealth, Trade, Commerce, Transportation, Etc., Etc. DETROIT: Historical Printing Company - 1877. [Page 47] MOFFAT & SON'S TUG LINE. Thirty-five years ago Port Huron was of such little importance that the "Tug" business was a scarcely recognized interest, but with the growth and settlement of the country in the Lake Superior regions, and the development of its mineral resources, this port rose rapidly in all branches of mari- time commerce. In 1864 the lake traffice had increased to an enormous ex- tent, and every available craft was busily employed. At this time Mr. JAS. MOFFAT, the founder and owner of the ferry line between this port and Sarnia, Ont., embarked in the tugging business, in conjunction with Mr. ELLIOTT BROCKWAY and Mr. JOHN S. BOTSFORD, and built the "Kate Moffat," a trim boat of about one hundred and fifty tons burthen; for three years this boat was busily engaged in towing vessels and rafts between lakes Huron and Erie, under the command of Mr. MOFFAT. This venture proving a source of considerable emolument to the owners, they decided to add another boat to their line, and in the spring of 1867the "Geo. Brockway" was launched. In 1870, owing to increased demand, the tug "Frank Moffat" was built and placed in commission; and in 1873 the "Mocking Bird," pronounced by sailing men to be the best and fastest tug on the lakes, was added to the line. Mr. JAS. MOFFAT, the principal owner and controller of this renowned tug line, has always made it his aim to perform his duty to his employers to the letter, often disadvantageously to himself, and this, with the known superiority of his boats, has secured to him hosts of friends and an extensive patronage. During the past three years the fearful depression in all kinds of business, especially the shipping interests, has compelled many tug owners to lay up their boats before the season was half over, and in many instances they were not fitted out at all, but these boats, during the dullest times, were always out and employed. Vessel owners and masters will do well to secure the services of these admirable boats, in their passage between Lake Huron and Lake Erie. The forwarding and commission business in all our principal lake ports forms a large feature in the make up of their business success, and the well known firm of MOFFAT & CO., of this city, bears out the assertion. This business was started about seven years ago by Mr. A. N. MOFFAT, son of the pioneer ferry owner, Mr. JAMES MOFFAT. Like all other new enterprises in a rising neighborhood, only a small capital was invested at the outset, but as the liberal terms and superior advantages offered to consignors and shipppers became more widely known, increased capital and improved facilities for warehousing, shipping, etc., were added until to-day this house is one of the largest representative establishments in the business north of Detroit. Their offices, warehouses and dock are conveniently located at the foot of Sarnia Street, Port Huron. In addition to, and in connection with the above business this firm are agents for the principal lake and river steamers, the "Northern Transit Company," "Ward's Lake Superior Line," and the "Star Line," being the principal ones. The house [Page 48] also deals largely in pressed hay, grain, salt, land plaster, cement, oil, flour, pork, beef, hams, shoulders, lard, ship supplies, and always having on hand a stock the superior quality of which may be relied on. Merchants, manufacturers, traders, farmers and others requiring the ser- vices of a thoroughly reliable forwarding house should not fail to place themselves in communication with these gentlemen. The greatest care is always taken of goods entrusted to them as forwarders; all unnecessary de- lays are avoided, and when it does occur their large and convenient ware- rooms afford security and shelter unequaled by any house in the city. Those consigning goods to this house in their capacity of commission mer- chants can be satisfied that the best current prices will always be ob- tained; and all requiring information or advice pertaining to any branch of this extensive business may rely upon any representations made by them. Mr. A. N. MOFFAT, the senior partner, is a young man of ability and strict integrity, and having been reared in the business from boyhood, has acquired such an intimate knowledge of its various departments that the ut- most reliance may be placed in his representations. ___________________________________________________________________________ MOFFAT & CO., FORWARDERS & COMMISSION MERCHANTS AGENCY OF THE PRINCIPAL LAKE AND RIVER STEAMERS. DEALERS IN COAL, PRESSED HAY, GRAIN, SALT, LAND PLASTER, CEMENT, OIL, BOAT SUPPLIES, ETC. JAS. MOFFAT & SON. MANAGERS TUGS MOCKING BIRD, BROCKWAY AND FRANK MOFFAT, WAREHOUSE, OFFICE AND DOCK: FOOT OF SARNIA STREET PORT HURON, MICH. ===========================================================================