SS W.H. Gilcher
| History | |
|---|---|
| United States | |
| Name | W. H. Gilcher |
| Namesake | William H. Gilcher |
| Owner | Gilchrist, Gilcher & Schuck |
| Builder | Cleveland Shipbuilding Co., Cleveland |
| Cost | US$200,000 |
| Yard number | 10 |
| Launched | 18 December 1890 |
| Completed | 12 May 1891 |
| Commissioned | 12 May 1891 |
| Maiden voyage | 13 May 1891 |
| Homeport | Sandusky |
| Identification | US Official Number 81326 |
| Fate | Sank, 28 October 1892 |
| General characteristics | |
| Type | Bulk carrier |
| Tonnage | |
| Length | 301.5 ft (91.9 m) |
| Beam | 41.2 ft (12.6 m) |
| Depth | 21.1 ft (6.4 m) |
| Propulsion | Cleveland Shipbuilding Co. 3-cylinder triple expansion |
| Speed | 9+1⁄2 knots (10.9 mph; 17.6 km/h) |
W.H. Gilcher was a steam lake freighter built in 1890–1891 by Cleveland Shipbuilding Company of Cleveland for Gilchrist, Gilcher & Schuck of Sandusky, with intention of transporting cargo between various ports located on the Great Lakes. The ship was named after William H. Gilcher, one of the owners of the company. In October 1892 the freighter ran into a strong gale on Lake Michigan and foundered with the loss of all eighteen men.