GRIFFIN. Ore Carrier. Built in 1891 by Cleveland SB Co. for Lake Superior Iron Co. 1856Gt. 1526Nt. L266'pp. B38'2". Dr19'6". Oil engines. S/A. 12-cyl. Ore capacity 2700tn.
She was bought by Carnegie Steel Corporation in 1899, then in 1901 by Pittsburgh SS Co.
Sold in 1913 to Atlas SS Co. Duluth. Converted to a Crane ship in 1918. Converted to a Bulk Freighter in 1929. Sold in 1937 to Erie Sand & Gravel Co. Converted to self unloading sandsucker in 1938. Renamed JOSEPH B SCOBELL. New engines fitted in 1948. LRS of 1969 lists her as a Suction Dredger. L282'. B38'6". Dr18'8". Owners Rockwood Navigaton Co. LRS of 1970 shows her under ownership of Erie Motor Ship Co. Speed 12kn. The oldest bulk freight vessel on Great Lakes when broken up in 1971 at Port Colborne, Ontario.
Stamp design is from a photograph taken on 15th June 1898. She is shown at the right rear of stamp.
U.S.A. 1901. 8c. SG304 (LB4/23. EWA Vol 7. p63)