This was late in the era of sailing ships and it spent its career as a schooner barge, towed by a steam tug.

[2] The Minnedosa was constructed by the Montreal Transportation Company and was one of 41 ships ordered for Great Lakes service.

Along with the steamer Westmount and the barge Melrose, it departed across Lake Superior in tow for Kingston under the command of Captain John Phillips.

Marie early on October 19 and passed De Tour, Michigan that evening, then entered Lake Huron where a strong wind was blowing with snow falling.

It was later discovered that there were axe marks on the post, possibly meaning a crew of the doomed vessel chopped it off to save the Melrose.

There was no trace found of the Minnedosa or its occupants, and the Melrose was taken back in tow at 5 AM October 21, making a safe arrival at Harbor Beach that afternoon.