[3] Due to the increasing demand for iron ore, J & L commissioned two identical vessels; Willis L. King from the Great Lakes Engineering Works (GLEW) of Ecorse, Michigan, and the William C Moreland from the American Ship Building Company (AMSHIP) of Lorain, Ohio.

Willis L. King's keel was laid on September 12, 1910; slightly over three months later she was launched on December 17, 1911 as hull number #79.

She entered service on April 18, 1911, sailing light from Ecorse, Michigan, bound for Toledo, Ohio.

Meanwhile, Superior City was downbound from Two Harbors, Minnesota, heavily loaded with 7,600 tons of iron ore in her cargo hold.

On May 31, 1926, Willis L. King collided with the 600-foot-long (180 m) laker Pontiac in heavy fog just twelve miles above the Soo Locks.