The 17 ton tug C. W. Evans (US No. 4262), originally built at Buffalo, NY in 1864 by J. F. Kingston, was rebuilt into the Frank R. Crane (US No. 120333). The rebuilding was performed by John Gregory in his Chicago shipyard during 1878. She was owned by the Chicago Dredge & Dock Company and cost $7,500.
FRANK R. CRANE, secretary of the Chicago Dredging and Dock Company, is the son of Charles S. and Eliza Jane (Beyea) Crane, and was born on May 28, 1862. He received his education in the public schools and the Business of Metropolitan College, Chicago. In 1882, he commenced work for the Chicago Dredging and Dock Company, and in 1884, was elected secretary thereof.
Chicago Tribune, March 27, 1878
LAUNCH OF TUGS.
The Chicago Dredging and Dock Company have just lannched two new tug-boats at their yards on Goose Island. The first is the tug A. S. Allen (US No. 105785), a staunch little craft, of eighteen tons burthen, forty-five feet in length, and built especially for the Company’s peculiar business, at a cost of $5, 000. The F. R. Crane, named after the President, Mr. Crane, is a perfect model in her way. She was launched at 3:30 yesterday afternoon. She is fifty-six feet long and twenty-five tons burthen. She is as well constructed as any tow-boat on the river. She is complete in all her appointments, and fitted up with neat and comfortable cabins. She cost $7,500, aud will be ready for work next week.
Chicago Daily Telegraph, August 26, 1878
Lost in the Storm.
During the gale, shortly after midnight yesterday morning, the tag Frank R. Crane, while towing two scows and a pile-driver from South Chicago, parted her tow-line opposite Twenty-seventh street. The gale was at its height at the time, and, in the darkness, the tug found it impossible to save the scows or recover her line, being barely able to rescue the men who were on them, all of whom were saved but one man, who cannot be found, and whose name is unknown. The scows are total wrecks, the remains of one lying on the shore at the foot of Thirty-third street, and the other at the foot of Thirty-eight street.
Chicago Tribune, October 24, 1878
NAUTICAL MISHAPS.
The interior of the pilot-house of the tug Frank R. Crane was damaged by fire Tuesday afternoon, at the dock of the Chicago Dredging & Dock Company, on the North Branch. A defective flue or stove-pipe caused the blaze, which was extinguished in the nick of time. The tug Allen will take the Crane’s place until she is repaired.
Inter Ocean, May 2, 1901
Tug Strike Not Serious.
The Hausler & Lutz Dredging and Dock company has put on non-union men in the places of the men who struck yesterday on the company’s tugs, Commodore and Frank R. Crane. An officer of the company said yesterday that no time had been lost, and that everything was running along smoothly. He stated that the trouble was not a question of wages, but due to a misunderstanding.
No documentation after 1916.
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