The Eastland Disaster: Legal Proceedings and Outcomes- Part 7

Before the SS Eastland became infamous for the 1915 disaster in Chicago, it had a complex and troubled history. This blog post explores the early life of the Eastland, from its construction to the years leading up to the tragedy.

ACCURACY: New findings may make some of this information obsolete and/or inaccurate.

NOTE: This account is adapted from information originally published by the Eastland Memorial Society, whose website is no longer active but can be accessed through the Internet Archive's Wayback Machine. They did a great job and deserve recognition for their early work.

Criminal Trial

Another Courtroom Scene ©2024 Natalie Zett

On September 29, 1915, Federal Judge Kenesaw Mountain Landis set the stage for legal action:

• Issued federal bench warrants for:

  • Owners/operators George Arnold and William Hull

  • Steamship Inspectors Robert Reid and J.C. Eckliff

  • Captain Harry Pedersen

  • Chief Engineer Joseph Erickson

• Charge: Conspiracy to operate an unsafe ship

• Case assigned to Judge Clarence W. Sessions of the District Court at Grand Rapids, Michigan

Key Questions Surrounding the Trial

1. Why was the ship's capacity increased from 2,000 to 2,500?

2. How did a top-heavy ship pass maritime inspections?

3. Why were ballast tanks used ineffectively?

4. Were there issues with the ballast system's valves?

5. Was the ship overcrowded beyond its stated capacity?

Notable Defense: Clarence Darrow

• Renowned American lawyer of the 20th century

• Defended Chief Engineer Joseph Erickson

• Known for defending underdogs and civil rights

Erickson's Role

• While some level of negligence was alleged, Erickson was also credited with heroic actions

• Shut down boilers to prevent an explosion, potentially saving lives

• This act of heroism was largely unacknowledged at the time

Outcomes of Legal Proceedings

• All criminal and civil cases ended in acquittals, hung juries, or dismissals

• The last civil case concluded in 1935

Final Decision: U.S. Appeals Court Ruling (August 1935)

The Associated Press reported the court's decision:

"Chicago, Aug. 7.--(AP)--The United States Circuit Court of Appeals today upheld a District Court ruling that the St. Joseph-Chicago Steamship Co. . . . is not liable for the. . .deaths in the disaster.

"The court held that the company was liable only to the extent of the salvage of the vessel; that the boat was seaworthy; that the operators had taken proper precautions and that the responsibility was traced to an engineer who neglected to fill the ballast tanks properly."

Key Findings

1. The St. Joseph-Chicago Steamship Company was not held liable for the deaths

2. Company liability was limited to the salvage value of the vessel

3. The Eastland was deemed seaworthy

4. Operators were found to have taken proper precautions

5. Responsibility was ultimately attributed to an engineer's neglect in properly filling ballast tanks

Legacy of the Legal Proceedings

The legal aftermath of the Eastland disaster spanned two decades, involving multiple trials and appeals. While it provided some closure, many questions remained unanswered, and the lack of clear accountability left many victims' families dissatisfied. The case highlighted the complexities of maritime law and the challenges in assigning responsibility in such large-scale disasters.