The SS Abbotsford was a brig-rigged iron passenger ship built by the Gourlay Brothers of Dundee for the Red Star Line, of Antwerp. Despite the company's home in Belgium, the liner was registered in Liverpool and flew the British flag.She was launched on March 29, 1873. Her maiden voyage from Liverpool to Philadelphia started on May 10, 1873 for the Red Star.On November 24, 1874 the Abbotsford collided with the SS Indus on the way to New York from Antwerp. Repairs were made in London, England.