B. Jones & F.D. Ketchum

Huron, Ohio, emerged as a significant hub for shipbuilding in the 19th century, with several notable shipbuilders contributing to its maritime heritage. Among them were Benjamin B. Jones and Frederick Dillazone Ketchum, both of whom played pivotal roles in the development of Great Lakes vessels.

Benjamin B. Jones

Benjamin B. Jones was a member of the esteemed Jones family, renowned for their shipbuilding expertise on the Great Lakes. His father, Augustus Jones, introduced East Coast shipbuilding techniques to the region in the 1820s, a legacy continued by his sons, including Benjamin. The Jones family established shipyards in various Great Lakes ports, constructing numerous notable vessels. Benjamin B. Jones, in particular, contributed to this legacy by building ships that were integral to Great Lakes commerce. 

Frederick Dillazone Ketchum

Frederick Dillazone Ketchum (April 6, 1811 – January 21, 1888) was a distinguished shipbuilder whose career spanned several key locations along the Great Lakes. Born in Oswego, New York, Ketchum began his maritime career as a ship’s carpenter, eventually rising to the position of Master Shipbuilder. He established a shipyard in Huron, Ohio, where he constructed several vessels, including the schooner Ketchum in 1855 and the schooner Shook in 1856. Ketchum’s contributions to shipbuilding were significant, and his work was recognized in various historical records. 

In the late 1820s and 1830s, Huron’s shipbuilding industry surpassed that of any other town in Ohio. The newly improved harbor, the proximity of the Huron River, and a plentiful supply of affordable lumber contributed to Huron’s designation as the “leading Ohio builder of steamships in the 1830s.” 

Vessels associated with

• Arcturus Was constructed in 1853 as a wooden schooner in Huron, Ohio, by B. Jones (though some records attribute the build to F.D. Ketchum). Over time, she was converted into a barge, a common practice for aging schooners that were no longer competitive as independent sailing vessels but still valuable as towed cargo carriers. Measuring 140 feet in length and capable of carrying bulk materials such as coal, the ARCTURUS played an important role in the Great Lakes freight network during the latter half of the 19th century.

The efforts of shipbuilders like Benjamin B. Jones and Frederick D. Ketchum were instrumental in establishing Huron as a prominent center for shipbuilding during this era. Their legacy is reflected in the numerous vessels that navigated the Great Lakes, contributing to the region’s economic development and maritime history.

Here are the references related to the history of B. Jones (or F.D. Ketchum) and shipbuilding in Huron, Ohio:

• Shipwreck World – Details on the Jones family legacy, including Benjamin B. Jones and their shipbuilding contributions to the Great Lakes Shipwreck World
• Great Lakes Ships Database – Information on Frederick Dillazone Ketchum’s contributions to shipbuilding: Ketchum Schooner: Great Lakes Ships
  Shook Schooner: Great Lakes Ships
• Blog Post on Shipbuilders – Context on Ketchum’s legacy and significance: Robt’s Family Blog
• The Huron Historical Society – Overview of Huron’s shipbuilding industry and its importance in the 19th century:
• Huron Historical Society

These references provide insights into the shipbuilding contributions of both Benjamin B. Jones and Frederick Dillazone Ketchum, as well as the broader maritime history of Huron, Ohio.