J.M. Jones, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Overview: J.M. Jones was a prominent shipbuilder based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, during the mid-19th century. He played a significant role in the development of Great Lakes shipbuilding, particularly during a time when the region was transitioning from traditional sail-powered vessels to steam propulsion. Jones was known for constructing robust wooden ships, including propeller steamers and bulk freighters that served the expanding industrial and commercial needs of the Great Lakes.

Notable Vessels Built by J.M. Jones:

• Alleghany Year Built: 1856 Type: Wooden Propeller, Bulk Freight “Steam Barge” Specifications: 167 ft x 29 ft x 14 ft; 402 gross tons Significance: The Alleghany was the first propeller-driven vessel built in Milwaukee. She replaced an earlier vessel of the same name (Allegheny), which had wrecked in 1855. The Alleghany experienced a long operational history, including multiple rebuilds and re-powering before her loss in 1896 near Summer Island on Lake Michigan.
• Charles H. Hurd was a substantial vessel at 600 tons, designed for carrying heavy cargoes such as grain and lumber. The schooner’smrobust construction was typical of the period, with three masts providing the sail power necessary for navigating the often unpredictable waters of the Great Lakes.
• Driver was a wooden-hulled, two-masted schooner, built in 1856 by J.M. Jones in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. At 103 feet in length and 137 gross tons, she was designed for bulk freight transport, primarily carrying materials such as hardwood, coal, and grain across Lake Michigan and the Great Lakes.

Contributions to Shipbuilding:

• Pioneering Propeller Technology:
  Jones was at the forefront of adopting propeller-driven steam technology in Milwaukee, marking a significant shift from traditional sidewheel steamers. This innovation increased the efficiency and maneuverability of ships operating on the Great Lakes.
• Focus on Bulk Freight and Industrial Needs:
  Many of Jones’s vessels were designed to meet the growing demands of the bulk freight industry, transporting materials like coal, timber, and iron ore, which were crucial to the economic development of the Midwest.
• Durability and Longevity:
  Ships constructed by Jones were known for their sturdy wooden hulls and robust construction, allowing them to operate under challenging Great Lakes conditions for decades, often undergoing multiple rebuilds to extend their service life.

Legacy: While detailed records of J.M. Jones’s full shipbuilding portfolio are limited, his contributions were instrumental in establishing Milwaukee as a significant shipbuilding hub during the 19th century. The construction of the Alleghany as Milwaukee’s first propeller vessel marked a pivotal moment in the region’s maritime history, influencing future ship designs and propulsion methods on the Great Lakes.

Resources & Links:

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes
• Great Lakes Vessels Database – BGSU
• Edward J. Dowling Collection, University of Detroit – Mercy

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Keywords: J.M. Jones, Milwaukee Shipbuilding, Propeller Steamer, Great Lakes Shipbuilding, 19th Century Maritime Industry
Categories: Great Lakes Shipbuilders, Maritime History of Wisconsin, Propeller-Driven Steamships
Glossary Terms: Propeller Technology, Steam Barge, Wooden Hull, Bulk Freight