John Frazer of Kingston, Ontario

Overview

John Frazer was a notable figure in the maritime community of Kingston, Ontario, during the 19th century. As an owner and operator of vessels on the Great Lakes, Frazer was part of Kingston’s vibrant shipping and trade industry. This city served as a critical hub for commerce, connecting Ontario to other parts of the Great Lakes and the St. Lawrence River.

Involvement with the MINERVA COOK

John Frazer is most prominently associated with his ownership of the schooner MINERVA COOK, a vessel that was integral to the transportation of lumber and other goods in the mid-19th century.

• Acquisition:

Frazer acquired the MINERVA COOK during a time when the schooner had already experienced a series of misfortunes. By this time, the vessel had built a reputation for its repeated accidents, including multiple collisions and groundings.

• Ownership Tenure:

Frazer owned the schooner during its later years of operation, from 1863 until its eventual wrecking in 1868. Despite its troubled history, Frazer continued to operate the MINERVA COOK in the busy trade routes of Lake Ontario, carrying lumber and other goods vital to the regional economy.

• Significant Incidents During Ownership:

• In 1863, the MINERVA COOK capsized off South Bay Point, further adding to its string of misfortunes.

• In 1865, it ran aground near Sodus, New York, while carrying a cargo of lumber.

• In 1866, it collided with the schooner E. MASTERS at Mill Point, sustaining more damage.

• Its final wreck occurred in November 1868, marking the end of its long and tumultuous career.

Kingston’s Maritime Significance

As a prominent maritime center in the 19th century, Kingston was home to shipbuilders, sailors, and merchants who contributed to the Great Lakes’ economic and industrial development. Individuals like John Frazer played a crucial role in this ecosystem, owning and operating vessels that supported trade and transportation.

• Economic Role:

Frazer’s activities as a shipowner reflected Kingston’s strategic importance in the lumber and shipping industries. Ships like the MINERVA COOK were instrumental in moving goods between Ontario and ports in the United States, ensuring the flow of materials that fueled the region’s growth.

• Challenges of the Era:

Shipowners like Frazer faced significant challenges, including unpredictable weather, mechanical failures, and navigational hazards. The repeated accidents involving the MINERVA COOK underscore the risks inherent in maritime operations on the Great Lakes during this period.

Legacy

Although specific details about John Frazer’s life outside his maritime ventures are scarce, his role as the owner of the MINERVA COOKhighlights the essential contributions of shipowners in supporting regional trade during the 19th century. Frazer’s perseverance in operating a vessel with a checkered history exemplifies the resilience of Great Lakes mariners and their commitment to the economic vitality of the region.

Keywords

• John Frazer

• Kingston, Ontario

• MINERVA COOK

• Great Lakes Maritime History

• 19th-Century Shipowners

• Lake Ontario Shipping

Further Reading & Resources

1. Maritime History of the Great Lakes:

A comprehensive database of shipowners, shipbuilders, and vessels.

2. Save Ontario Shipwrecks (SOS):

Information on the preservation of shipwrecks like the MINERVA COOK.

3. Kingston Historical Society:

For insights into the city’s maritime heritage and figures like John Frazer.

4. David Swayze Shipwreck Database:

Details on the incidents involving the MINERVA COOK and its ownership timeline.

Conclusion:

John Frazer’s ownership of the MINERVA COOK reflects the vital role of maritime trade in 19th-century Kingston and the broader Great Lakes region. Despite the vessel’s storied misfortunes, Frazer’s operations contributed to the economic activities that shaped Ontario’s development during this era. His legacy, intertwined with that of the MINERVA COOK, serves as a reminder of the challenges and triumphs of Great Lakes shipping.