Identification & Site Information

• Vessel Name: John R. Parson
• Official Number: 76999
• Built By: E. Phelps of Chaumont, NY
• Place of Construction: Chaumont, New York, USA
• Year Built: 1891
• Registry Dates:
  • Registered: November 23, 1891, Cape Vincent, NY.
• Dimensions (Post Rebuilds):
  • Length: 118 feet (36.0 m)
  • Beam: 21.33 feet (6.5 m)
  • Depth: 11 feet (3.35 m)
  • Gross Tonnage: 203.52 tons
  • Net Tonnage: 138.40 tons
• Vessel Type: Initially a Schooner, later converted into a Propeller Steamer and finally an unrigged Barge.
• Date of Wreck: November 29, 1913
• Location: Lake Ontario, near Oswego, NY
• Final Owner: Peoples Milling Co., Chaumont, NY

Vessel Type Description

The John R. Parson began as a Schooner built for versatility, catering to trade and transport needs in the Great Lakes. Over the years, its adaptations into a Steamer and then a Barge reflected changing economic demands and technological advancements. The vessel’s elliptical Stern and evolving design made it suitable for various purposes, from cargo transport to more specific industrial tasks.

History

The John R. Parson was launched in 1891 as a Schooner but underwent numerous modifications over its lifetime:

1. 1893: Rebuilt in Cape Vincent with updated dimensions, increasing its capacity to 122.76 gross tons.

2. 1895: Converted to a Propeller Steamer, enabling enhanced propulsion and maneuverability.

3. 1897: Another Rebuild added depth, further increasing its tonnage to 203.52 gross tons.

4. 1905: Rigged as an unpowered Barge, reflecting its transition to a role better suited for industrial operations like towing and freight hauling.

Ownership transitions included prominent figures and companies in Chaumont, NY, such as D.C. Wheeler and Peoples Milling Co., underscoring its value in regional trade.

Incidents and Losses

• • December 8, 1910: Stranded on Rock Shoal in the St. Lawrence River, resulting in a Total Loss of its original operational capacity.
• • November 29, 1913: The John R. Parson Foundered in Lake Ontario during a storm near Oswego, NY. The vessel was carrying three crew members at the time, and all lives were tragically lost.

Final Disposition

The John R. Parson met its end during a storm in 1913. Foundering in Lake Ontario marked the conclusion of a career characterized by resilience and adaptability. The vessel’s wreck remains undiscovered, likely lying in deep waters near Oswego.

Located By & Date

No known expeditions have located the John R. Parson’s wreck.

NOTMARs & Advisories

• • Obstructions: The region around Oswego, NY, is known for underwater hazards, including uncharted wrecks.
• • Advisories: Mariners should exercise caution and consult updated navigational charts when traversing this area.

Resources and External Links

• • Beesons Inland Marine Guide, 1892
• • Inland Lloyds Vessel Register, 1892-1914
• • Blue Book of American Shipping, 1896-1911
• • Maritime History of the Great Lakes Website
• • Loss of U.S. Vessels on the Great Lakes, Merchant Vessel List, 1911

Conclusion

The John R. Parson epitomizes the evolution of Great Lakes vessels, adapting to changing technological and economic landscapes over two decades. Its tragic loss near Oswego in 1913 underscores the perils of early 20th-century maritime operations. While its wreck remains a mystery, the vessel’s legacy continues to resonate through the historical records of Great Lakes shipping.