Identification & Site Information

•Original Name: Robert J. Morill

•Rebuilt Name: A.F. Bowman

•Type (Post-1906): Tug

•Official Number: C116385

•Year Rebuilt: 1906

•Rebuilder: Robert J. Morill

•Final Disposition: Scrapped in 1941

Vessel Type Description (Post-Rebuild)

The A.F. Bowman was reconstructed as a Tug in 1906, likely converting from an earlier configuration to a dedicated tow vessel. Tugs were essential for harbor operations, river navigation, and towing cargo vessels or barges in Great Lakes shipping. This Rebuild reflected a practical repurposing of older vessels to meet evolving maritime demands.

History

Construction and Rebuild:

•Originally constructed before 1906, the vessel underwent a significant transformation by Robert J. Morill.

•Renamed A.F. Bowman upon completion, the Tug was assigned the official Canadian Registry Number C116385.

Operational Career (1906–1941):

•The A.F. Bowman likely served in towing and harbor operations throughout the Great Lakes, contributing to the region’s bustling industrial and shipping economy.

•Details of its ownership, specific operations, and notable incidents during this period are not provided but could be found in maritime logs or regional archives.

Final Disposition:

•After approximately 35 years of service as a Tug, the A.F. Bowman was scrapped in 1941.

•The scrapping marked the end of its operational life, likely due to the declining utility or structural integrity of older wooden or early steel tugs by this period.

Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs)

•There are no active NOTMARs associated with this vessel. Its scrapping in 1941 precludes any current navigational hazards.

Legacy and Research Opportunities

While the A.F. Bowman may not have an extensively documented history, its Conversion from an earlier vessel and long service life reflect common practices in early 20th-century maritime operations. Researchers might uncover additional details by exploring Canadian registry records (C116385) or archives related to Robert J. Morill’s shipbuilding activities.

Resources & Links

•Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Explore

•Canadian Vessel Registry: Historical entries for C116385

•Regional Archives: Potential records in Ontario shipbuilding and towing history

Conclusion

The A.F. Bowman is a compelling example of the adaptive reuse of vessels during the early 20th century, highlighting the economic and functional pressures of maritime industries on the Great Lakes. Scrapped in 1941, it leaves behind a legacy of service that underscores the evolving role of tugs in industrial shipping and navigation. Further exploration of regional maritime records could provide a more detailed narrative of this vessel’s history.