Identification & Site Information

• Vessel Name: Chester B. Jones
• Vessel Type: Schooner-Barge
• Year Built: 1873
• Official Number: 125159
• Construction: Wood
• Builder: Chesley Wheeler
• Location Built: East Saginaw, MI
• Original Owner: Jos. H. Tolfree, East Saginaw, MI
• Number of Decks: 1
• Number of Masts: 3
• Length: 167 feet
• Beam: 30.3 feet
• Depth: 12 feet
• Gross Tonnage: 493 tons
• Net Tonnage: 470 tons
• Final Disposition: Abandoned in 1924 due to age and deterioration

Vessel Type Description

The Chester B. Jones was a wooden three-masted Schooner-Barge, a type of cargo vessel extensively used on the Great Lakes in the 19th and early 20th centuries. These versatile ships were towed by steamers and primarily transported bulk cargo such as lumber, coal, and grain. Their rugged design and substantial cargo capacity made Schooner-barges an integral part of Great Lakes commerce during this period.

History

The Chester B. Jones was launched in 1873 in East Saginaw, Michigan, and registered in Port Huron later that year. Over its 50 years of service, the vessel played a vital role in the Great Lakes’ bustling shipping industry, particularly in the lumber trade.

Key Incidents and Service Highlights:

1. November 1873: Ran aground near North Manitou Island, Lake Michigan, shortly after its launch. The vessel was successfully refloated and repaired.

2. Towing Operations: Frequently towed by steamers, including the A. A. Turner (1874), Oregon (1882), and D. M. Wilson (1884).

3. 1893 Grounding: Grounded at Buffalo, New York, during its service in the lumber trade.

4. 1895 Sinking: Sank near Whitefish Point, Lake Superior, after grounding, resulting in the tragic loss of seven lives. Despite the disaster, the vessel was salvaged, repaired, and returned to service.

5. Ownership Changes: The Chester B. Jones changed hands multiple times, eventually being owned by the Pittsburgh Coal Company in Cleveland, Ohio, during its later years. By 1920, its home port was listed as Alpena, Michigan.

The vessel was a workhorse of the Great Lakes trade routes, transporting goods critical to the region’s economy. However, by the early 20th century, the aging Schooner-Barge was no longer viable.

Final Disposition

In 1924, after over five decades of service, the Chester B. Jones was Abandoned due to its deteriorated condition. Its final resting place remains undocumented, but the abandonment marked the end of its extensive and eventful career.

Located By & Date

The precise location of the Chester B. Jones at the time of abandonment has not been recorded, and no known exploration of the wreck has occurred to date.

NOTMARs & Advisories

There are no active Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) associated with the Chester B. Jones. However, its historical significance adds value to the narrative of maritime trade on the Great Lakes.

Resources & Links

• • Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Maritime History of the Great Lakes
• • NOAA Office of Coast Survey Wrecks and Obstructions Database: Repository for maritime wrecks.
• • Great Lakes Maritime Database: Great Lakes Ships Database
• • 3D Shipwrecks: Chester B. Jones

3D Model – Chester B. Jones

ChesterBJones by 3DShipwrecks on Sketchfab

Conclusion

The Chester B. Jones was emblematic of the hardworking Schooner-barges that formed the backbone of Great Lakes trade in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Despite numerous challenges, including groundings, sinkings, and ownership changes, the vessel remained in operation for over 50 years. Its eventual abandonment in 1924 reflected the end of an era for wooden Schooner-barges, as newer steel-hulled vessels and modern technologies took over. Today, the Chester B. Jones serves as a historical example of the resilience and adaptability of Great Lakes maritime commerce.

Keywords

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