The Tugboat John B. Breymann: A Lifetime of Service and a Fiery End

Identification & Site Information

• • Vessel Name: John B. Breymann (formerly Marinette)
• • Vessel Type: Wooden Tugboat (Towboat)
• • Builder: Rand & Burger
• • Place of Construction: Marinette, Wisconsin
• • Year Built: 1885
• • Dimensions:
• • Length: 71 feet (21.6 meters)
• • Beam: 18 feet (5.5 meters)
• • Depth: 9 feet (2.7 meters)
• • Gross Tonnage: 59 tons
• • Net Tonnage: 40 tons
• • Final Resting Place: Toledo boneyard, Maumee River, Ohio
• • Date of Loss: June 8, 1926

Vessel Type Description

The John B. Breymann was a classic wooden Tugboat, essential for towing and dredging operations. Originally known as the Marinette, it served the industrial needs of the Great Lakes, particularly in maintaining river channels and assisting with cargo transport. Its rugged design and relatively compact size made it ideal for operating in narrow and shallow waterways.

History

Construction and Early Years (1885):

• Built by Rand & Burger in Marinette, Wisconsin, the Tugboat was initially named the Marinette and enrolled in Milwaukeeon August 5, 1886. It played a key role in the growing Great Lakes economy, assisting larger vessels and maintaining navigable waterways.

Ownership and Name Changes:

• By 1908, the vessel was owned by G.H. Breymann & Bros. Dredging, which had a long-standing contract with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to maintain river channels.

• The Tugboat was later renamed John B. Breymann, reflecting its association with the Breymann family, which was prominent in maritime operations.

Incidents and Rebuilds:

1. April 19, 1900: The Tug ran aground near North Bass Island, Lake Erie, but was refloated and repaired.

2. 1904: The vessel underwent a significant Rebuild and was remeasured in Toledo, Ohio, resulting in slightly modified dimensions.

3. 1910: Ownership officially transferred to John B. Breymann of Toledo, continuing its service under private ownership.

Service as a Dredging Tug:

• The John B. Breymann played a crucial role in maintaining navigable waterways in the Maumee River and other channels, ensuring the smooth flow of goods and commerce in the Great Lakes region.

The Fire and Final Loss (1926)

Incident Details:

• On June 8, 1926, while moored at a boneyard along the Maumee River in Toledo, a fire broke out on the property.

• The fire was reportedly sparked by an ember from a passing locomotive, quickly spreading to nearby vessels and structures.

Destruction of the Tug:

• Despite efforts to contain the blaze, the John B. Breymann was among seven vessels destroyed.

• The Tug burned to the waterline and was declared a Total Loss.

• Thankfully, the shipwatcher, his wife, and grandson managed to escape unharmed, and no casualties were reported.

Legacy

The John B. Breymann epitomizes the hard-working tugboats that formed the backbone of industrial and maritime operations in the 19th and early 20th centuries. From dredging river channels to towing large vessels, the Tug served faithfully until its fiery demise. Its destruction marked the end of an era, as many similar wooden vessels were being phased out in favor of steel-hulled designs.

Historical Significance

• Role in Maritime Trade: The Tug contributed significantly to the economic development of the Great Lakes region, ensuring the viability of shipping lanes and river channels.

• End of an Era: The fire at the Toledo boneyard symbolized the transition from wooden-hulled vessels to more modern steel designs.

Resources & References

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Archival records on the vessel’s service and loss.

• David Swayze Shipwreck File: Detailed account of the Tug’s history and incidents.

• Great Lakes Ships: Comprehensive database of historical vessels.

Conclusion

The John B. Breymann serves as a testament to the utility and resilience of Great Lakes tugboats during a formative period in North American industrial history. Though its end came in flames, the Tug left a legacy of service that underscores the vital role such vessels played in shaping the economic landscape of the Great Lakes region.