SHIPWRECK REPORT: RICHARD BURNS (formerly J.B. LOZEN)

Type: Wooden Schooner-Barge

Other Names: J.B. Lozen

Lengths: 178 ft (54.3 m)

Beam: 33 ft (10 m)

Depth: 12 ft (3.7 m)

Gross Tonnage: 565 tons

Net Tonnage: 538 tons

Location: St. Clair Flats, Lake St. Clair

IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION

• Original Name: J.B. Lozen

• Later Name: Richard Burns (1920)

• Construction:

• Builder: William Dulac

• Year Built: 1890

• Location: Mt. Clemens, Michigan

• Official Number: 76868

• Ownership History:

• Originally owned by William Dulac

• Renamed Richard Burns in 1920

HISTORY

As J.B. Lozen (1890–1920):

The Schooner-Barge was designed for the bulk cargo trade, primarily hauling coal and lumber across the Great Lakes. It was towed by several steamers, including:

• Fred McBrier

• Mark Hopkins

• Norwalk

• Charles A. Street

• Rhoda Emily

• Helen

As Richard Burns (1920–1921):

Renamed in 1920, the vessel continued its service under various towing steamers.

Final Voyage (November 4, 1921):

• Route: Being towed by the Steamer William A. Hazard with a cargo of coal.

• Incident:

• While traversing the St. Clair Flats on Lake St. Clair, the vessel experienced a Hull failure, causing it to leak.

• The Schooner-Barge eventually Foundered and sank.

• There were no casualties.

Aftermath:

• Cargo Recovery: The coal cargo was salvaged.

• Hulk Removal: In May 1922, the wreckage of the Richard Burns was removed from the St. Clair River.

FINAL DISPOSITION

• Cause of Sinking: Hull failure while in tow.

• Fate of the Vessel: The wreck was removed after its sinking.

SIGNIFICANCE

The Richard Burns (J.B. Lozen) represents the era of wooden Schooner-barges, a workhorse of the Great Lakes shipping industry during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Its decades of service in coal and lumber transport, as well as its involvement with numerous towing steamers, highlight the interconnected nature of maritime commerce on the Great Lakes.

REFERENCES & LINKS

• Bowling Green State University – Great Lakes Ships

• David Swayze Shipwreck File

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes

This structured report ensures the historical and operational legacy of the Richard Burns is preserved, emphasizing its contribution to Great Lakes commerce and its ultimate demise.