A.F. BOWMAN (Formerly CITY OF Oswego)

IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION

• Original Name: City of Oswego

• Rebuilt Name: A.F. Bowman

• Vessel Type: Tugboat (originally a propeller-driven freighter)

• Year Built: 1852 (as City of Oswego)

• Rebuilt as Tug: 1906 by Robert J. Morill

• Official Number: C116385 (Canadian Registry)

• Final Disposition: Scrapped in 1941

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION

After its initial career as a wooden, propeller-driven freighter, the City of Oswego was converted into a Tugboat in 1906 under the guidance of shipbuilder Robert J. Morill. Tugboats like the A.F. Bowman were compact, powerful vessels primarily used for towing and maneuvering larger ships in ports and through restricted waterways. This transition marked a significant shift in the vessel’s purpose and operational lifespan.

HISTORY

• Construction and Early Years (1852): Originally launched as the City of Oswego, the vessel was a two-Deck propeller freighter serving the Great Lakes region. It had a storied history, including a collision and subsequent sinking in 1852, from which it was salvaged and repurposed.

• Conversion to Tug (1906): After decades of service, the ship was extensively Rebuilt into a Tugboat by Robert J. Morill, reflecting the evolving demands of maritime operations on the Great Lakes. Renamed the A.F. Bowman, it was re-registered under Canadian Registry (C116385) and served in this capacity for several decades.

• Final Years and Scrapping (1941): The A.F. Bowman was retired and scrapped in 1941, ending its nearly 90-year maritime career—a remarkable lifespan for a wooden vessel. This marked the conclusion of a vessel that had seen numerous transformations and roles across the Great Lakes.

SIGNIFICANCE

The story of the A.F. Bowman, formerly the City of Oswego, highlights the adaptability of Great Lakes vessels during the 19th and early 20th centuries. Its Conversion to a Tugboat extended its service life significantly, illustrating the economic and practical value of repurposing older ships to meet changing needs.

NOTMARs & ADVISORIES

No current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) apply, as the vessel was scrapped in 1941, with no remaining wreckage or site identified.

RESOURCES & LINKS

• David Swayze Shipwreck File: Shipwreck Database

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Maritime History

• Canadian Vessel Registry Archives: Library and Archives Canada

CONCLUSION

The A.F. Bowman represents an impressive example of maritime resilience and adaptability. Originally built in 1852, this vessel underwent significant transformations, surviving for nearly nine decades before being scrapped in 1941. Its history offers insights into the evolving needs and ingenuity of Great Lakes shipping industries during a transformative period in maritime history.

Keywords: A.F. Bowman, City of Oswego, Tugboat history, Great Lakes shipping, Robert J. Morill, vessel Conversion, maritime resilience.