JOHN PARSONS

3 min read

The late 19th and early 20th centuries were significant for the maritime industry in the Great Lakes region. Among the numerous vessels that plied these waters, the schooner JOHN S. PARSONS stands out for its extensive service and the dramatic circumstances of its demise.

The schooner JOHN S. PARSONS, officially registered under U.S. number 76999, was built in 1891 by Frank Phelps in Chaumont, New York. Constructed from wood, the vessel initially featured a two-masted rig, with a length of 92.58 feet, a beam of 21.33 feet, and a depth of 8.66 feet. Its gross tonnage was recorded at 115.26, with a net tonnage of 109.50.

The vessel underwent several significant modifications during its lifetime:

– **April 27, 1893:** The schooner was rebuilt at Cape Vincent, New York, altering its dimensions to 92.58 x 21.33 x 9.33 feet, and adjusting its tonnage to 122.76 gross and 116.63 net.
– **August 8, 1895:** The schooner was converted to a propeller-driven vessel, further modified to 118 x 21.33 x 9 feet, with a gross tonnage of 180.48 and a net tonnage of 122.93.
– **May 21, 1897:** Another rebuild at Cape Vincent changed its dimensions to 118 x 21.33 x 11 feet, resulting in a gross tonnage of 203.52 and a net tonnage of 138.40.
– **August 31, 1905:** The vessel was converted to an unrigged barge, standardizing its tonnage to 203 gross and net.

Throughout its service, the JOHN S. PARSONS played a versatile role in maritime transport, reflecting the evolving needs of the shipping industry. Initially built as a schooner, it was later converted to a steambarge and eventually to a tow barge, indicating its adaptability and the ongoing demand for such vessels in the Great Lakes.

The schooner experienced several ownership changes and incidents, including striking a rock and sinking at Alexander Bay, from which it was subsequently raised. By 1910, the vessel was owned by George H. Herrick, and by the time of its final voyage, it was under the ownership of the Peoples Milling Co.

The ultimate chapter in the schooner’s history occurred on November 24, 1913. On this fateful day, the JOHN S. PARSONS foundered in a severe storm while being towed by the steamer FRANK D. PHELPS. The vessel was approximately 2.5 miles northwest of Oswego, New York, on Lake Ontario, when it succumbed to the gale. At the time of its loss, it was carrying a cargo of coal from Charlotte, New York, to Morristown, Ontario.

Miraculously, despite the vessel’s foundering, no lives were lost. The schooner’s final resting place lies half a mile west of Oswego, New York, at a depth of 50 to 60 feet.

The JOHN S. PARSONS’ story is emblematic of the maritime heritage of the Great Lakes. From its construction in 1891 to its dramatic end in 1913, the schooner witnessed numerous transformations and served in various capacities. Its journey reflects the dynamic nature of maritime commerce during a pivotal era in North American history.

Preserved in the historical records and the collective memory of maritime enthusiasts, the JOHN S. PARSONS remains a testament to the resilience and adaptability of the vessels that navigated the challenging waters of the Great Lakes.