William John (Bob Wilson pre-1870)

Vessel Type Description #

The WILLIAM JOHN was a two-masted wooden schooner, originally constructed as the BOB WILSON and later rebuilt in 1871 at Portsmouth, near Kingston. The schooner was carvel-built, meaning its planks were laid edge to edge, creating a smooth hull. With a square stern, standing bowsprit, and one deck, the WILLIAM JOHN was designed primarily for bulk cargo transportation, particularly grain. It reflected the typical maritime construction standards of the late 19th century, robustly built to withstand the challenging conditions of the Great Lakes.

History #

The WILLIAM JOHN, originally launched as the BOB WILSON, is a vessel whose history epitomizes both the resilience and the tragedy that were often the hallmarks of life on the Great Lakes during the 19th century. The schooner served its initial purpose well until it was wrecked, a common fate for many ships of the era. However, rather than being consigned to the scrapyard, the BOB WILSON was salvaged and meticulously reconstructed by James Wilson, demonstrating the significant value placed on sturdy cargo vessels during this period. The rebuilt vessel was re-registered in 1871 as the WILLIAM JOHN and embarked on a new chapter under the ownership of James Savage.

The WILLIAM JOHN quickly resumed its role as a vital link in the chain of commerce on Lake Ontario, transporting essential goods across the water. However, the schooner’s most notable and harrowing incident occurred on October 31, 1870. On that fateful day, the WILLIAM JOHN was en route from Cobourg, Ontario, to Oswego, New York, carrying a cargo of 4,000 bushels of wheat. As the vessel made its way across the lake, it encountered a severe and rapidly intensifying storm, a common yet formidable hazard on the Great Lakes. The worsening weather quickly put the vessel and its crew in grave danger.

As the storm raged, the WILLIAM JOHN began to take on water. Despite the crew’s desperate efforts to pump out the accumulating water, it became clear that the situation was rapidly deteriorating. Captain James Savage, assessing the dire circumstances, made the difficult decision to abandon ship to save the lives of his crew. The schooner CENTURION, also navigating the treacherous waters, came to their rescue, successfully saving the crew of the WILLIAM JOHN. Unfortunately, despite the valiant efforts to save the vessel, the WILLIAM JOHN was ultimately overwhelmed by the storm and sank near Water Works Wharf in Kingston, Ontario.

This sinking might have marked the end of the WILLIAM JOHN‘s service, but the story does not end there. Conflicting reports from November 1872 suggest that the WILLIAM JOHN may have encountered yet another disaster, this time near Oswego, Lake Ontario, approximately 10 miles offshore. If this incident did occur, it would signify a final, tragic conclusion to the schooner’s storied history. However, the uncertainty surrounding this second foundering adds an intriguing layer of mystery to the vessel’s legacy, leaving historians and maritime enthusiasts with unanswered questions about the true fate of the WILLIAM JOHN.

The WILLIAM JOHN‘s history is a reflection of the broader narrative of Great Lakes shipping during the 19th century—a period marked by both the economic importance of maritime transport and the inherent dangers that came with navigating these vast and unpredictable waters. The schooner’s story, from its initial wreck and reconstruction to its eventual sinking, embodies the challenges faced by the vessels and the crews who braved the Great Lakes in pursuit of trade and livelihood.

Final Disposition #

The WILLIAM JOHN was lost on October 31, 1870, near Water Works Wharf, Kingston, Ontario. Conflicting reports suggest the vessel may have foundered again in November 1872 near Oswego, Lake Ontario. The wreck was a total loss, with the vessel sinking to the bottom of the lake.

Located By & Date #

The wreck of the WILLIAM JOHN was documented following its sinking in 1870, with its remains likely scattered near Water Works Wharf in Kingston. The conflicting report of its loss in November 1872 off Oswego suggests that parts of the vessel may have been recovered or misidentified.

NOTMARs & Advisories #

There are no specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) currently associated with the wreck of the WILLIAM JOHN. Mariners navigating near Water Works Wharf or the general area of the wreck should exercise caution due to potential submerged hazards.