IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #
VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION: #
The John Bright was a wooden propeller steam tug built in 1869 by George N. Notter in Buffalo, New York. As a steam tug, the John Bright was designed to assist in maneuvering larger ships and towing barges, which was crucial for the bustling ports around the Great Lakes. The vessel’s relatively small size and steam propulsion made it a versatile and valuable asset in the maritime industry during the late 19th century.
HISTORY: #
The John Bright was launched in 1869 and initially sold as a new vessel in Canada. The first owner was Wm. Jones of Belleville, Ontario. Over the years, the tug changed hands several times. It was owned by W. Gibson of Morrisburg in 1869, W. Jones of Brockville in 1874 and 1879, and later by W. Long of Belleville in 1886. Another significant owner was M. W. Jones, who operated the tug out of Montreal.
On October 9, 1879, the John Bright was destroyed by a fire while lying in ordinary (out of service) in Belleville, Ontario. The fire, which was suspected to be an act of arson, resulted in a total loss valued at $6,000—a substantial sum at the time. The vessel had been idle for several years before the incident, which likely contributed to the conditions that made it susceptible to fire.
Despite being destroyed by fire, the story of the John Bright did not end there. In late August 1880, the wreck of the John Bright was raised and transported to Mill Point (now Deseronto) for potential rebuilding. There is speculation that the tug may have been reconstructed and renamed as the “Nellie Cuthbert,” though records on this are not definitive.
FINAL DISPOSITION: #
The John Bright was consumed by fire in Belleville, Ontario, on October 9, 1879. The wreck was later raised and taken to Mill Point for possible rebuilding, with some evidence suggesting it was rebuilt as the “Nellie Cuthbert.”
NOTMARs & ADVISORIES: #
There are no specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) directly related to the John Bright wreck site. However, Belleville’s harbor and surrounding areas have a history of maritime activity and shipwrecks, so caution is always advised when conducting underwater exploration or operations in this region.
LOCATED BY & DATE: #
The wreck was raised in late August 1880 and transported to Mill Point for potential rebuilding.
RESOURCES & LINKS: #
- Great Lakes Ships Database: Provides detailed information on shipwrecks and vessel histories in the Great Lakes region.
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Maritime History of the Great Lakes
- Marine Museum of the Great Lakes – Mills List: Contains records of vessels and their fates on the Great Lakes.
KEYWORDS: #
John Bright, Steam Tug, Belleville Ontario, Lake Ontario Shipwreck, 1879 Fire, Canadian Maritime History.
ANALYSIS: #
The story of the John Bright highlights the operational and environmental challenges faced by steam tugs in the 19th century. While the tug served its owners well during its operational life, its destruction by fire while out of service reflects the vulnerabilities of wooden vessels, especially those left idle. The subsequent raising and possible reconstruction of the tug demonstrate the resourcefulness and economic necessity of the time, where vessels were often salvaged and repurposed rather than being entirely written off.
