The John E. Hall, a steambarge built in 1889, met a tragic fate on December 13, 1902, in the tumultuous waters of Lake Ontario. This propeller-driven vessel, with an official number of 76790, was constructed by Hanson & Scove in Manitowoc, Wisconsin, and had a homeport in Oswego, New York. The John E. Hall was owned by Timothy and John Donovan, with Captain Timothy Donovan serving as its master.
Weighing 343.13 gross tons and measuring 139 feet in length, 28.6 feet in beam, and 10.9 feet in depth, the John E. Hall was a substantial steambarge made of wood. Throughout its history, the ownership of the vessel remained unchanged, reflecting the stability and trust placed in the Donovan family.
The John E. Hall had a series of voyages and enrolled in various ports throughout its existence. It was initially owned by Samuel Hall of Manitowoc before being transferred to R.H. White and others in Detroit. In 1894, John Donovan and his associates in Oswego became the owners, and later, T. Donovan assumed sole ownership.
The tragic event that sealed the fate of the John E. Hall occurred during a storm on Lake Ontario near Main Ducks. After experiencing mechanical trouble and separating from its consort, the John R. Noyes, the steambarge foundered in a nor’east gale. The entire crew of nine lost their lives, including Captain Timothy Donovan, his son Jerome Donovan, engineers John and James Donovan, wheelsmen Thomas Corcoran and Daniel Biglow, firemen Thomas Tyler and John Dixon, and steward Mrs. Brown.
Efforts were made to locate the vessel and provide assistance. The barge John R. Noyes, which was also part of the same tow, anchored off Bear Creek and weathered the storm on a lee shore. The steambarge John E. Hall, on the other hand, remained missing. However, there was speculation that the vessel had sought shelter on the North shore and was safe due to its sturdiness and ample fuel reserves.
