dentification & Site Information
Vessel Type Description The John E. Hall was a wooden steambarge, a type of vessel commonly used on the Great Lakes during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Steambarges were designed for carrying bulk cargo, often in conjunction with other barges or vessels in a tow. These vessels were propeller-driven and powered by steam engines, making them a vital part of the Great Lakes shipping industry.
History The John E. Hall was constructed in 1889 by Hanson & Scove in Manitowoc, Wisconsin. It was initially owned by Samuel Hall of Manitowoc and later transferred to R.H. White and others in Detroit, Michigan. In 1894, ownership passed to John Donovan and his associates in Oswego, New York, with T. Donovan eventually becoming the sole owner. The vessel was primarily used for transporting bulk goods across the Great Lakes.
The John E. Hall had a stable and consistent ownership throughout its operational life, remaining under the Donovan family’s care. Captain Timothy Donovan, who owned and commanded the vessel, trusted its sturdiness and capabilities, leading it on many successful voyages.
Final Voyage and Tragic Fate The John E. Hall met a tragic end on December 13, 1902, during a severe storm on Lake Ontario near Main Ducks. The vessel was part of a tow with the barge John R. Noyes. Unfortunately, the John E. Hallexperienced mechanical trouble during the storm and became separated from its consort. Facing a fierce nor’east gale, the steambarge foundered, resulting in the loss of the entire crew of nine, including Captain Timothy Donovan, his son Jerome Donovan, and several other crew members.
Efforts were made to locate the vessel, with some speculating that the John E. Hall might have sought shelter on the North shore and survived due to its sturdiness and ample fuel reserves. However, these hopes were dashed as no trace of the vessel was found, confirming that it had been lost to the storm.
Crew Lost
- Captain Timothy Donovan
- Jerome Donovan (son of Captain Donovan)
- John Donovan (engineer)
- James Donovan (engineer)
- Thomas Corcoran (wheelsman)
- Daniel Biglow (wheelsman)
- Thomas Tyler (fireman)
- John Dixon (fireman)
- Mrs. Brown (steward)
NOTMARs & Advisories There are no specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) related to the John E. Hall, as the vessel was lost in a storm and no remains were discovered.
Located By & Date The wreck of the John E. Hall has never been located, and its exact resting place remains unknown. The vessel disappeared during a storm on Lake Ontario, near Main Ducks, on December 13, 1902.
Current Condition & Accessibility As the John E. Hall was lost at sea with no wreckage recovered, there are no known remains accessible for exploration. The vessel’s disappearance adds to the many mysteries of the Great Lakes, where sudden storms have claimed numerous ships and lives.
Resources & Links
- Great Lakes Ships: Provides information and histories of ships that sailed the Great Lakes, including the John E. Hall.
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes: A comprehensive resource for historical data on Great Lakes vessels.
- David Swayze Shipwreck File: Contains detailed records and descriptions of shipwrecks, potentially including the John E. Hall.
- Divers Alert Magazine: Offers articles and resources related to diving, including historical shipwrecks and safety information.
Keywords John E. Hall, steambarge, Lake Ontario, shipwreck, nor’east gale, maritime history, Great Lakes, Donovan family
Analysis The loss of the John E. Hall is a stark reminder of the dangers faced by vessels navigating the Great Lakes, particularly during the harsh winter months. The ship’s tragic end on December 13, 1902, highlights the unpredictability of Great Lakes weather and the vulnerability of even the sturdiest vessels to sudden storms. The Donovan family’s deep connection to the vessel, with multiple family members serving on board, adds a poignant human element to the story. The disappearance of the John E. Hall, with no wreckage found, contributes to the lore of the Great Lakes, where many ships and crews have vanished without a trace. The legacy of the John E. Hall endures in the stories of those who sailed on her and in the annals of maritime history.
