Identification & Site Information

Vessel Type Description

The John A. Francomb was a wooden, three-masted Schooner built for the Great Lakes bulk cargo trade. Designed with robust construction and outfitted with a steam-powered winch and donkey boiler for loading and unloading, the vessel embodied the transition from pure sail to hybrid propulsion in late 19th-century maritime commerce.

History

Construction and Early Service (1889–1895)

Built in Bay City, Michigan, the John A. Francomb began service under the Bay City & Cleveland Transportation Co. Its design and size were ideal for transporting heavy cargoes such as lumber, coal, and grain across the Great Lakes. By 1895, it was operating in tandem with steamers like the W. R. Stafford, highlighting its dependence on towage for long-haul routes.

Incidents and Groundings

  • 1895: Grounded in the Niagara River opposite Germania Park while under tow by the Stafford.
  • 1897: Ran aground at Adam’s Point near Rogers City on Lake Huron. Released with the assistance of the Steamer Favorite.
  • 1915: Damaged in a collision with the Tonawanda Island Bridge, causing structural issues.

Later Service and Abandonment (1920–1934)

Over the years, the Francomb saw ownership changes and varying use, reflecting the decline in Schooner viability as steam-powered vessels dominated. By 1930, it was owned by William Burns of Detroit, who used it for auxiliary purposes. In 1934, the vessel was Abandoned in Bay City, Michigan, marking the end of its active service.

Final Disposition and Wreck Description

The John A. Francomb was Abandoned and eventually broken up between 1940 and 1941. However, significant portions of the wreck remain submerged near the Marine City DNR Launch Ramp.

Notable Features of the Wreck:

  • Hull and Deck: Partially intact, visible from the shore, lying on the drop-off’s edge with the bow pointing north.
  • Steam Machinery:
    • Winch: Located on the starboard bow, still attached to the wreck.
    • Donkey Boiler: Diameter of 3’9” and a length of 6’6”, with exposed fire tubes.
    • Engine: Small two-cylinder steam engine near the winch, broken possibly due to ice damage.
  • Firebox Door: Found in deeper water off the starboard side.
  • Smokestack: Believed to be off the Stern, likely detached during abandonment or scuttling.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The wreck lies in shallow water (10 feet), making it an ideal site for snorkelers and divers. Its accessibility near the Marine City DNR Launch Ramp adds to its appeal for casual exploration. However, the site is subject to sedimentation and potential ice damage, so preservation may be limited to durable components like the boiler and machinery.

Historical Significance

The John A. Francomb represents a transitional period in Great Lakes shipping history, combining traditional Schooner design with steam-powered equipment to adapt to the growing demands of industrial transportation. Its story of multiple groundings, collisions, and eventual abandonment mirrors the fate of many similar vessels as steam and motor-powered ships rendered sail-dependent schooners obsolete.

Resources & Links

Keywords John A. Francomb Great Lakes Schooner Marine City shipwreck Donkey boiler Steam-powered winch St. Clair River wreck F. W. Wheeler & Co. Late 19th-century maritime history

The John A. Francomb offers a tangible connection to the era of wooden schooners and early steam-powered equipment, making it a fascinating site for both historical study and recreational exploration.