Bessie Jones (schooner) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids History |
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|---|---|
 United States |
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| Name | Bessie Jones |
| Owner | Maryland Conservation Commission |
| Operator |
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| Builder | Joseph W. Brooks, Little Choptank River, Maryland |
| Completed | 1892 |
| Fate | Sold 1918 by Maryland Conservation Commission for $1,750 |
| Notes | Assigned SP-1476 identification during WW I. |
| General characteristics | |
| Type | Patrol vessel |
| Length | 62 ft (19 m) |
| Beam | 20 ft 0 in (6.10 m) |
| Draft | 6 ft (1.8 m) |
| Complement | 9 |
| Armament | Six pounder gun (Oyster Police Force) |
The Bessie Jones was a special kind of ship called a schooner. It was built in 1892 in Maryland. This ship was part of the Maryland State Oyster Police Force. This group was like a police force for the water. Their job was to protect Maryland's valuable oyster beds. These oysters were very important for the state's economy.
The Bessie Jones helped stop people from illegally harvesting oysters. Sometimes, these conflicts were called the "oyster wars." The ship and its crew played a big role in keeping the oyster industry safe.
Contents
Protecting Maryland's Oysters
Maryland's oyster beds were a rich resource. But some people from other states came to dredge for oysters. They often ignored Maryland's laws. This led to problems and even fights on the water.
The Oyster Police Force
To stop this, Maryland created the State Oyster Police Force. This force used ships like the Bessie Jones. Their main goal was to enforce conservation laws. These laws helped protect the oyster population. The Bessie Jones was assigned to different areas. In 1902, it worked near St. Mary's County, Maryland. Later, it patrolled the Hill's Point area.
The Oyster Wars: Conflicts on the Bay
The "oyster wars" were real conflicts. The state's ships fought against "oyster pirates." These pirates were people who illegally dredged for oysters. They often did this at night. The Bessie Jones was involved in these dangerous situations.
In 1893, the Bessie Jones received new guns. These were called Driggs-Schroeder guns. They helped the ship in its patrol duties. In 1906, Captain Douglas Russel of the Bessie Jones faced a serious incident. He encountered a dredger illegally working near Cobb Island. The dredger had threatened Captain Russel. During the encounter, shots were fired. The dredger was killed in the conflict. This shows how dangerous the oyster wars could be.
Serving in World War I
The Oyster Police Force later became the Maryland State Fishery Force. This force was part of the Conservation Commission of Maryland. When World War I started, the United States Navy needed help.
In 1917, an agreement was made. The state's boats and their crews joined the U.S. Naval Reserve. This meant they would patrol for the Navy. But they also continued to enforce state fishing laws. The federal government paid for their patrols. This helped increase patrol time. It also saved money for the state.
The Bessie Jones started working for the Navy in August 1917. It became part of Squadron Number 8. This squadron was in the 5th Naval District. The ship kept patrolling its usual areas. It enforced both state and federal laws. A Conservation Commission member commanded the force. This person was also a Navy Lieutenant. The federal government paid all expenses. This included wages, supplies, and repairs.
Wartime Identification
During its time with the Navy, the Bessie Jones received an identification number. This number was SP-1476. The ship was not officially commissioned into the Navy. It served until November 27, 1918. After that, it returned to its normal duties. It continued to patrol and enforce conservation laws.
Retirement and Sale
By 1918, the Conservation Commission wanted newer boats. They started replacing their older sailing ships. They bought new power boats.
The Bessie Jones was one of the older ships. It was retired from service. Other schooners like the Helen Baughman and Julia Hamilton were also retired. The Bessie Jones was sold for $1,750.00.
Other Maryland Fishery Force Vessels
Many other ships served alongside the Bessie Jones. They all helped protect Maryland's waters. Some of these vessels included:
