Ashtabula weekly telegraph. [volume] (Ashtabula, Ohio) 1853-1873, 1863-12-05
Baavo John Maynard.

ligent aud God fearing pilot on LAX Erie.
He had charge of steamer running from
Detroit to Buffalo, one summer afternoon.
At that time the Lake steamers seldom
carried boats Smoke was seen ascending
from below aud the Captain called out in q
loud voice:
"Simpson, GO down aud see what that
smoke means.
Simpson came up, with his face pale as
ashes, saying:
+" Captain, the crafts on ERE !
Fire +! fire fire was resounded in
all directions.
All hands were called up. Buckets Of
water thrown upon the flames, but in vain
There we're large quantities of rosin and
tar on board aud it was useless to try to
save the steamer. The passengers rushed
to the pilot With one accord, and eagerly
inquired:
How far are we from land?
"Seven miles, was the answer.
How long before we reach it ?
Three quarters of an hour, at this rate
of steam
Is there any danger
bursting up! Go forward, If you want to
save your lives! .....
Passengers and crew, men, women and
children, crowded to the forward part Of
the boat
John Maynard stood at his post.
The flames burst forth in sheet of Hre !;
clouds of smoke arose; and the Captain
cried out through his trumpet;
John Maynard
"Aye, aye, sir, answered the brave
john.
How does she head
"Soulheast by east, sir.
Head her Southeas', and run her
ashore.
Nearer, nearer, yet nearer she approach,
ed
Again the Captain cried out:
John Maynard!
"Aye, aye, sir responded John, feebly.
"Can you hold on five minutes longer
"By Gods help. will
The old mans hair was scored from the
scalp; one hand was disabled, aud his
teeth we're set, yet he stood as firm as a
rock
The boat beachcd. Every man, woman
aud child was saved, as John Maynard fell
overheard, and his spirit took its fight to
his God.
lie sacrificed his life to save the lives OF
others. Noble John Maynard!
1t is worth a greater effort to save q
man from moral ruin. GoUGH.
The above affecting narrative has BEEN beau
hfuliy versjfed by "JOseph,ne," in the foLlOtOing
tnrs:
In North America once lived
A man unknown to fame;
Methinks, that very few have heard
Of brave John Maynard's namel
| A skilful pilot he was bred;-
In God was his delight
! His head was clear-his hands were strong. -
His hopes seemed ever bright.
Once from Detroit to Buffalo
A steamsr piled her way;
And honest John stood at the helm
That lovely summer day.
Well filled with joyous passengers,
She cut the waters wide;
Leaving silver line of light
Along the foamiDg tide
But suddenly her captain starts!
His cheek is white as snow!
o. sight of dread!-Light wreaths OF smoke
Come curling from belowl
Then rose the horrid shout OF firel
Appalling. wild and drearl
A boat the steamer carried not
Nor human aid was nearl . .g.s.
All hands to instant work were caledi
Alas! all toll was vainl
The fury OF the raging flames
No effort might restrain!
How long ere Buffalo be reaohedf
Arose an eager cry;
About three-quarters of an honr.
John Maynard made reply
Then forward rush the passengers
Dismayed with terror sore
John Maynard at the helm still stands
| AS steadfast as before! .I-.
| Now dreadful clouds Of smoke arise,
And sheets Of fame diyidel
John Maynard. are you at the helmf
| The captain loudly cried.
Ay, aye, sir was the quick reply.
Then say how does she headl
Southeast by east-the answer came
Above the uproar dread.