Ship's Crew
John Goss
Rank(s): Able Seaman
Dates of Service: 8/24/1813 - 3/14/1814
Birth Date: 9/6/1789
Death Date: 3/14/1814
Early Life
John Goss was born on September 6, 1789 in Marblehead, Massachusetts to john Goss and Catherine Thayer. His father was a ship captain.
Early Experience
In 1810 and 1811, Goss served as a merchant seaman on two different brigs sailing out of Salem, Massachusetts.
In 1811, Goos was described as being 5′ 6″ tall, with a dark complextion.
Goss entered USS Constitution on August 24, 1813 at Boston, Massachusetts. His rank was able seaman. Goss was on the larboard watch and assigned to the mizzen top. During battle he either passed shot to the no. 1 gun, or served as a sail trimmer. On March 14, 1814, Goss was out on the end of the mizzen topsail yard, hauling out the sail’s earring, when he fell from the yard. He landed headfirst on a carronade, presumably dying instantly, then fell into the water, floating facedown. Having concluded that he was already dead, the officer of the watch did not have a boat lowered to retrieve him.
Goss died after falling from a yard on March 14, 1814.
Crew ID
4998
