When the JOHN WILLIAMS (II) was lost on a reef on Savage Island, 8 January 1867, she was luckily insured, and the money received from the underwriters permitted the London Missionary Society to buy an other vessel.
Built by Alexander Hall & Sons at Aberdeen in 1869 under yard no 259.
Launched under the name SAMOA.
She was designed for the Australian trade but bought by the London Missionary Society.
Barque rigged, gross tonnage 200 tons. Dim. 106 x 24.6 x 13.6ft.
If she has sailed under the name SAMOA is doubtful.
After bought by the London Missionary Society she was renamed JOHN WILLIAMS (III)
Used as a missionary vessel in the Pacific with home base Australia for many years.
1895 Sold to an Australian owner, and renamed KASHGAR.
By the new owners used as a South Sea trader.
Already reported missing in the spring of 1896 on a voyage from Sydney to New Zealand.
The stamp of Niue issued 1999 $1.20 depict the JOHN WILLIAMS (III) a photo in the book “Sail in the South” by Ronald Parsons shows her as depict on the stamp. The inscription L.M.S. stands for London Missionary Society. The same photo is depict in the book Shipping Wonders of the World page 1620.
Gilbert and Ellice Islands 1970 10c sg 167, scott 167.
Niue 1999 $1.20 sg 855
Kiribati 1996 60c sg 525, scott 689.
Source: Sail in the South. Shipping Wonders of the World. MARHST-L, Mr. David Asprey.