History of the WILLIAM L. AXFORD

Vessel Details:

•Name: WILLIAM L. AXFORD

•Type: Scow Schooner (Wooden, Two-Masted)

•Year Built: 1870

•Builder: New Baltimore, Michigan

•Specifications:

•Length: 60 feet (18.3 meters)

•Beam: 15 feet (4.6 meters)

•Depth: 4 feet (1.2 meters)

•Gross Tonnage: 33

•Official Number: 62468

Ownership Timeline:

1.William Grenier (Swan Creek, Michigan) – Original owner.

2.Delos Duroy – Acquired on May 4, 1887.

3.William H. Campbell – Owned as of August 15, 1888.

4.Joseph Bell – Ownership transferred on June 25, 1890.

5.Edward Merchant – Became the owner on August 30, 1890.

6.L. Merchant – Owned the vessel on August 31, 1891.

7.George N. Manner – Final owner, acquired on November 4, 1891.

Fateful Incident:

•Date of Loss:

•Either May 16, 1893, or May 26, 1893 (sources vary).

•Location: Pointe aux Barques, Michigan, Lake Huron.

•Cause: Stranded during a storm and declared a Total Loss.

•Outcome:

•No casualties reported.

•The crew of three was rescued by the United States Life-Saving Service.

Final Status:

•The vessel was Abandoned and left stranded at Pointe aux Barques.

•Its official documents were surrendered at Port Huron on December 30, 1899, formally marking the end of its maritime career.

Operational Notes:

The cargo carried by the WILLIAM L. AXFORD during its final voyage is unknown, but as a scow Schooner, it likely transported light bulk goods, potentially timber or general supplies.

Significance:

The WILLIAM L. AXFORD exemplifies the small, versatile schooners that operated on the Great Lakes during the 19th century. Its loss highlights the challenges faced by vessels navigating the often unpredictable weather and waters of Lake Huron. The swift rescue of its crew by the Life-Saving Service underscores the importance of these early lifesaving operations in protecting Great Lakes mariners.

Resources & Links:

•Great Lakes Ships Database

•David Swayze Shipwreck File

•Annual Report of the Operations of the United States Life-Saving Service

•Blue Book of American Shipping

Analysis:

The WILLIAM L. AXFORD serves as a historical example of the scow Schooner’s role in 19th-century commerce on the Great Lakes. Its service life, spanning over two decades, reflects the durability and utility of such vessels. The incident at Pointe aux Barques demonstrates the harsh realities of Great Lakes navigation, where even smaller vessels like the AXFORD were vulnerable to the region’s storms. The involvement of the Life-Saving Service in the crew’s rescue highlights the evolving infrastructure to support maritime safety in the era.

Keywords:

WILLIAM L. AXFORD, Pointe aux Barques shipwreck, scow Schooner, Lake Huron maritime history, 19th-century schooners, Great Lakes shipping, United States Life-Saving Service.

Conclusion:

The WILLIAM L. AXFORD stands as a testament to the vital, yet often perilous, role of schooners in Great Lakes commerce. Its loss at Pointe aux Barques underscores the challenges faced by mariners, while the rescue of its crew speaks to the growing efforts to improve safety on the Great Lakes. This vessel’s history remains an integral part of the maritime heritage of the region.