DEFIANCE

On October 20, 1854, a collision occurred on Lake Huron between the schooner DEFIANCE and the brig J.J. AUDUBON. Both vessels sank in deep water as a result of the collision. The DEFIANCE was bound to Buffalo from Chicago, carrying a cargo of wheat, and was owned by H.C. Walker of Buffalo. The AUDUBON was a new vessel owned by E.G. Merrick and Capt. Paice of Cleveland and was loaded with railroad iron bound for Chicago. The crews of both vessels were rescued by other ships in the area. Both vessels were lost in the incident, resulting in a property loss of $60,000 for both vessels combined.