History
The WILLIAM L. AXFORD was a scow schooner, a wooden vessel with two masts, built in 1870 in New Baltimore, Michigan. It had an official number of 62468. The specifications of the Axford were 60 feet in length, 15 feet in width, and 4 feet in depth. It had a gross tonnage of 33.
The scow schooner met its unfortunate fate on May 16, 1893, or possibly May 26, when it stranded and became a total loss in a storm at Pointe aux Barques on Lake Huron. Fortunately, there were no reported casualties, as the crew of three was rescued by the local Lifesaving Service crew.
The Axford was originally owned by William Grenier of Swan Creek, Michigan. Over the years, ownership of the vessel changed hands several times. Delos Duroy owned it on May 4, 1887, followed by William H. Campbell on August 15, 1888. Joseph Bell owned it on June 25, 1890, and Edward Merchant on August 30, 1890. It was then owned by L. Merchant on August 31, 1891, and finally by George N. Manner on November 4, 1891.
The exact cargo being carried by the Axford at the time of the loss is not specified in the available information.
The vessel’s documents were surrendered at Port Huron on December 30, 1899. The Axford’s final location is noted as Pointe aux Barques, Michigan, where it met its end stranded in the storm.
