The vessel was built in Picton, Ontario, and boasted a sturdy wooden hull. With a single deck and two masts, the Florence Howard had a tonnage of 119, adhering to the old measurement standards. Its capacity allowed for the transportation of 7,000 bushels of cargo.
Tragically, the Florence Howard met its final fate on November 20, 1883. It sank in Lake Ontario, resting approximately 4 miles WNW (west-northwest) of Salmon Point. At the time of the incident, the vessel was carrying 5,000 bushels of barley as its final cargo. The sinking occurred during a journey from Wellington to West Point, with the vessel succumbing to the depths near Salmon Point.
Looking into the vessel’s history, it was initially owned by B. Flint of Belleville, Ontario, starting in 1863. The Florence Howard underwent significant repairs in 1866 to ensure its continued service. However, in 1870, a collision took place between the Florence Howard and another vessel named Dominion, occurring 25 miles from Rochester. Following this incident, the ownership of the schooner shifted to David Andrews of Belleville.
