The Augustus Ford
Further Particulars of the Loss of the Schooner and the Death of Captain Pease -- Frozen to Death - The Bodies to be Brought Home.
Yesterday afternoon, while yet the terrible November tempest raged across the lake and through the town, and the lashings of Ontario presented a frightful picture of the perils of the storm, came the thrilling telegram stating the loss of the schooner Augustus Ford of the Oswego fleet, at Port Maitland, and the death of Capt. Pease and three of his crew. The news sped through the city as though borne on the gale itself, and was everywhere received with consternation and dismay. The Ford had an unusually long trip up, having been detained under Long Point several days by stress of weather, during which time great anxiety was felt about her. No doubt yesterday's fatal news seemed all the more keen contrasted against the public sense of relief afforded by information of her arrival at Cleveland.
The Augustus Ford was built at Dexter, Jefferson county, new York, in 1853, and was repaired in 1869. She was valued at $10,000, insured for $7,000, and was laden with about 11,000 bushels of wheat for Cheney Ames of this city, which she took on at Detroit, sailing from that port, Wednesday, Nov. 18. The cargo was insured for $15,000; $10,000 in the Royal Canadian, $2,500 each in the Detroit Fire & Marine and the Traders' of Chicago.
Captain Joseph C. Pease, her owner and commander, was one of Oswego's oldest captains, having commanded many crafts belonging at this port, among which we recall the propellers Oswego and City of Madison and the schooners Osceola, Arabian, Delos DeWolf, W.I. Preston and Augustus Ford. he came to Oswego over 35 years ago, and for over thirty years had sailed the lakes. In fact, he has been sailing from the time when he came her till he lost his life, except a period of eight years during which he was in the chandlery business in this city in the firm of Pease & Barrow. Capt. Pease was a natural sailor, having been born near Nantucket, whence during his youth, he made several voyages in whaling ships. Capt. Pease represented his ward in the Oswego County Board of Supervisors for one or more years, making a careful and faithful representative. He was a good citizen and an upright man. He leaves a wife and two children, son and daughter, sorrowing survivors of his lamentable death.
Charles Hurd, seaman, who perished with the captain, was an old resident of Oswego, and we believe, was a native of Oswego town. He was a steady man and had sailed for many years. he leaves a wife, who lives here.
Lizzie Sullivan, the cook, also lost, had relatives in Toronto, but none here. For two years past she lived in Oswego during the winter and sailed during the summer.
The only information now at hand concerning the way in which Captain Pease perished is the following dispatch from Port Colborne at 8 o'clock last evening and which says: "The captain of the schooner Augustus Ford and three of the crew were taken off frozen to death."
This news makes it quite certain that three, besides the captain, are lost.
Captain W.W. Williams has left for the scene of the disaster and will bring Captain Pease's body here. Willis Rogers, brother in law of Hurd, has gone to attend to the remains and bring them here.
We expect further news today including the name of the third seaman.
Port Maitland, where the Ford went ashore, is at the mouth of Grand River, Ontario, about twenty miles above Port Colborne. The coast in that vicinity, though not bold, abounds with high boulders, and is breasted with numerous shoals.
3 P.M. Today. - Up to this hour no reply has been received to despatches sent from this office to the region of the disaster, asking for full particulars. Neither have seamen or friends of the lost received any further news. It is known that the seaman lost, whose name is not given, was not from Oswego.
3:30 p.m. - Mr. O.H. Brown has just received the following dispatch from Capt. C. P. Morey of Buffalo: "Expedition gone to schooner Ford, and will get her undoubtedly. She is in good shape to save."
By Telegraph to the Palladium.
Dunnville, Nov. 25. - Can get no information from Port Maitland. The bodies went to Oswego today.