David A. Wells (Schooner), aground, 17 Oct 1870

This section of the country was visited last night by a severe northwest storm which caused considerable damage to out lake marine. The schr. DAVID D. WELLS, of Chicago, which cleared here Sunday afternoon light, was driven ashore near Silver Creek. Two more schooners are reported ashore at or near Port Colborne. The schr. LILLIE PRATT, in attempting to enter the harbor last night, went on the pier, where she now lies. A large amount of lumber is said to be afloat in the Bay this morning. The barge CLEMENT, Capt. Coyne, was riding at anchor in the South Bay at the time our reporter left the dock, and this lumber is supposed to be a part of her deck load. A large propeller supposed to be the TONAWANDA, was lying in the the offing all the morning flying a flag of distress. Two tugs went out to her assistance and up to 12:30 had succeeded in towing her quite a distance towards the Canada shore, when she rolled over onto her beam in which condition she now (1:25 P.M.) lies. The prop. IDAHO, which left here this morning, and another propeller bound down, are lying near the disabled vessel. It was feared that she would sink before she could be got into port.
      Buffalo Commercial Advertiser
      October 18, 1870 2-6


      Attempts have been made to relieve the schr. DAVID A. WELLS, ashore at Silver Creek, and the bark GARDINER, ashore at Grand River, but without success.
      Buffalo Commercial Advertiser
      October 25, 1870 3-5


      The tugs which have been assisting in the attempt to relieve the schr. DAVID A. WELLS, ashore at Silver Creek, have abandoned the undertaking and returned to this city. The WELLS will winter where she now lies in comparative safety, as she is nearly high and dry. We understand that Capt. Parker, her owner, has abandoned her to the underwriters.
      Buffalo Commercial Advertiser
      November 22, 1870 3-6