The Pathfinder was an 800-ton three-masted ocean-going barque. A fuller history can be read on Nick Gould’s website here, which includes notes from Squibbs’ History of Bridgwater.
She was built in Pictu, Nova Scotia by John Crerar, William Grant Crerar and Peter Crerar in 1851, but purchased by Axford & Sons of East Quay, Bridgwater. The Pathfinder was too large to reach the town quay in front of the Axfords’ house, but had ample room in the dock for her fitting out. The Axfords intended her to take emigrants to New York, via Canada, and voyages were conducted in 1852 and 1853. She was captained by a Willam Loveless.
The Sherborne Mercury of 29 June 1852 described her as:
MIGRATION FROM BRIDGWATER
TO NEW YORK.
TO SAIL EARLY IN JULY, 1852,The fine new, first class, fast sailing, copper fastened, Clipper built, Barque “PATHFINDER,” 800 Tons Burden, WILLIAM LOVELESS, Commander.
This fine Ship has been built by her Owners expressly with a view to the accommodation of Passengers, having spacious ’tween Decks 7 feet high, properly ventilated, and fitted up regardless of expense with every improvement to promote the health and comfort of passengers; this, with the Captain’s well-known experience, renders this ship worthy the attention of all parties about to visit America.
The “Pathfinder” having made her Spring voyage in thirty days, and conveyed a large number of Passengers to their destination in perfect health and safety, many of whom have spoken in the highest terms of her accommodation, testimonials of which are in the hands of her Owners, they have every confidence in the support of the public, and are glad to announce her second voyage this year about the above time, and are now open to treat for Berths and Fares to secure passages to New York.
Passengers will be furnished with the very best Provisions, according to the recent act of Parliament, and all the arrangements will be under the superintendence of the Government Emigration Officers of the Port of Bridgwater.
No charge for Passenger’s Luggage.
Berths in First Cabin, Second Cabin, and Steerage may be taken on application to the Owners,F. AXFORD and SONS,
Bridgwater, May 4th, 1852.
However, by 1854 she was transferred to Liverpool, so the Axfords’ scheme was relatively short lived. Frederick Axford had died in 1854, so his sons Frederick Pain Axford (1816-1905) and John Axford (1822-1887) perhaps decided to redirect their business interests.
The Pathfinder was lost in 1864, although the circumstances are unclear.
There was a long-term legacy for this short-lived venture, in the form of Pathfinder Terrace in Colley Lane. Apparently the terrace was named after the ship by the builder. He had emigrated on it, but subsequently returned to Bridgwater (with thanks to Pete Davey, who was told by Mr Nicholls). The terrace was built between the time of the 1904 OS map and 1909, when we have the earliest mention in the newspapers (West Somerset Free Press, 25 September 1909). Sadly, we don’t yet know who the builder was. If you are able to help with this story, please get in touch.
