Another reference to a vessel called the Meridian states that she sank in 1852 near Malden. This may have been the 1848, Jones-built vessel, which could have wrecked and been subsequently refloated. However, this incident remains unconfirmed and may have actually involved another ship of the same name.

Much of the Meridian's career involved hauling timber. For example, in August and September of 1857, the ship, under the command of Captain Byron, made regular trips carrying timber into Chicago. With a capacity of at least 160,000 board feet, the Meridian seems to have been one of the larger schooners calling in Chicago that summer. She continued to haul timber from Wisconsin to Chicago throughout the 1850s, 60s, and early 70s. As she aged, she sailed less frequently, and her insurance rating dropped.