Donnelly Salvage & Wrecking Co

Donnelly Salvage & Wrecking Co. was a prominent maritime salvage and wrecking company based in Kingston, Ontario, Canada, during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Founded by Captain John Donnelly Sr. (1835–1900), the company played a significant role in the Great Lakes’ maritime industry, specializing in salvage operations and towing services.

Historical Overview:

• Founding and Leadership: Captain John Donnelly Sr., a respected figure in Kingston’s maritime community, established the company. After his passing in 1900, the business continued under the management of his family, notably John Donnelly and the estate of Thomas Donnelly. 

• Operations and Services: The company was involved in various maritime activities, including salvage operations, wrecking services, and towing. They owned and operated several vessels to support these endeavors.

Notable Vessels:

• William Johnston: Built in 1878 by Calvin Co. on Garden Island, Ontario, this wooden tugboat was acquired by Donnelly Salvage Co. in 1921. It continued its service in salvage and towing operations until it was retired and scuttled in the Wolfe Island Graveyard in Lake Ontario. 
• Cornwall (formerly Algerian, Bavarian, Kingston): In 1914, Donnelly Salvage and Wrecking Co. purchased this vessel from the Calvin Company of Garden Island and rebuilt her as a salvage vessel. She was scuttled in 1928 after the company’s business declined. 
• Frontenac was a wooden screw steamer tugboat built in 1901 by the Calvin Company at Garden Island, Ontario. The vessel was specifically designed for towing large rafts of square timber, a crucial part of the timber trade in the early 20th century. The Frontenac was sturdy and capable of handling the heavy loads required for this purpose, which contributed to its significant role in the industry.

Legacy:

Donnelly Salvage & Wrecking Co. was integral to the maritime operations around Kingston and the broader Great Lakes region. Their fleet of vessels and expertise in salvage and towing contributed to the safety and efficiency of maritime activities during a period when such services were crucial. The company’s operations ceased in the early 20th century, but their impact on the region’s maritime history remains noteworthy.

References:

• The Thing is – WILLIAM JOHNSTON (Built on the Raftsman) 1878

• Canada Side wheel history – Paddle Steamers

• Capt John Donnelly Sr. (1835-1900) – Find a Grave Memorial

These sources provide detailed information about the company’s operations, vessels, and contributions to the maritime industry in the Great Lakes region.