Henry Rooney: The Master Shipwright of Kingston, Ontario

Henry Rooney, a renowned 19th-century shipwright based in Kingston, Ontario, was instrumental in crafting sturdy schooners, steamers, and barges that navigated the Great Lakes and the St. Lawrence River. His precision and quality attracted clients like Calvin & Co., with vessels that included:

1. Hannah Counter – Schooner, built 1845, wrecked in 1851.

2. Minerva Cook – Schooner, built 1840, fate unknown.

3. Hercules – Steamer, 1858, burnt in 1891.

4. Advance – River Barge, 1854, final disposition unknown.

5. John A. McDonald – Large Tug, 1866, final details undocumented.

Rooney’s ships often served in both freight and passenger roles, many eventually lost to storms, fire, or decommissioning. His legacy persists in Kingston’s maritime history, where his work supported the city’s growth as a shipping hub, influencing shipbuilding practices in Canada