James Swift Coal Company of Kingston, Ontario

The James Swift Coal Company, based in Kingston, Ontario, was a prominent player in the fuel trade on the Great Lakes during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Specializing in the transportation and distribution of coal, the company was integral to Kingston’s economic landscape, providing a critical resource for heating, industrial operations, and maritime fuel supplies.

History and Operations

Founding and Growth

The company was established as part of the burgeoning coal industry in Canada, which grew rapidly as coal became a dominant source of energy for homes, businesses, and ships. Operating out of Kingston, a strategic port on Lake Ontario, the James Swift Coal Company capitalized on its location to serve the fuel needs of both local and regional cushttps://shotlinediving.com/wp-content/uploads/52895851813_b64678c0f7_c.jpgers.

Role in Maritime Transport

The James Swift Coal Company relied heavily on Great Lakes shipping to move its coal supplies efficiently. The company owned and chartered a fleet of vessels to transport coal from American and Canadian coalfields to Kingston and other ports. Its operations underscored the vital role of schooners and steamships in distributing fuel across the region.

By the early 20th century, the company had become a significant player in the Canadian coal trade, leveraging its fleet to maintain a steady flow of coal, which was essential for the industrialization of Ontario and beyond.

Ownership of the Burt Barnes

In 1924, the James Swift Coal Company acquired the schooner Burt Barnes, a wooden vessel initially built in 1882. The Burt Barnes was repurposed under their ownership for transporting coal, reflecting the company’s reliance on sturdy and cost-effective ships to meet the demands of bulk transport.

The Burt Barnes was used to move coal from American ports like Sodus Point, New York, to Canadian destinations such as Picton, Ontario. This was part of the company’s strategy to maintain efficient operations despite the challenges posed by the aging fleet and the competition from modern steamships.

The Final Voyage of the Burt Barnes

On September 3, 1926, while under the ownership of the James Swift Coal Company, the Burt Barnes set out from Sodus Point with a cargo of coal bound for Picton. Tragically, the vessel encountered severe weather near Braddocks Point on Lake Ontario, approximately 10 miles south of Long Point.

The schooner foundered during the storm, sinking with its cargo. Although the sinking marked the end of the vessel’s career, it also highlighted the risks that companies like the James Swift Coal Company faced in ensuring the steady delivery of goods across the Great Lakes.

Economic Impact

The James Swift Coal Company played a critical role in Kingston’s industrial growth, supporting the city’s transition into a regional trade hub. The company’s activities helped fuel homes, businesses, and vessels, ensuring that the maritime and industrial sectors remained operational even during harsh winters.

Its operations also contributed to the regional economy by creating jobs in shipping, coal handling, and trade.

Legacy

The James Swift Coal Company’s involvement in Great Lakes shipping illustrates the importance of coal as a cornerstone of the early 20th-century economy. Its ownership of vessels like the Burt Barnes underscores the challenges and innovations of maritime transport during this period, as companies adapted to both the demands of commerce and the unpredictable nature of the Great Lakes.

While the coal industry eventually declined with the advent of alternative energy sources, the company’s contributions to Kingston’s maritime and economic history remain significant.

Further Reading and Resources

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Comprehensive data on shipping and coal transport in the region.

• David Swayze Shipwreck File: Records detailing the final voyage of the Burt Barnes under James Swift Coal Company ownership.

• Kingston Historical Society: Archival information on local businesses and their impact on the city’s development.

• Ontario Archives: Documents related to the coal trade and maritime commerce in Ontario.

The James Swift Coal Company exemplifies the industrial spirit of its era, navigating the challenges of Great Lakes commerce while contributing significantly to the energy and maritime sectors of Kingston and beyond.