Mrs. L. Finkle, Ernestown, Ontario

Overview:

Mrs. L. Finkle, an early 19th-century resident of Ernestown (now Loyalist Township) in Ontario, was the original owner of the Frontenac, Canada’s first steamship to operate on the Great Lakes. Her involvement in the vessel’s ownership highlights the significant role that private individuals and families played in pioneering maritime commerce and technology in the early post-colonial period of Canada.

Role in the Frontenac’s History:

1. Original Ownership:

• Mrs. L. Finkle was the first documented owner of the Frontenac. Her ownership suggests a financial and entrepreneurial interest in advancing transportation on the Great Lakes, a region increasingly vital for trade and settlement during this era.

2. Construction of the Frontenac:

• The Frontenac was constructed in 1816 at Ernestown, Ontario, under the supervision of Teabout & Chapman, with completion by Henry Gildersleeve. The inclusion of an advanced Boulton & Watt engine from London further underscores the ambition of the project.

3. Contribution to Canadian Maritime Development:

• By sponsoring the Frontenac, Mrs. Finkle supported the launch of Canada’s first steam-powered vessel, which significantly influenced the modernization of lake transportation. The Frontenac became a symbol of progress, despite its operational challenges, marking the transition from sail to steam in the Great Lakes region.

Context of Ernestown and the Finkle Family:

• Ernestown (Loyalist Township):

• Located near Kingston, Ernestown was a hub of Loyalist settlement and a strategic location for early Great Lakes shipping ventures. Its proximity to major water routes made it an ideal location for shipbuilding and early maritime innovation.

• The Finkle Family:

• While specific details about Mrs. Finkle’s personal life remain scarce, the Finkle family was well-established in the region and known for their involvement in commerce and local development. Their association with the Frontenac demonstrates their forward-thinking approach to economic growth.

Significance of Ownership Transfer:

In 1827, ownership of the Frontenac transferred from Mrs. Finkle to J. & R. Hamilton of St. Catharines, Ontario. This marked a shift in the vessel’s operational focus as it moved further into regional commerce and trade networks.

Legacy:

Mrs. L. Finkle’s role as the Frontenac’s original owner situates her within the narrative of early Canadian maritime history. Her support of the Frontenac reflects the ambition and entrepreneurial spirit of the era, as individuals and families contributed to the economic and technological advancements of their time.

Further Research Opportunities:

• Loyalist Township Historical Society: Provides information about early residents and the role of prominent families like the Finkles in the region’s development.

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes: A source for historical accounts of vessels like the Frontenac and their early ownership.

• Archives of Ontario: Potential records on the Finkle family’s contributions to commerce and shipbuilding in Ernestown.