W. Ellis, Dundas, Ontario

W. Ellis of Dundas, Ontario, was the original owner of the steamer ARGYLE, built in 1864 by A.M. Robertson in Hamilton, Ontario. While specific details about W. Ellis’s broader business or maritime connections are sparse, his ownership of the ARGYLE reflects the active role Dundas and its residents played in Ontario’s commerce and transportation during the mid-19th century.

Context: Dundas, Ontario, in the 19th Century

Dundas, located near the western edge of Lake Ontario, was a growing town during the 19th century, benefiting from its position along key transportation routes, including waterways and the emerging railway system. Local entrepreneurs and merchants like W. Ellis often invested in ships to support the booming trade in goods such as timber, grain, and other commodities transported across the Great Lakes.

Ownership of the Steamer ARGYLE

• Year of Ownership: 1864, the year the ARGYLE was constructed.

• Vessel Role: The ARGYLE was likely commissioned to serve as a passenger and cargo transport vessel, facilitating trade and travel between southern Ontario ports and Lake Erie communities.

• Ellis’s Investment: Ownership of a steam-powered vessel like the ARGYLE was indicative of Ellis’s involvement in regional commerce, as steamboats represented a significant investment and a means to capitalize on the thriving economic activity of the time.

Legacy

While specific records about W. Ellis’s activities or ventures outside of owning the ARGYLE remain unclear, his association with the vessel ties him to a period of dynamic growth in Ontario’s maritime history. Steamboats like the ARGYLE were critical to connecting Ontario’s inland towns with larger markets, and Ellis’s role as an owner highlights the entrepreneurial spirit that helped drive this development.