E. Berry & Company of Kingston, Ontario,

E. Berry & Company of Kingston, Ontario, was a notable entity in the 19th-century maritime industry, primarily involved in shipping and transportation along the St. Lawrence River and the Great Lakes. Based in Kingston, Ontario, a key hub of commerce and trade in the region, the company owned and operated vessels such as Barge No. 23, which played a vital role in moving bulk goods like lumber and grain.

Role in Maritime Commerce

• Ownership of Vessels: E. Berry & Company acquired Barge No. 23 in 1864, reflecting its active involvement in the burgeoning trade networks of the era. The company utilized vessels like Barge No. 23 to facilitate the efficient transport of goods between major ports, contributing to the economic development of Kingston and its surrounding areas.

• Trade Specialization: The company likely specialized in bulk cargoes such as lumber—a critical export commodity—and agricultural goods like grain, aligning with the demands of the region’s industrial and agricultural sectors.

Connection to Kingston’s Maritime History

Kingston, Ontario, served as a pivotal location for shipbuilding and maritime trade in the 19th century. E. Berry & Company would have been a part of this thriving industry, leveraging the city’s strategic position on Lake Ontario and its access to the St. Lawrence River. The company’s operations supported the flow of goods across the Great Lakes and into the broader North American trade network.

Legacy

While details about E. Berry & Company beyond its ownership of Barge No. 23 are sparse, its involvement in the regional maritime trade highlights the importance of mid-sized shipping firms in maintaining the economic lifeline of the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River. The loss of Barge No. 23 in 1866 marked a significant event in the company’s history, underscoring the inherent risks of Great Lakes navigation during that period.