William Jamieson – Ship Millwright

History of William Jamieson, Ship Millwright

Overview:

William Jamieson was a prominent ship millwright in Mill Point, Ontario during the 19th century. Known for his contributions to the shipbuilding industry, Jamieson’s expertise in crafting and repairing wooden ships played a key role in the economic development of the region. Mill Point, located along the shores of the Bay of Quinte, was a bustling hub for shipbuilding, reflecting the demands of Great Lakes commerce during that period.

Mill Point (Now Deseronto, Ontario):

Mill Point, later renamed Deseronto, was a key industrial town in Ontario during the 19th century. The town thrived on industries such as timber milling, shipbuilding, and trade along the Bay of Quinte, which provided access to Lake Ontario and beyond.

Jamieson likely worked on constructing and maintaining schooners, steamers, and barges that served the needs of the Great Lakes’ burgeoning shipping economy. Ships built or repaired in Mill Point would transport lumber, grain, and other goods to regional and international markets.

Vessels built, owned or operated by

• James G. Worts was a large, three-masted wooden schooner built in 1874 at Mill Point, Ontario (modern-day Deseronto, Ontario). The vessel was designed for bulk cargo transport, regularly carrying grain, lumber, and other commodities across the Great Lakes. The ship was owned by David Sylvester of Toronto and was primarily used in the grain trade. Like many large schooners of the era, the James G. Worts was often towed by steamers to improve efficiency and speed on the lakes.
• William Jamieson was a two-masted wooden schooner with a square stern and no figurehead, typical of the robust vessels designed for Great Lakes cargo transport in the late 19th century. With a gross tonnage of 143 tons, it was built to carry goods such as coal and agricultural products efficiently across the lakes. Its construction and operation reflect the maritime traditions of Deseronto, Ontario, which was a significant shipbuilding hub at the time.

Mill Point → Deseronto, Ontario: Deseronto is now a small town in Hastings County, Ontario. Located on the Bay of Quinte, it is known for its historic significance and connection to the shipbuilding and timber industries.

Bay of Quinte The Bay of Quinte remains a significant waterway, historically and today, linking eastern Lake Ontario to various communities in southeastern Ontario.

Significance of William Jamieson

Craftsmanship: Jamieson’s work as a millwright involved crafting precision tools, wooden components, and ship frames, all essential for constructing and maintaining ships. His skills were critical in ensuring vessels were seaworthy and capable of handling the demands of Great Lakes navigation.

Economic Impact: His contributions supported the shipbuilding industry in a region pivotal to Ontario’s trade network. As ships were vital for transporting goods like timber, coal, and agricultural products, Jamieson’s work directly influenced regional and international trade.

Legacy: The shipbuilding industry in Mill Point laid the groundwork for Ontario’s maritime heritage. Today, Deseronto preserves elements of this history, with its location along the Bay of Quinte serving as a reminder of the town’s industrial past.

Conclusion: William Jamieson’s career as a ship millwright in Mill Point (Deseronto, Ontario) exemplifies the craftsmanship and industry that defined the Great Lakes region in the 19th century. While Mill Point is now Deseronto, its connection to shipbuilding and trade remains an integral part of its historical identity.

Keywords: William Jamieson, ship millwright, Mill Point shipbuilding, Deseronto history, Bay of Quinte maritime history, Ontario shipyards.