The Rathbun Company

The Rathbun Company (Industrial Giant of Eastern Ontario)

The Rathbun Company was a prominent Canadian industrial conglomerate based in Deseronto, Ontario, during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Founded by Edward Wilkes Rathbun, the company grew to become a dominant force in various industries, including timber, shipping, railways, ironworks, and utilities. It played a crucial role in the economic development of eastern Ontario and the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence region.

History and Founding

• Founder: Edward Wilkes Rathbun, born in 1819 in the United States, moved to Ontario in the 1840s.
• Early Beginnings: Rathbun initially established a timber operation, capitalizing on the abundant forests in eastern Ontario. By the 1860s, his company began to diversify into other industries, including sawmills, lumber transport, and shipping.
• Headquarters: Deseronto, Ontario, located on the shores of the Bay of Quinte, a strategic location for shipping and timber processing.

Key Operations and Industries

• 1. Timber and Lumber Timber was the foundation of the Rathbun Company’s success. Operated extensive logging operations in eastern Ontario, processing timber at its sawmills in Deseronto. Supplied lumber to domestic markets and exported to Europe and the United States.
• 2. Shipping The company owned and operated a fleet of Great Lakes vessels, including barges and schooners, to transport lumber, coal, and iron ore. These vessels played a critical role in connecting Rathbun’s industries to markets across the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence Seaway.
• 3. Railways Napanee, Tamworth, and Quebec Railway (NT&Q): The Rathbun Company developed its own railway to facilitate the transport of timber, coal, and other goods to key markets. Rail connections boosted Deseronto’s prominence as a shipping and industrial hub.
• 4. Iron and Steel Works Established ironworks in Deseronto to produce materials for its shipping, railway, and industrial operations. Manufactured components such as nails, metal tools, and materials used in the construction of railways and ships.
• 5. Utilities and Power Generation The Rathbun Company ventured into hydroelectric power, leveraging local waterways to generate electricity for its industries and the town of Deseronto.

Legacy and Decline

Economic Impact The Rathbun Company transformed Deseronto into a thriving industrial hub At its peak, the company employed hundreds of workers, supporting the local economy and fostering the development of surrounding communities.

Decline By the early 20th century, the depletion of timber resources and increased competition from larger corporations led to financial struggles. Technological advancements in shipping and railways made some of Rathbun’s operations obsolete. The company eventually ceased operations in the 1920s, leaving behind a legacy of industrial innovation and regional development.

Deseronto’s Transformation After the company’s decline, Deseronto transitioned from an industrial center to a quieter community, though remnants of the Rathbun Company’s influence can still be seen in the town’s infrastructure and historical records.

Significance in Canadian History

• Industrial Innovation The Rathbun Company’s integration of timber, shipping, railways, and ironworks made it a pioneer in industrial diversification in Canada.
•  Economic Development Helped establish eastern Ontario as a key region for timber and industrial production.Facilitated the movement of goods across the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence corridor, contributing to Canada’s growing economy.
• Legacy in Transportation  The company’s investments in shipping and railways left a lasting impact on regional transportation infrastructure.

Further Research and Resources

• Deseronto Archives  https://deserontoarchives.ca  A rich source of documents and photographs related to the Rathbun Company and the town’s history.
• Maritime History of the Great Lakes http://www.maritimehistoryofthegreatlakes.ca Contains records of vessels operated by the Rathbun Company.
• Library and Archives Canada https://www.bac-lac.gc.ca Federal archives that may hold additional records of the company’s operations.
• Books and Academic Studies Industrial Pioneers: The Rathbun Company of Deseronto (if available in historical libraries).

Conclusion

The Rathbun Company was a trailblazer in Canadian industry, demonstrating how resourceful entrepreneurs like Edward Wilkes Rathbun shaped the development of communities and industries in the late 19th century. Though the company is no longer operational, its influence on transportation, industrial practices, and the town of Deseronto is an enduring testament to its historical importance.

Vessels Owned or Operated by the Rathburn Co.

• The steamer GIPSEY was launched in 1879, designed for passenger and cargo travel on rivers and bays in Ontario, Canada. Originally owned by J. D. Murphy of Toronto, the vessel was classified as A1, signifying its quality and seaworthiness. The steamer operated routes between Kingston and Toronto, connecting communities along Lake Ontario and Rideau Canal.
• The Alberta, originally named Puritan, was a wooden paddlewheel tugboat built in 1888 by W. Evans in Deseronto, Ontario. Powered by an 8×24 engine manufactured by Polson Iron Works of Toronto, it featured a centerwheel paddle propulsion system, an innovative design that allowed for efficient navigation and cargo transport on the Bay of Quinte. This tugboat was an essential part of local trade, supporting both passenger and freight movement in the region.