Canadian Locomotive Company

Organisation

Canadian Locomotive Company

1878-1969

In 1855 John Morton purchased the Ontario Foundry on Kingston's waterfront and began the manufacture of locomotives for the rapidly expanding Canadian railway system, producing five locomotives in 1856. By 1864, however, Morton was bankrupt and, upon his death that year, the firm passed to the Montreal-based interests of the Canadian Engine and Machinery Company with the head offices being removed to that city. In 1878 the company was re-incorporated by federal charter as the Canadian Locomotive and Engine Company Limited and the head offices were moved back to Kingston but within two years the firm was again bankrupt. In 1881 it was reorganized once again by by a group of Kingston businessmen-cum-politicians that included William Harty, George Kirkpatrick, Alexander Gunn, and Sir Richard Cartwright. George Kirkpatrick became president with William Harty as managing director. Although the company did well under Harty's direction, it was sold to a Scottish firm, Dubs and Company, in 1887. Increased competition and a softening market led to Dubs declaring bankruptcy in 1900.The firm was purchased in 1901 by Harty and reorganized under the name The Canadian Locomotive Company. Harty remained in control of the company until 1911when, due to the need for expansion, the company was reorganized once again, this time under the company name Canadian Locomotive Company, Limited, at the direction of a group of Canadian and British bankers headed by Aemelius Jarvis. The company continued producing locomotives until 1969 when, due to decreasing demand and increasing labour problems, the plant ceased production.

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