Embedded Files
A Legacy on the Great Lakes: The Isbester Family
A Legacy on the Great Lakes: The Isbester Family
Thomas R Scott - Robert H IS
Robert and Florence
Jeff - George - Bruce
Jeff - Dave
Dave
Weyburn
The Isbester Family
The Isbester family’s story is woven deeply into the maritime heritage of Wiarton and the Great Lakes. At its heart was Robert Harvey Isbester Sr. (1871-1953), a dedicated engineer who spent his early career with the Peninsula Tug & Towing Company. A photograph from 1907 captures Robert aboard the S.S. Thomas R. Scott, a proud “lumber hooker” that hauled timber for the company. This ship tragically sank off Cabot Head on September 2, 1914. While it’s unclear if Robert was aboard when it went down, his association with the vessel remains an indelible part of local history.
Robert married Florence Harriet Knight, and together they raised six children, instilling in them a love of the lakes and a spirit of adventure. By the 1920s, Robert had joined Canada Steamship Lines, where his career culminated in 1942 as Chief Engineer of the S.S. Weyburn. This 261-foot canaller, powered by a triple-expansion engine and Scotch boilers, represented the height of maritime engineering at the time. Robert retired in 1947 after a fall left him injured, but his legacy continued through his children.
The Next Generation
Robert Harvey Isbester Jr. chose a different path and did not sail.
Florence Helen (Isbester) Skene married Ewart Skene, a sailor who worked under her father’s direction on the Weyburn.
David Isbester (1917-1966) started as a fireman and rose to 2nd Engineer. He sailed with several companies, including Canada Steamship Lines and Upper Lakes & St. Lawrence Transportation Company, though his career was cut short in 1951 due to health issues. David was a proud member of the Wiarton Propeller Club.
Jethro (Jeff) Isbester (1917-2001) began his maritime career on lake boats. In 1942, while docked, he joined the Royal Canadian Navy as a Leading Stoker, despite his shipping company’s attempts to retain him as a merchant sailor. After the war, Jeff returned to the Great Lakes, continuing his love of the water.
George Isbester served as a shipkeeper on the Douglas Houghton, a steamship owned by the Upper Lakes & St. Lawrence Transportation Company.
Bruce Cameron Isbester (1920-1978) worked on Great Lakes vessels before joining the Royal Canadian Navy, inspired by his brother Jeff’s example.
A Maritime Heritage
The Isbester family’s dedication to the Great Lakes was more than a career—it was a legacy of resilience, hard work, and passion for maritime life. From the S.S. Thomas R. Scott to the S.S. Weyburn and beyond, their contributions helped shape the history of shipping and the community of Wiarton.
This account is lovingly pieced together from the memories of Shirley Daigneau, Jim Isbester, Wayne Isbester, and Robert (Larry) Isbester. It honors not just the Isbester family but the enduring spirit of those who lived and worked on the Great Lakes.
Written by Rod T. Lee
Sources: “An Attic Album: Glimpses of Wiarton Life 1880-1925,” p. 16;
“Namesakes 1910-1919” by John O. Greenwood, p. 382.
Words of: Shirley Daigneau, Jim Isbester, Wayne Isbester, and Rodert (Larry) Isbester
Submitted by: Linda Isbester
Harold Miller Jr. and Glen Miller
Harold Miller Jr. and Glen Miller
Jack Mallard 1939-2021
Jack Mallard 1939-2021
Jack Mallard 1939- 2021
Jack became President of the Wiarton Propeller Club from 1972-1974 during that time the mortgage was paid off and the next annual farewell banquet held at the Propeller club the main event that evening was the burning of the Mortgage , With Mrs. Jim Coleman (President of the propellerettes) and Ron Porter then the new President.
In spring 1957 Jack answered an Ad in a local newspaper looking for deckhands on a barge tied up at Sarnia grain elevator , Jack and a friend Glen Porter and another farm boy Duke Butchart were hired on the spot. No resume, no Human Resources.
Sailing was offering better paying jobs and he continued to work on the steamboats, his next ship was the Steam Ship Algosteel an Algoma Steel company which ran iron ore into the steel plant at Sault Ste. Marie which was also owned by Algoma. Jack was hired on as a Firemen and again had to learn a new skill.
Firemen would shovel coal and tend to the boilers that would supply steam to the engine, generator and other equipment, this vessel would burn between one ton to one and a half a ton per hour. She was considered a hard firing job. Jack came back to Wiarton and married Jeanette Smart who’s family also sailed. Shipped out as an Oiler on the self-unloader R.O. Pettman, Jack quit sailing in 1963.
Jack took on a number of jobs on the pipeline in Alberta , mining in British Columbia and Newfoundland. He was a millwright and retired from Pilkington Glass in Collingwood and teaching millwright at Georgian College
Jack and Jeanette had four children David, Kathleen, Sandra and Deanne
Captain Harold Miller
Captain Harold Miller
My grandfather, Harold David Miller, was born on May 13, 1908 in Wiarton. His parents were David Miller and Mercy Annabel McKenzie. Grandpa started his career on the Great Lakes just before his 16th birthday joining his brother Bill on a steamer sailing out of the Midland harbour. By 19, Grandpa had obtained his mate’s ticket. He married Lavina Lobban on February 9, 1931 and their children were – Harold Jr., Glen, Helen, Ken, Nora, John, and Marion. Grandpa sailed for 48 years on the Great Lakes with the last 22 years as Captain. He retired from the Canada Steamship Lines in 1972 with the honourary rank of Commodore. Some of the massive ships that Grandpa commanded carried cargoes of iron ore and coal and were more than 700 feet in length. Some of the ships that Captain Miller sailed on were the Murray Bay, Algoma, Sir James Dunn, Donnaconna, Richelieu, and T.R. McLagan.
On December 16, 1964 a fire broke out on the S.S. Donnaconna on Lake Huron. Grandpa was honoured for his skill and experience in turning the ship around and out of the wind which forced flames over the bow, saving the cargo and lessening further damage to the ship. The officers and men of the ship lost their personal effects and clothing but no injuries were reported. One of the items that was salvaged from the fire was a $1.00 bill that had been with my Grandpa’s things on the ship and my Nana kept the partially burned bill in her wallet up until her death.
The Miller family share in a great deal of pride in the career of Captain Harold
The McCutcheon Family
The McCutcheon Family
Robert 1908-1978
Robert was the first of the brothers that went to sea. He first sailed in 1926. During his lifetime he was a mariner (retired from sailing in 1958), a farmer, business owner and a real estate agent.
Stanley Lee 1910-1993
Stanley was the second brother to sail (started in 1927 at the age of 17 years old). Robert and Stanley sailed on the same ship for a while. He became Captain in 1932. Stanley sailed for several years, finishing his sailing career piloting foreign ships through the Welland Canal. He then
sold Real Estate.
It should be noted that Stanley was the first to pilot a foreign ship through the Welland Canal after the St Lawrence opened in 1959.
Clarence Richard 1912-2002
Clarence spent most of his adult life as a sailor on the Great Lakes. He started as a fireman shovelling coal in 1932. In 1955 he became Chief Engineer and worked 44 years for Canada Steamship Lines.
William George Elgin 1914-2003
Elgin sailed on the Great Lakes for Misener Transportation in the St Lawrence area carrying supplies needed during wartime. He became Captain in 1952 and started in the pilotage in 1959, retiring in 1980.
During the winters, Elgin and his wife Blanche would ship keep in various ports on the Great Lakes.
Ivan Elmer 1916-2006
Ivan sailed as Chief Engineer and sailed with Canada Steamship Lines for 49 years. Ivan was also Commodore for the Canada Steamship Line fleet.
Lloyd Alvin 1917-2008
Lloyd sailed as Captain and later also became a marine pilot.
Harvey Garnet 1919-2005
Harvey sailed for a few years early in his life. Was in the Air Force during WW2. When he returned from the war he farmed at Limberlost.
Morgan Wallace 1922-2011
Morgan worked for several years as a sailor moving up in the ranks to become Captain in 1972. He also worked for Canada Steamship Lines for 30 years.
Francis Burton 1927-2020
Francis was a farmer, marine engineer on the Great Lakes with Canada Steamship Lines and then a businessman.
Francis bought the farm from his parents. His parents, Richard and Elizabeth built a house on Scott St in Wiarton, where they spent their retirement.
Info obtained from The Sun Times, Owen Sound, Saturday August 22, 1987, issued by Rosanne Kyle and the McCutcheon Family History Book 2005.
The Boys from Mar - Bud, Morgan & Bert
The Boys from Mar - Bud, Morgan & Bert
William Robert "Bud" Given
My father, William Robert Given, was born in Humberstone, Ontario in 1925, to parents William Wasson Given and Beatrice Given (nee Weir). They were both from Mar, Ontario, which is where Dad was raised.
He began sailing very young and I do not have a record of those early days. He left the ship he was on in what is now Thunder Bay and enlisted in the Lake Superior Regiment to serve in WW11.
After the war, he worked on ships such as The Stadacona, The Kingdoc, The William H. Daniels and The SS Bulkarier. He worked as a Deckhand, a Watchman, a Fireman, and an Oiler. He sailed in and out of Montreal, Midland, Buffalo, Toronto, Corner Brook, Prescott and Port Weller. In his Certificate of Discharge for Seamen, the descriptions of his voyages were Great Lakes and Connecting Waters, General Great Lakes, Home Trade and Inland Waters. His Report of Character for Ability and General Conduct were Very Good and were signed and stamped by The Shipping Master’s Office. These working years were from April 1949 through June, 1953. By this time, he had become a husband and father and gave up the lakes to farm at R.R.#1, Mar (Pike Bay).
Dad was only one member of his family to go sailing. His father sailed for many years and so did some of his brothers, notably his brother Bert Given, whose son Jim Given became the President of the Seafarer’s International Union of Canada in 2013.
Morgan E Given
Albert "Bert" Given 1940 SS Lemoyne, 3rd Engineer
1949 President Milford Cooper Leaves a Lasting Maritime Legacy
1949 President Milford Cooper Leaves a Lasting Maritime Legacy
Wiarton, ON - 1949
Milford Cooper, an esteemed figure in the maritime history of Wiarton, played a pivotal role in the formation of the Wiarton Propeller Club back in 1949. In a region steeped in marine tradition, Cooper's visionary leadership led to the establishment of this enduring institution, dedicated to celebrating the unique bond between the community and its seafaring heritage.
The Wiarton Propeller Club, aptly named for its symbolism of teamwork, direction, and trust akin to ship propulsion, was conceived as a tribute to the dedicated sailors and their families who called Wiarton home. This establishment recognized the resilience and exceptional skills developed by sailors during their lengthy voyages on large vessels, as well as the remarkable adaptability displayed by their families onshore.
Milford Cooper's efforts paved the way for the Propeller Club's growth and its eventual establishment as a cherished community hall known as "The Meeting Place." Over the years, it has hosted countless events and activities, ranging from first dances to weddings, from fundraisers to community gatherings, and from youth-focused initiatives to celebrations of maritime heritage. The Wiarton Propeller Club has since restructured its operations, renovated its facilities, and proudly reinstated its original name, the Wiarton Propeller Club.
Milford Cooper's legacy lives on as the club continues to promote the maritime heritage of Wiarton and serve as a vital hub for the community. With a new website showcasing local marine history, the Wiarton Propeller Club remains a beacon of tradition, unity, and celebration in Wiarton's rich maritime tapestry.
PAST PRESIDENTS OF THE WIARTON PROPELLER CLUB
PAST PRESIDENTS OF THE WIARTON PROPELLER CLUB
Milford Cooper 1949- 1951
Capt. Harold Miller 1951 – 1954
Glen Miller 1954 – 1956
Chris Lee 1956 – 1957
Carl Cole 1957
Howard Glendillon 1957 – 1959
Capt. Harold Miller 1959 – 1964
Capt. Willian Ainslee l964 – 1968
Delmar Stewart 1968 – 1970
Eugene Rouse 1970 – 1972
Jack Mallard 1972 – 1974
Ron Porter 1974 – 1976
Bill Taylor 1976 – 1978
Capt. Robert Hull 1978 – 1980
Capt. William Ainslee 1980 – 1983
Ross Turner 1983 – 1986
Ross Carder 1986 – 1992
Robert McGregor 1992 – 1996
Norman Deakins 1996 – 2002
Barry Carder 2002 – 2008
Don Trudeau 2008 – 2012
Andy Mackey 2012 - Present
1942 Able Seaman Donald Albert Wright
1942 Able Seaman Donald Albert Wright
Wiarton, 22 March 1942
Wiarton mourned the loss of Able Seaman Donald Albert Wright, who tragically perished aboard the Victolite during World War II. His sacrifice served as a somber reminder of the courage and dedication displayed by those who served in the Merchant Navy of Canada.
The community of Wiarton expressed its deepest condolences to the family and friends of Seaman Wright, honoring his memory and the ultimate sacrifice he made in the service of his country. His legacy lives on in the hearts of those who remember his bravery and commitment to the cause of freedom.
Able Seaman Donald Albert Wright.pdfPast Members at the 50th
Past Members at the 50th
Back Row From L - R
Robert Carder, Ross Turner, Glenn Miller, Robert Hull, Gerald Greig, Carl Turner
Front Row L - R
Elda Hardman, Kaye Lymburner, Evelyn Hardman
1992 Captain Robert Hull
1992 Captain Robert Hull
In 1992, Captain Robert Hull, in collaboration with Robert Marchessault and Allana Morbin during his tenure at Georgian College, embarked on a video project with a profound emphasis on marine heritage and marine college education. Their endeavor focused on wire cable splicing repair, a crucial maritime skill. This instructional video was meticulously crafted aboard the iconic MS Chi-Cheemaun, a vessel steeped in marine heritage. Graciously supported by Owen Sound Transportation, this initiative not only celebrated maritime tradition but also underscored the significance of marine college education in preparing individuals for the intricate world of maritime operations.
Wire cables are used to secure ships to the bollards on shore.
Our Founding Members
Our Founding Members
Back Row (left fo right)
Norman Reid, Eric Fox, Sox Meyers, Ernie Gibson, Bill Young, Don Steip, Anslee McGee
Front Row (left to right)
Dewy Parker, Stan Greig, George Martin, Jim Collins, Jack Scott, Milford Cooper, Jack Chapman, Maj. Whetton
Missing
Orville Greig, Harold Miller, Ted Hardman, Bill Parker, Art Rouse
Chris A. Lee
Chris A. Lee
Chris Lee RW.pdfThe Miller Family
The Miller Family
John and Jim Miller.pdfJack Mallard (Never will I go Sailing)
Jack Mallard (Never will I go Sailing)
Never Again Combined.pdf
Jack Mallard
Jack Mallard
Jack Mallard 1939- 2021. Jack became President of the Wiarton Propeller Club from 1972-1974 during that time the mortgage was paid off and the next annual farewell banquet held at the Propeller club the main event that evening was the burning of the Mortgage , With Mrs. Jim Coleman (President of the Propellerettes) and Ron Porter then the new President.
Jack Mallard (Paddle Wheelers and Propellers)
Jack Mallard (Paddle Wheelers and Propellers)
Paddle Wheelers and Propellers Combined.pdfReport abuse