Ruggles Wright

Background

He was born in Woburn, Massachusetts but moved to Canada with his parents while still young.

Career

He later joined the family business in the timber trade. Wright also served as justice of the peace and postmaster during the 1820s. In 1829, he built the first timber slide on the Ottawa River to transport logs past the Chaudière Falls.

He also discovered a source of cement which was used in the construction of the Rideau Canal.

Wright was married twice: first to Hannah Chamberlain and later to Rosina McDowell.

Achievements

• However, by 1840, a competing slide built on the opposite (Ontario) side of the river had won over most of the business.

Connections

Partner:

John Egan