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Early Life
Joseph Cunard was born in Halifax, Nova Scotia, in 1799. The family name Cunard, first originated from Germany and moved to the United States in 1650. -
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Birth and Early Years
Joseph Cunard was born in.... -
Arrival In Miramichi
In the early 1820's, Cunard came to Miramichi with his brother Henrysent by Samuel. This would be one of the most important decisions in his life, as it was in Miramichi where he had built his business, became a hero, and eventually a menace.
At one time, he was the prime employer in the former town of Chatham, owing many mills and ship yeards, all backed by his brother, the famous Samuel Cunard. It is rumored that he had employed over 1,000 men during his time in Miramichi. -
Cunard the Businessman
Mr. Joseph Cunard was more than just a businessman, he was also an active member in the community. He was involved in the Justice of the Peace in Chatham, served on the Board of Health, and was elected to the Legislative Assembly in Fredricton in 1828. -
Cunard the Showman
Cunard remodelled and enlarged an existing home in Chatham, making it a huge showpiece in downtown Chatham. It had a ballroom, vaulted ceilings, a circular driveway and gardens with peacocks. When Cunard would return home from a business trip, he was often greeted by a 13 gun salute. There were parades and dinners held in his honor. On going to church, Cunard had his coach and horses escorted by several men on horseback. -
Cunard the Young Man
Cunard started many shipyards and stores in Chatham and Newcastle as well as in small outlying communities. Cunard was also heavily involved in community doings, and got elected to the House of Assembly twice. Cunard found time to marry a local girl, Mary Peters, the daughter of a local judge, in 1833. -
Rivalry with Alexander Rankin
Cunard's biggest business rival was Alexander Rankin, of the Rankin Company of Douglastown. They fought over land and trees along the river regularly. This dispute spilled over into politics as well, as the 1843 election saw Cunard and Rankin prominently supporting two different men. -
Bad Business Times for Cunard
Cunard could be a kind and generous employer, but he also made business enemies: Adam Shirreff and Alexander Rankin were 2 of them. When Shirreff couldn't pay the rent on an island that he had a fishery on, (Middle Island) Cunard took it over. Shirreff vowed he'd get his revenge, but never did. -
Worst year ever
Miss Vondy's brother, Dr. Vondy had died on Middle Island during the quarantine of the Looshtauk. Miss Vondy wanted to come off the island with her brother's body, and sent a letter to J. Cunard asking permission as he owned the Island. He had to say no due to health rules. Also, Cunard's businesses were in great trouble and there were many angry people who rioted on Water Street in protest. -
New Life
Joseph Cunard chaired a Chatham meeting in 1849. By February he had left Miramichi. After settling his affairs in Halifax and over seas, he settled in Liverpool, England in 1850. -
Cunard Leaves Town
Cunard had to flee the Miramichi. He left late one night on horseback under the cover of darkness, eventually making his way to Halifax where he would have sailed to England. He left behind a string of debts and a town full of unemployed people. -
"Shoot Cunard!"
There was a great deal of anger and many people out of work, Due to this, a riot took place where one man shouted, "Shoot Cunard!" In response to this, Cunard sent a young boy by the name of William home to get his pistols. When the pistols arrived, Cunard stuck the pistols into the sides of his boots and exclaimed, "I'd like to see the man who shoots Joseph Cunard!" -
Cunard's Death
Cunard died in England at the age of 67. He passed away in Surrey, England and buried in Liverpool's Toxeth Park Cemetery.
