William Pitt (engineer)

Captain

William Pitt

Born| (1841-11-29)29 November 1841
Died| 12 September 1909(1909-09-12) (aged 67)
Cause of death| injuries after falling into machinery of his ferry
Nationality| Canadian
Occupation| ferryman
Known for| operated a small sail and oars scow ferry in New Brunswick
Notable work| inventor of the underwater cable ferry

Captain William Abraham Pitt (29 November 1841 – 12 September 1909) was a Canadian ferryman from the Kingston Peninsula of New Brunswick. He was from Reed's Point, Kings County, New Brunswick, and for over thirty years he operated a small sail and oars scow ferry connecting the Kingston Peninsula with the Kennebecasis Valley.

Pitt was the inventor of the underwater cable ferry.[1][2] His new invention was installed across the Kennebecasis River between Reed's Point and Gondola Point in 1903.[3] Believing that the cable required to operate his new ferry was too heavy and bulky, Pitt decided to lay the cable out during the winter. He ran the ferry cable across the river allowing it to sink into place with the spring thaw. By the middle of the 20th century, New Brunswick's road network improved and cable ferries to carry passengers and vehicles could be found in many river communities.

Pitt later died from serious injuries after falling into the machinery of his ferry.[2][4][5] One of the two cable ferries currently operating at Gondola Point is named the "William Pitt II" in his honour.

## References

[edit]

1. ^ "Residents of Gagetown, N.B., celebrate as river ferry returns to service - New Brunswick | Globalnews.ca". Global News. Retrieved 2 February 2024.
2. ^ a b Wright, Julia (12 October 2023). "Ferry tale: How cable ferries became a way of life in southern N.B." CBC. Retrieved 22 November 2023.
3. ^ "Revised / Gagetown ferry service to return". Government of New Brunswick. 15 June 2020. Retrieved 2 February 2024.
4. ^ "Capt. Pitt of Ferry Fame Is No More". Evening Times. 1909-09-13. Retrieved 2024-05-15.
5. ^ "Thrown to Floor by Wheel on Ferry". The St. John Sun. 17 August 1909. Retrieved 15 May 2024.

## External links

[edit]

* Christening of William Pitt II

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