Date: 1896
Previous to 1833, the steamer " Union " plied on the route between Hawkesbury and Ottawa ; this boat was built in the year 181 9 and was commanded by Captain Grant ; Thomas Johnson, afterwards M.P., an extensive merchant at Vankleek Hill, was the purser.  This steamer was owned by some Montreal and Hawkesbury mer chants ; she had two heavy marine engines , side levers that had been imported by the Hon.  John Molson, grandfather to J. H. R. Molson of this city (Montreal).