"Our enterprising townsman, B. B. Barnhill, Esq., of Two Rivers, Cumberland County, NS has commenced a large raft of timber to be built up on the bank, cigar shape, lashed securely with chains, launched and towed to New York by Steamer. If this enterprise proves successful, it will revolutionize the timber carrying trade from these shores. The raft contains about three million feet of lumber." - Chignecto Post of Thursday, December 24, 1885.

Brunswick Barnhill was a lumber merchant in Two Rivers, just south west of Joggins in Cumberland County. His father ran a general store selling groceries and household goods which Brunswick inherited and expanded. Other references tell us that Brunswick Barnhill was a manager of the Joggins Mines, and an avid sportsman. He also owned a sawmill and built or purchased steam launches. But his greatest claim to fame was the successful building and launching of huge "log rafts" for shipment of lumber.

Log raft being launched on the beach 2002-9-7a

Barnhill was one of few businessmen who ventured to ship timber to the United States by "log raft". Before the venture of the log raft, such schooners as the Harry Morris and the M. P. loaded cordwood from Barnhill and took it to Maine or New York. Barnhill's raft was 400 feet long, 50 feet wide and 28 feet high. The raft contained a shipment of lumber comparable to 60 cargoes of a 300 ton vessel. Building a raft employed 100 men over a winter and cost the shipper about $ 6,000.

In 1886, Barnhill ventured another "Log raft". Locals from the area came out to see the launch. Picnics were held and photographers took records, mementoes were sold. It was said that the grounds of the "modest cottage of Mr. Small, the only dwelling in the vicinity of the raft, soon assumed the appearance of a shire town hotel yard on nomination day." The Baptist Church erected a large shed with 200 feet of tables with refreshments for the spectators. Three attempts were made before the raft was finally launched.


Portrait on the log raft 2002-9-8

In 1851 over 220 sawmills were recorded in Cumberland County producing mainly for the British market.

(Letter from Christie Brothers & Co. to B. Barnhill regarding purchase of lumber 91-2)

Family notes
Brunswick B. Barnhill was born c. 1851 and married Mary Jeanette Martin on February 14, 1877. Mary Jeanette was the second daughter of Robert Martin who was Superintendent of Grand Trunk Railroad. Barnhill children included Alexander P., Georgina, Brunswick W., Jeanette A., Harold & Gordon (twins), Stanley, and Alexander. Barnhill died in 1917 after a lengthy illness.

This letter dated July 22, 1917 to Brunswick Barnhill from his son "Brun" talks about family news, asks after his father's health and asks his opinion on the politics of the day including the recent Conscription Bill. 91-2