This company is known to have been incorporated in 1860, and was in business for over 100 years. Our one report of a woodworking machine from them is of a lumber edger.

Information Sources

• According to A General Index to the Statutes of New Brunswick, by George W. Burbidge, 1878, Saint John Iron Works, Inc., was incorporated in 1860.
• Thanks to Gary Hughes, curator of History and Technology at the New Brunswick Museum, for reporting this maker to us: "The museum acquired an edging machine from an abandoned lumber mill near the St. John River in 1995 and it had an Iron Works maker's plate attached. The mill was operated in that location by Charles Bacon but salvaged from a Wesfield mill during the 1930s. It probably dates from c. 1900. It is on display at the Market Square branch of the NBM."
• A mentions that this firm was involved in the lamps' restoration in 1967.
• A web page reproduces a 1903 book, The Story of Saint John. An Historical Sketch by Frank Butler Ellis. Here is the book's section on Saint John Iron Works.

  The St. John Iron Works occupy a large block of land at the deep water terminus of the Intercolonial Railway. The premises extend from Charlotte to Sydney streets, and from Vulcan street to the railway track, from which a branch extends into their grounds, giving them a space of 160,000 square feet. All this space is well utilized. The machine shop, built of brick, fronts on Vulcan street, and is fitted with the most modern machinery. The front of the building is devoted to business offices, private, stenographer's and drafting rooms.

  The other buildings comprise the pattern shop, foundry, a large storeroom for patterns, blacksmith shop, boiler shop, and general storage warehouse, besides a number of necessary smaller structures.

  In 1892 Waring, White & Co., engineers and manufacturers, moved into these premises. Seven years later a company was formed, and it took charge of the concern which has since been known as the St. John Iron Works.

  At the same time Chas. McDonald assumed the position of manager, and under his direction the business done has more than doubled. When Mr. McDonald took charge forty hands were employed. There are now over one hundred. Several additional buildings have been put up and the works generally improved.

  The St. John Iron Works manufacture a variety of machines, do an extensive repair business, and in addition carry in stock a large line of specialties. The name of this Company is especially well known in connection with high class mill outfits, and these are sent to all parts of Canada, numbers being in use even on the Pacific Coast. In marine engines, too, a good business is done, and within the present year two steamers have been fully equipped from propeller to funnel by this concern. Other articles include stationary engines, marine and stationary boilers, portable and hoisting engines, surface and jet condensers, propellers, heavy scrap and rail shears, Ross patent lath mills, and in fact all kinds of things manufactured by large concerns of this kind. Much attention is paid to finishing, and it is owing the the care expended on the work that the manufacturers have gained and hold such a high reputation.

• A web page on Canadian railway car builders has the following: "SAINT JOHN IRON WORKS, and NEW BRUNSWICK POWER CO., Saint John, N.B.: From 1928 to 1930, ten new single truck steel street cars were built jointly between these two firms for use on the city street car lines of the New Brunswick Power Co. in Saint John, N.B. It is the only instance of either of these companies engaging in new car production work."
• A document at the Government of New Brunswick web site indicates that on 2004-04-26, J. D. Irving, Ltd., renewed the registration of the business name Saint John Iron Works.