The Shiner War

There‘s a little-known chapter in Canadian history of a conflict in 1830s Ottawa between newly-immigrated Irish and French Canadian lumbermen. This fight over coveted logging jobs has since been dubbed ‘The Shiner War’.

Gazing back through the lens of history, it remains a disturbing, albeit fascinating story. One of the best quotes I have found which summarizes life in Lowertown, Ottawa (then Bytown) during that time comes from Magistrate George W. Baker:

“No person whatever can move by day without insult, or by night without risk of life. Thus whole families of unoffending people are obliged to abandon the town. I have not moved without arms since the 14th of May.”

But what was a Shiner? And from where does the word originate?

The answer remains a source of debate. Was the word derived from the well-worn “shiny” beaver pelt hats that Irish labourers were known to wear? Or was it a derivation of the French term Cheneur or oak cutter? The reference to cutting oak can be considered a slur, as it suggests inexperience in chopping large pine trees versus the clearing of smaller oaks during canal construction.

The history and motivation behind the Shiner movement, however, requires a more fulsome answer.

Arguably, the seeds of discontent, and ultimately violence, are first sown during the construction of the Rideau Canal. The largely Irish workforce residing in Lowertown, (present day Byward Market) live mainly in badly maintained rental tenements on what is then Crown land. The inability to purchase property is a continuos source of frustration for families living in ever-worsening conditions and, in 1829, a petition is brought forward. Now referred to as the McCabe List, it contains 637 signatures of those asking for the right to purchase their own land. The petition falls on deaf ears, however, and this refusal likely helps to fuel anger and resentment.

By 1832, construction of the Rideau Canal is complete. Some labourers move on. Those who remain endure unemployment and cholera epidemics in 1832 and again in 1834. Disease is largely attributed to a fetid channel sluice that runs through the town, connecting the canal to the Ottawa River. While there is a thriving lumber industry in the surrounding forests, most are all but shut out — unable to break into what is an established industry.

It is around this time that Peter Aylen enters onto the scene. Aylen, a wealthy entrepreneur with lumber baron aspirations, seizes onto an opportunity for power and personal gain. He sets about recruiting the disenfranchised with the promise of paid work and all manner of vice. At first, his plan is successful, and he amasses a sizeable force. But his motives are far from altruistic. Like a chess master, he will sacrifice his Shiner pawns in order to achieve his own personal ambitions.

What follows is nothing short of open gang warfare on the streets of Lowertown. Armed bands roam the town, targeting any known to be employed in the lumber industry in an effort to intimidate and coerce them into leaving.

In 1835, Aylen and his men invade the Bathurst Agricultural Society Annual Meeting and Election. After chasing off many of the sitting members, the majority Shiners elect Allen as organization president —.a position he holds for two years. A short time later, Aylen is arrested but is soon rescued by his men. It appears he is untouchable.

There is one notable response. The community of Uppertown, on the oposite side of the canal, are frustrated by the lack of support from British regular troops still occupying Parliament (then Barrack) Hill. They take matters into their own hands. A 200-member militia is raised: The Society For The Preservation Of The Public Peace. Patrols of Uppertown continue throughout the war. 

Violence on the streets of Lowertown continues through this period, however, reaching its peak in February, 1837.

Enraged by the vicious attack on the Hobbs family, a large number of Orangemen (Irish Protestants) from surrounding towns, many of whom are British army veterans, head to Lowertown in search of the lead offender, a man named Gleason. Hearing this, Aylen and his supporters spread rumors through the town that an approaching “Protestant” force is intent on attacking all Lowertown Catholics. The strategy works, and the stage is set for a massive confrontation on the streets of Lowertown. But for the quick action by local magistrates, there is little doubt that a full-on battle would have taken place. Instead, the Orangemen are placated, returning home with the promise that the offenders will be brought to justice. 

As a footnote to the story, justice is ultimately served, though not through official means. Gleason is never formally arrested. He is, however, cornered in a bar where, so the story goes, he has his ears cut off. 

It should also be noted that no police force existed at this time. Instead, small numbers of ill-equipped deputies, sworn in by the magistrate, have the impossible task of maintaining order. The nearest courthouse and prison is in Perth, over one hundred miles, so any arrested for trial are just as likely to be freed en route. Ottawa will not have its own professional police force until 1847, when the Society for the Preservation of the Public Peace assumes a broader role. Similarly, the first jail would not be constructed until 1862. Small wonder there was a strong reliance on vigilante justice during this period.

Through my research, I have discovered many a bizarre story, and anecdotes too numerous to mention. But I would be remiss not to include at least a few:

Ears: Ears are the principal trophy according to some records. At least one Shiner drinking hole is known to have displayed several such “trophies” behind the bar.

Big Joe: There is also the legend of Big Joe Mufaraw, an actual lumberman from Mattawa, known for his size and strength and reputation for taking on, and defeating several Shiners at a time.

War On The Water: Violence is not confined to the streets of Lowertown, but also plays out on the Grande River and in the surrounding forests. Shiner bands are known to attack and try to steal log rafts en route to Montreal, where they can be purchased by the Royal Navy.

Sunday At Church: Shiners and the French-Canadian population share the same Catholic faith. There are humorous accounts of bruised and battered men occupying the same space of Notre Dam Cathedral the morning after a night spent beating up on one another.

Meanwhile, as all of this chaos is playing out, Aylen carries on with his own chess game. He works through official channels, attempting to secure another position of power at a meeting of the Nepean Township in 1837. Once again, he and his men barge through the door, aiming to disrupt and win the vote. Only, this time around, proceedings are shut down by the chair, James Johnston, before a vote can take place. A massive brawl ensues which lasts long into the night, with many on both sides badly beaten. Johnston becomes Aylen’s sworn enemy. He himself suffers at least one beating, and is shot at on more than one occasion.

But the events of the Nepean Township mark the beginning of the end for Aylen and his influence over the Shiners. He is now a marked man.

The next year, 1838, he moves across the river, settling into a large home in what is now the City of Gatineau where, by all accounts, he lives out his days as a model citizen. Violence in Lowertown continues well into 1840s, however, until the last of the Shiner threat is eradicated; often, through violent means.