aptain James Steinhoff was perhaps Wallaceburg's most influential citizen. While almost single-handedly setting the community on the path of industrialization, Steinhoff was also a prominent figure in the politics and community life of the town, becoming Wallaceburg's first mayor in 1896.
teinhoff was an amazing example of the new province's opportunity and growth. At the age of 10 he delivered mail aboard a pony through 25 miles of heavy forest. He later became a cook for a French lumber mill. While loading cords of wood aboard early clipper ships, Steinhoff dreamed of steam powered vessels, and at the age of 20 began his shipbuilding career, by producing large steam powered tugs. His most famous was the "Dominion" launched on Confederation Day, 1867.
apt. Steinhoff retired from the shipping business in 1887 a wealthy man. However, his influene and financial backing continued to drive Wallaceburg into the industrial age. He owned a bank and with his nephew David Alexander Gordon was a powerful stockholder in many local industries, including Wallaceburg Cooperage Company, Sydenham Glass Company and the Canada and Dominion Sugar Company. Captain Steinhoff died in 1921 at the age of 87, leaving behind him a town recognized for its industrial prowess.
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