Main_History




		Barrie in the early years had a population of 6 000. The post office had just been built and The Grand Opera House opened its doors to the public. Wood was the major source of fuel. A cord of prime hardwood, cut and split, could be had - delivered by horses - for the sum of $3. Coal was the new fuel, billed as newest, most convenient way to heat homes for the winter.

		In 1871, a Mr. James S. Johnson, Merchant, began a business in Barrie dealing in coals and woods of all kinds, lime, fire brick, cements of all kinds and plasterers' hair. Walter Sarjeant at the age of 16 or 17 went to work with Mr. Johnston and after a few years spent learning the business entered into a partnership, forming Johnston and Sarjeant. It was 1889, the beginning of a company that is about to enter its third century of business. When Mr. Johnston retired in 1903 the partnership dissolved but Samual Sarjeant who had joined the company in 1890 together with Walter began a business called the Sarjeant Company of Barrie.

		Five of The Sarjeant Brothers - Samuel, Charles, Albert John, Walter & James.
		In 1903 a new partnership was formed in Orillia with the retirement of Mr. Sanderson who was in a similar type of business. It marked the beginning of the Sarjeant Company of Orillia.

		Dealing in coal and wood fuel and builders' supplies the business prospered. In 1905, both Sarjeant companies (Barrie and Orillia) were incorporated as The Sarjeant Company Limited with Barrie serving as its head office.

		Sarjeant Barrie Office - 1900