He was originally based in Cobourg, but moved to Toronto in 1843. After fierce competition with Hugh Richardson to control the shipping business in the region, Bethune's business failed in 1848 and again in 1851, after the banks allowed him to lease back his boats.
He started in Cobourg but relocated to Toronto in 1843. Following a competition with Hugh Richardson for shipping control, Bethune's business experienced setbacks: it failed in 1848 and again in 1851 due to the banks' approval of his lease-back arrangement.