David Bell: Shipbuilder of Buffalo, New York

Era of Operation: Mid-19th century

Specialty: Wooden steam tugs and propeller-driven vessels

Location: Buffalo, New York

Overview:

David Bell was a renowned shipbuilder in Buffalo, New York, during the mid-1800s. Buffalo, located on the eastern shores of Lake Erie, was a major hub for maritime trade and shipbuilding at the time, thanks to its strategic position near the Erie Canal and Great Lakes shipping routes. Bell specialized in wooden steam-powered vessels, including tugboats and propeller-driven ships, which were vital to the burgeoning maritime industry of the Great Lakes.

Significant Contributions:

• Bell constructed the Philo S. Bemis (later known as the A. J. Bemis) in 1859. This wooden propeller steam tug was designed to assist larger vessels in harbors and navigate difficult stretches of water, such as those near Buffalo or the St. Clair Flats.

• His designs reflected the practical needs of the era, prioritizing functionality and durability in a time when wooden hulls were still the industry standard, even as steel was beginning to emerge.

Legacy:

David Bell’s work highlights the transition period in shipbuilding from sail to steam. His contributions to the development of steam-powered vessels helped modernize Great Lakes transportation. While records of other specific vessels he built are limited, the A. J. Bemis remains a testament to his craftsmanship and the role of Buffalo as a shipbuilding powerhouse during the 19th century.