Shipbuilder H. Doville – Sodus, New York (1848)

Shipbuilder H. Doville – Sodus, New York (1848)

Overview

H. Doville was a shipbuilder based in Sodus, New York, active in the mid-19th century. While little is documented about Doville’s shipbuilding career, he is credited with constructing at least one vessel:

• The Wayne was a small wooden schooner built in 1848 in Sodus, New York, by H. Doville. She was likely involved in: Lumber transport across the Great Lakes, moving timber from Michigan to markets in Chicago, Cleveland, and Buffalo.  General cargo shipping, possibly carrying grain, coal, or iron ore when not hauling lumber  Regional trade routes, operating between Lake Ontario, Lake Erie, and Lake Huron ports Due to her modest size (56 tons), she was likely a short-haul vessel, used by lumber companies or small merchants.

Sodus, New York – A Regional Shipbuilding Hub

During the mid-to-late 1800s, Sodus and other Lake Ontario towns contributed to the Great Lakes shipping industry by building:

• Schooners and brigs for the grain, coal, and timber trades.
• Small packet boats for travel along the Erie Canal and inland waterways.
• Fishing boats and workboats used along the New York shoreline.

H. Doville likely operated a small shipyard, producing vessels primarily for Great Lakes commerce and trade.

Further Research and Resources

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes  http://www.maritimehistoryofthegreatlakes.ca Contains historical shipbuilding records and vessel registries.
• New York State Canal Corporation https://www.canals.ny.gov Archives on New York-built vessels that operated in Great Lakes and canal systems.
• Sodus Bay Historical Society https://www.sodusbaylighthouse.org Preserves local maritime and shipbuilding history.

Conclusion

H. Doville was a mid-19th-century shipbuilder from Sodus, New York, constructing Great Lakes schooners, including the Wayne (1848). His work contributed to the Lake Ontario maritime economy, helping supply vessels for the timber, grain, and coal trade. Further research may uncover additional ships built under his name.