Identification & Site Information

• Wreck Name: A. J. Bemis (also known as Philo S. Bemis)

• Vessel Type: Wooden Propeller Steam Tug

• Year Built: 1859

• Builder: David Bell, Buffalo, New York

• Dimensions: 49 tons (tonnage)

• Final Disposition: Sunk on September 15, 1872, near Alpena, Michigan, in Lake Huron

• Coordinates: Approximately three-quarters of a mile from shore near Alpena, Michigan

Vessel Type Description

The A. J. Bemis was a wooden propeller steam Tug, reflecting the essential role of such vessels in 19th-century Great Lakes commerce. Steam tugs like the Bemis were pivotal for towing ships, assisting in tight harbors, and navigating challenging waters. These small but powerful vessels often had wooden hulls, which made them versatile but vulnerable to risks such as fire and structural damage. The Bemis served its owners faithfully in these capacities until its eventual demise.

History

The A. J. Bemis was built in 1859 in Buffalo, New York, by renowned shipbuilder David Bell. Initially christened the Philo S. Bemis, the Tug quickly became a workhorse of the Great Lakes.

• Ownership Timeline:

• 1860: Sold to W.P. O’Brian of Buffalo, New York.

• Later in 1860: Acquired by George R. Hand of Chicago, Illinois.

• 1863: Ownership transferred to G. Hand and J. F. Green of Cleveland, Ohio.

• 1866: Sole ownership transferred to J. F. Greene of Cleveland.

• Later in 1866, purchased by E.M. Harrington of Cleveland, who relocated the Tug to Bay City and eventually Alpena, Michigan.

Service Life:

Throughout its operational life, the A. J. Bemis served in Lake Huron and Lake Michigan, towing vessels and aiding in navigation. Like many steam tugs of the era, it operated under challenging conditions, with boiler systems that posed constant fire risks.

Final Incident

On September 15, 1872, while underway on Lake Huron near Alpena, Michigan, a fire ignited beneath the Tug’s boiler. Despite the crew’s attempts to extinguish the flames and bring the vessel to shore, the fire spread rapidly, rendering the vessel unmanageable. The Bemis sank approximately three-quarters of a mile from the coastline, about six miles from Alpena.

• Outcome:

• No loss of life was reported.

• The vessel carried no cargo at the time of the incident.

• Salvage attempts were initiated but ultimately Abandoned.

Rebuilding and Final Fate:

Records suggest that after its initial sinking, the A. J. Bemis was raised, Rebuilt, and returned to service. However, its second life was short-lived. By June 30, 1879, the vessel had been Abandoned, and its registration documents were officially surrendered.

Final Disposition

The A. J. Bemis now rests on the bothttps://shotlinediving.com/wp-content/uploads/52895851813_b64678c0f7_c.jpg of Lake Huron near Alpena, Michigan. Though its exact location is known, the vessel does not pose a significant navigational hazard and is not the subject of active recovery or exploration. Its history includes both a catastrophic fire and an unusual second life, culminating in its eventual abandonment.

NOTMARs & Advisories

• Current Status: No active Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) are associated with the wreck site. The Tug is presumed to have been stripped of valuable materials during salvage attempts, and the remaining structure has likely deteriorated.

Located By & Date

The A. J. Bemis was not actively sought after its sinking, as salvage operations were carried out but later Abandoned. Its historical presence has been documented through maritime records rather than modern wreck discovery.

Resources & Links

• Great Lakes Ships Database: Provides extensive records of vessels like the A. J. Bemis.

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes: A repository for ship histories and incidents.

• David Swayze Shipwreck File: A detailed listing of shipwrecks and their circumstances.

Conclusion

The story of the A. J. Bemis epihttps://shotlinediving.com/wp-content/uploads/52895851813_b64678c0f7_c.jpgizes the risks faced by steam-powered vessels on the Great Lakes during the 19th century. From its role as a vital part of maritime commerce to its catastrophic fire and eventual abandonment, the Bemis highlights both the innovation and vulnerabilities of the era. Its history underscores the importance of tugs in navigating the busy waters of the Great Lakes and preserving the flow of goods and services essential to the region’s economy.

The A. J. Bemis remains a significant piece of maritime history, demonstrating the challenges and resilience of early steam navigation on Lake Huron.

Keywords

• A. J. Bemis

• Philo S. Bemis

• Wooden Steam Tug

• Lake Huron Shipwreck

• Maritime Fire

• Great Lakes Navigation

• 19th Century Shipping

• Alpena, Michigan

• David Bell Shipbuilder

• Steam Tug Abandonment