Identification & Site Information #
Vessel Type Description #
The A. J. BEMIS was a wooden propeller steam tug, a small but powerful vessel designed for towing and assisting larger ships. Steam tugs like the A. J. BEMIS were essential in the Great Lakes during the 19th century, facilitating the movement of ships through busy or challenging waters. The tug’s wooden construction was typical for the era, though it made the vessel vulnerable to hazards such as fire.
History #
The A. J. BEMIS, originally named PHILO S. BEMIS, was constructed in 1859 by the shipbuilder David Bell in Buffalo, New York. This steam tug was a workhorse on the Great Lakes, serving various owners and operating primarily in the Lake Huron and Lake Michigan areas.
The tug had a complex ownership history, beginning with W.P. O’Brian of Buffalo, New York, in 1860. It was then purchased by George R. Hand of Chicago, Illinois, in May of the same year. Over the following years, ownership transferred to G. Hand and J. F. Green of Cleveland, Ohio, in 1863, followed by a sole ownership transfer to Greene of Cleveland in 1866. Later that same year, the tug was acquired by E.M. Harrington of Cleveland, who later relocated to Bay City and then Alpena, Michigan.
On September 15, 1872, while underway on Lake Huron, the A. J. BEMIS caught fire. The fire started under the boiler, a common hazard for steam-powered vessels of that time. Despite the crew’s efforts to save the tug by heading for shore, the vessel sank three-quarters of a mile from the coastline, approximately six miles from Alpena, Michigan. Fortunately, there was no loss of life, and the tug was not carrying any cargo at the time.
Salvage attempts were made to recover the vessel, but these efforts were eventually abandoned. Despite the vessel sinking in 1872, records suggest that the A. J. BEMIS was raised, rebuilt, and returned to service. However, by June 30, 1879, the vessel was abandoned, and its documents were officially surrendered, marking the end of its service.
Final Disposition #
The A. J. BEMIS now rests near Alpena, Michigan, in Lake Huron. The vessel’s exact resting place is approximately three-quarters of a mile from the shoreline. Although salvage attempts were initially made after its sinking, the efforts were ultimately unsuccessful, leading to the tug’s abandonment.
NOTMARs & Advisories #
- Current Status: There are no specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) related to the wreck of the A. J. BEMIS. Given that the vessel was likely raised and then abandoned, it does not present any current navigational hazards.
Located By & Date #
- Discovery: The wreck of the A. J. BEMIS was not actively sought after its sinking, as salvage operations were attempted but later abandoned.
Resources & Links #
- Great Lakes Ships: Great Lakes Ships
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Maritime History of the Great Lakes
- David Swayze Shipwreck File: Swayze Shipwreck File
Conclusion #
The story of the A. J. BEMIS is emblematic of the risks faced by steam-powered vessels on the Great Lakes during the 19th century. Despite a valiant effort to save the tug after a catastrophic fire, the vessel ultimately sank near Alpena, Michigan. Though it was raised and put back into service, its eventual abandonment marks the end of its storied career. The A. J. BEMIS remains a part of Great Lakes maritime history, illustrating the challenges of early steam navigation.
Keywords: #
- A. J. Bemis
- Philo S. Bemis
- Wooden Steam Tug
- Lake Huron Shipwreck
- Maritime Fire
- Great Lakes Navigation
- 19th Century Shipping
- Alpena, Michigan
- Steam Tug Abandonment
- David Bell Shipbuilder
The history of the A. J. BEMIS adds another chapter to the rich maritime history of the Great Lakes, highlighting the perils and resilience of early steam navigation on these inland seas.
