Robert Dunbar

Robert Dunbar (13 December 1812 – 18 September 1890) was a Scottish mechanical engineer. He designed the first steam-powered grain elevator in the world and the majority of the first grain elevators in Buffalo, New York City, and Canada.

Early life

Dunbar was born in Carnbee, Scotland. His birth is recorded as 13 December 1812. His father was William Dunbar, a mechanical engineer who came from a family line of engineers. Dunbar immigrated with his family to Pickering, Ontario, while a boy of 12. He went to high school and college in Canada. He took an interest in mechanics and learned mechanical engineering.

Career

Dunbar took charge of the shipyard at Niagara, Ontario, in 1832. He renovated the docks and their machinery. Dunbar later settled in Black Rock, Buffalo, New York, in 1834. He associated himself with Charles W. Evans and constructed flourmills. With financing by entrepreneur Joseph Dart, Dunbar designed and built at Buffalo in 1842 the first steam-powered grain elevator in the world.