Did You Know: Benjamin Bradley in 1856 invented the first steam engine powerful enough to fuel a naval ship, but he was unable to patent his invention because he was a slave. Benjamin Bradley was the first person to develop a working model of a steam engine for a war ship.Click to see full answer. Similarly, what field did Benjamin Bradley work in?) While living in Annapolis Bradley worked for a printing company at a young age. At the age of 16 he demonstrated his great skill in mechanical engineering. He constructed a model of a steam engine out of two pieces of steel, a gun barrel, and pewter.Also Know, what did Benjamin Bradley invent? Benjamin Bradley invented a steam engine for powering a small boat, or cutter, to carry provisions for a “sloop of war.” However, U.S. law at the time prevented Bradley from obtaining a patent on his invention. He did, however, attain his freedom in exchange for proceeds from his work. Regarding this, when did Benjamin Bradley die? 1897 Where did Benjamin Bradley go to school? United States Naval Academy