Newspaper articles relating to the Ohio River – Part II - see Part 1 for abbreviations. NEEDED

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OHIO RIVER HISTORY 1850-1865 PART II Working copy Researched by Sharon M. Kouns © 2003

Newspaper articles relating to the Ohio River – Part II - see Part 1 for abbreviations.

NEEDED: PHOTOS OF BOATS, PEOPLE AND MAPS.

If anyone has any pictures they would like to submit to this, please contact me at
[email protected].

Working copy.

1850

IR Aug. 1, 1850 - The Floating Daguerrien Gallery - The Artist.
 This unique looking craft, fitted up expressly for taking Daguerreotype likenesses appeared a few
days ago at our wharf [Ironton]. On going on board we found among the specimens, the familiar
faces of many old friends and acquaintances, some of whom we had not seen for several years. We
could not help thinking that several of them appeared even more natural in picture than they did
themselves the last time we saw them. Messrs. Jaquay & Savery are no mean artists. Their apparatus
is very complete, and they will be found ready to give satisfaction to all who may employ them. They
make Hanging Rock their next point. The people on the river below will do well to give them a call.

IR Sept. 26, 1850
 Memphis, Sept. 21 - The steamer Mohawk arrived here this morning on her way to New Orleans. A
steamer (name unknown) sunk near this spot of Ellis Cliff on the Mississippi river on Wednesday
night. She was seen by some negroes making very slow progress up stream, when suddenly she went
down with a loud hissing and bubbling. All on board must certainly have perished. The river at that
point is very narrow and of great depth.

I. R. Oct. 3, 1850
 River at fine stage for navigation.
 The line boats from Pittsburgh commenced running - great storm and hail at Pittsburgh.

IR Oct. 10, 1850
 Fulton‘s First Steam Voyage …Cleremont....
 Steamer Explosion - The steamboat Financier while ascending the upper Mississippi, on the morning
of the 2d inst. When opposite Buffalo burst the connection pipe and almost instantly killed King, son
of the Captain, of the boat, and William Green, 2d Engineer. They were both asleep at the time of the
accident. Two other persons, the cabin boy and carpenter, were slightly injured. The boat sustained
but little damage.

IR Oct. 10, 1850
The rivalry between the steamer Tobacco Plant and Susquehanna is becoming interesting to
travelers, as it insures quick trips and low rates. The officers vie with each other in politeness and
attention to their passenger‘s and no request is refused. It is said that one of these boats was hailed one
day last week at a ―neck of woods,‖ by an old lady, who asked the Captain if he would take a dozen
peaches to her daughter in St. Louis.
―Certainly, madam,‖ replied the Captain, with a P‘Orsey bow and a bland smile, ―it will afford
me the most exquisite pleasure to oblige you.‖
―But Captain, said the old lady, ―I have only eleven, and there is another on the tree that will be
ripe in half an hour, if you would have the kindness to wait - ―
―Of course, madam, of course - my boat and crew are at your service.‖
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Seating himself on a log, and consoling himself by whistling, ―take your time,‖ the Captain saw
the rival steamer glide past like a streak, but had the satisfaction of knowing that he had secured a new
―customer.‖ St. Gen. Democrat.

IR Oct. 17, 1850 - Steamer Explosion - Loss of Life
 The steamer Kate Fleming, Capt. Dunham from Louisville, bound for Cairo, burst both her boilers on
Saturday the 5th about 12 o‘clock M., at Walker‘s Bar. She had been aground but got off, and had
gone but a short distance when the bell rang to go ahead slow, and after making a few revolutions she
exploded and afterwards burnt to the waters edge. The cause of the explosion was the want of water
in the boilers. Ten or eleven persons were killed and missing and several others wounded.
 The Robert Wightman is now in the dock, at Cincinnati for repairs. It will be but few days before she
will be making her regular, daily trips again. We hope that some of our people will learn in her
absence that the little boat is a very great convenience to them and act accordingly.
 Steamboat Accident. - The Meteor No. 3 from Red River to New Orleans was burned and sunk, on
the 20th ult., fifty miles above New Orleans. The passengers all escaped with the loss of their
baggage. Three colored boys belonging to the boat were lost. Two hundred bales of cotton were
burned.
 Pittsburgh, Oct. 14. - River 28 inches and rising slowly - weather pleasant. The steamer J. B. Gordon
collapsed a flue yesterday at Logstown. Four persons killed, five or six missing; several scalded. She
was bound for Wheeling.
 The Ohio River Improvement - 1 ½ columns - not on microfilm ....
 Adv. - Regular Big Sandy and Cincinnati Packet - The new and splendid steamer Relief …Davidson,
Master.
 Adv. - Regular Pomeroy and Portsmouth Packet - Little Boone - John Brubaker, Master.
 Adv. - Regular Packet from Ironton to Portsmouth - Robert Wightman - Sam Folsom, master.

IR Oct. 24, 1850 - The Robert Wightman.
 This fine little packet has again returned from Cincinnati, and, on Monday, resumed her regular trips
to Portsmouth. Her hull and machinery are now in first rate running order. We heard from several
individuals, while she was gone, remarks like these: ―I hope that the Wightman will get back soon.‖ I
don‘t know how to get along without the Wightman, &c. &c. That is just it many people while she is
running regular, could not seem to think practically that it was any favor or accommodation to have a
daily packet to Portsmouth, and were very slow in finding out that they were under any obligations to
the boat. But these people were the very first to mourn her absence …. Capt. Folsom.

IR Oct. 24, 1850
 Steamboat accidents are frequent now. Last week we noted three, and this week, we note three more.
 The steamboat Companion collapsed two of her flues a few days since, above Wheeling, killing one
person and scalding two others.
 The steamer Federal Arch struck a snag and sunk, last week, down river, with a large lot of hemp for
Covington, Ky., which was a total loss; and also the steamer Mustang on the Missouri river, struck a
snag and sunk in six foot water; and afterwards broke in two - a total loss.

IR Oct. 31, 1850
 We are under obligation to G. L. Kouns for a bundle of Louisville and St. Louis and Mobile papers.
 Thanks to Mr. J. S. Hurd, clerk of the Zachary Taylor, for the Cincinnati papers. The Taylor has been
thoroughly repaired, and is now running regularly between Big Sandy and Cincinnati. The boat is
under charge of men too well known in this vicinity to need commendation.
 Steamboat Directory:
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Robert Wightman - Guyandotte to Portsmouth
Little Boone - Pomeroy to Portsmouth
Pittsburgh to Cincinnati Packets
Messenger No. 2, Buckeye State, Keystone State, Hibernia No. 2, Cincinnati, Brilliant.

IR Nov. 7, 1850
 The steamer Tribune from Cincinnati, was burned ninety miles above New Orleans, last Saturday.
Most of the cargo is a total loss.

IR Nov. 14, 1850 - Steamboat building in the West...

1851
Ironton Register is not on microfilm for this year.

1852

IR Aug. 5, 1852
 The Ohio River is becoming quite low; but few boats are running; the Fashion has gone ten or twelve
days for repairs; the Cabinet is still making her regular trips, in good time, from Big Sandy to
Cincinnati, and has proved herself to be a first-rate low boat - the very best.
 Vessels Built in the U. S. - We abstract from documents accompanying the last Report of Secretary of
Treasury, some statistics relating to ship building in the United States from 1813 to 1851, inclusive,
ending June 30. From these documents it appears that the __?___ number of vessels built in the
country during this period of 37 years, amounts to 36,126. This includes ships, brigs, schooners,
sloops, steamers and canal boats. Schooners are the most numerous class of vessels, the number built
during this time amounting to 16,787 - nearly one half of the whole. The number of ships built in the
time was 3,418. The first report of steamboat building was in 1823, in which year 15 were built; and
from 1823 to 1851, inclusive, a period of 29 years, the whole number of steamers built in the country
was 2,945. The largest number built in any one year was in 1851, when 233 were built. The greatest
number of vessels of all kinds built in any one year was in 1848, in which year were built 254 ships,
174 brigs, 701 schooners, 175 steamers and 547 sloops and canal boats. P. S. We have before us a
reliable steamboats built from Jan. 1st to Dec. 31st, 1851, in the four Ohio river col__tion districts, as
follows: Pittsburgh, 112; Wheeling, 46; Cincinnati; 111; Louisvill (sic), 61 - total 320.

IR Aug. 5, 1852 - Burning of the Henry Clay.
 The steamer Henry Clay was burned on the Hudson river a few miles above New York, on
Wednesday afternoon of last week. It was a sad disaster, involving the loss of some fifty human
lives. It appears that the boat had been racing very hotly with the Armenia all the way from Albany,
so much so that the boats missed several of their landings. The passengers became greatly alarmed
and requested the officers to desist from the race, but, were told that there was no danger. The result
was that the fires were made so hot, that the wood work near the boiler took fire, immediately
enveloping the entire vicinity of the machinery in flames, and cutting off all communication between
fore and aft. It is said that large quantities of tar rosin or other inflammable substances were in the
boiler room, which caused the very rapid spread of the flames. The boat was run ashore, struck her
bow upon the bank, but most of the passengers were aft, where the _____ is represented to have been
terrific, 300 or more passengers being driven gradually by the flames into the water. As fitting as it
may seem there was not a single yawl or boat on board, and no effective apparatus to extinguish a
fire. Some twenty-five dead bodies had been recovered on the same night of the fire. Among the lost
we observe the names of Stephen Allen, Ex-Mayor of New York, Prof. Bailey, of West Point, Prof.
Bartlett, of Poughkeepsie, and A. J. Downing, the eminent Horticulturist. Among the saved we notice
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the names of Capt. S. Dean, and Capt. C. W. Batchelor, of the Pittsburgh and Cincinnati packets
Buckeye State and Alleghany, who were on board with their families, also saved.

IR Aug. 12, 1852 - The Henry Clay
It now appears that the destruction of life by the burning of this ill-fated steamer was much
greater than was first supposed. Probably nearly one hundred persons perished by the disaster. The
officers and some of the ____ers of the boat have been arrested, and ordered to and (?) bail each, in the
sum of $10,000; the public and the press demand that they shall be dealt with to the ____ most extent of
the law - most rigorously.
The New York National Democrat details a conversation with Capt. S. Dean, of the Pittsburgh
and Cincinnati packet Buckeye State from which we extract, as follows:
―I have seen boats blown up on the Ohio and Mississippi, and have witnessed much distress in
consequence - but sir, never, never, did I, in all my life witness so much suffering and agony, and despair
and death as I did on that cursed North River steamer, in the short space of twenty minutes.‖
―It was murder! Absolute, deliberate murder, on the part of those who had control of the boat, all
the way from Albany until the final tragedy was consumated.‖
―Did they race?‖
―Race? Why the scoundrels raced all the way! I liked it well enough at first; but after the colision
(sic) at Kingston, the ladies became nervous. Some fainted, and some cried; seeing the affair becoming
serious I appealed to the acting captain to stop the strife (?). He took no notice at all of what I said and I
then went to the engineers‘ enclosure, to ascertain the height of steam.‖
―Did he tell you?‖
―He told me to mind my own business. There were two steam gauges, but no man, save, perhaps,
the engineer himself, could have ascertained what number of inches they indicated. I didn‘t like the
appearances. The leaking steam from the joinings smelt hot and queer, such as we sometimes get West,
with a very strong fire under a pressure of four hundred pounds.‖
―I know what it is to ―fire up,‖ both with wood and coal. I have used tar myself on the Western
rivers, and I should think that tar, or some similar combustible, was used on the Henry Clay immediately
previous to the accident. There is no doubt they wer racing. I was told so everybody knew it. But, I have
no doubt that the rapidity with which the flames spread was owing in a great measure to the intense heat
around the boilers and the fact of their feeding the furnace with some other substance but anthracite.‖
He further stated that he saw several children with their clothes on fire, on the stern of the boat,
and has no doubt that numbers of them perished in the flames, together with several females who fainted
in the saloon when the fact of the fire became so terribly real.

IR Aug. 12, 1852 - The Fisheries.
Continue to excite a good deal of interest. According to reports, several of our fishing vessels
have been seized by the British men-of-war, and late report is that one schooner has been fired into for
refusing to heave to on order by a British cruiser. The U. S. Steamer Mississippi, Commodore Perry,
sailed from New York for the protection of the fishermen, some days since and other vessels are about to
follow, there being great activity at the Charlestown and Brooklyn navy yards. It is stated that a British
officer says that his orders were to seize all vessels found fishing within the line laid down by the British
Government. Our Government is making a vigorous stand for the rights of the fishermen. There is a
good deal of talk to the papers about a war, but there will be no war about the matter - the intelligent and
the discerning say. It is said that nearly 2,000 vessels and 30,000 men are now exposed to the cannon of a
British fleet. In the waters from which the British Ministry proposes to oust them. Such is the substance
of much that is now afloat in the newspapers.
The upshot of the whole matter will be a good deal of bluster, and bragging, perhaps a little brush
or two and, it may be some blood spills, yet peace men will have little to fear or regret in the end. We
trust, however, that our Government will be firm and concede nothing that is not just - protect all the
rights our fishermen have enjoyed without interruption since the treaty of 1818. Let there be no
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shrinking. We could submit to an insult from Mexico, weak as she is, but not from Great Britian. We
find in a recent speech of ―Old Dan‖ - ―Black Dan‖ a passage relating to this matter, as follows:
It would not become me to say much on that subject until I speak officially, and under direction
of the head of government. And then I shall speak. In the meantime be assured that that interest will not
be neglected by this administration under any circumstances. The fisherman shall be protected in all their
rights of property and in all their rights of occupation. To use a Marblehead phrase, they shall be
protected, hook and line, and bob and sinker.‖

IR Aug. 12 , 1852
 The Ohio river is in a low stage, yet has sufficient water for the ordinary light draught boats.
 The Cabinet and the Fashion are making regular trips, prompt time, in their respective trades.

IR Aug. 12, 1852 - p. 3, col. 1 Steamboat accidents....

IR Aug. 12, 1852 - Arrested.
 Daniel O‘Neal was found with two watches - a gold and a silver one - in his possession. On Saturday
last, which didn‘t belong to him. - These watches were repaired by Mr. Coriell, a few days since and
put in possession of Capt. Brubaker, of the steamer Reveille, who was to deliver them to a gentleman
at Hanging Rock. The Reveille went to the N. York warehouse, before leaving on her upward trip,
and it is supposed that Daniel came across and appropriated them while at the warehouse. He then
came to town and offered them for sale to Mr. Coriell who recognized the watches at once; and the
gentleman for whom they were intended having sent word that they had not been received. Daniel
was at once arrested. He was committed to jail to await his trial. - Portsmouth Inq.

IR Aug. 19, 1852 - New Idea in Steamships.
 The Eastern Steam Navigation Company of London have proposed a plan to their shareholders for
building two steamships, 700 feet long and 14,000 tons burden, each vessel to have two sets of
paddle-wheels and a screw propeller, of an aggregate power of 3,000 horses. These vessels are to run
from Milford Haven to Alexandria, and from Suez to Calcutta. It is assumed they will go at the rate
of 30 miles and hour, and will cost $3,500,000 or $1,750,000 each.

IR Aug. 19, 1852 - An Incident
 A passenger who was on board the ill-fated steamer, Henry Clay relates the following incident
connected with the disaster:
 ―He had been on the bow of the vessel and was one of the first to escape. Upon reaching the shore,
he counted twenty three persons who sank to rise no more. He sickened at the sight and was just
turning to leave the spot, when he saw a little boy only seven years of age emerge from the smoke and
flame on the after part of the promenade deck, kneel down and clasp his hands as if in prayer. He
remained in this attitude but a moment, and then leaped into the water. Our informant watched the
little fellow as he went under the water, expecting not to see him again. Presently the young hero rose
to the surface, brushed aside his auburn ringlets, and struck out manfully for the shore, which he
reached in a short time. Upon landing he sat down upon the bank exclaiming - Oh, these poor people!
I wish I could save them! And then burst into a flood of tears, at the awful scene of suffering and
death before him. What a noble heart was in that boy, who, so young, could only ask deliverance
from danger of his heavenly Father, but feel for the sufferings of others. Does it not also speak
volumes in the praise of the mother of that boy?

IR Aug 26, 1852
 The steamer Cabinet is now doing a ―land of (can‘t make this out from my copy)

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IR Aug. 26, 1852 - Steamer Altona.
 We see it stated that the fastest run of the St. Louis packet Altona, was seventeen and a half miles per
hour against the current. The best run ever made on our Ohio river race track, against the current,
was fifteen miles per hour by the Telegraph No. 2. Others have made fast runs also, especially when
they run their passengers from time to eternity without notice.

IR Sept. 2, 1852 - Steamboat Disaster.
 The steamer Dr. Franklin No. 2, burst a boiler near ___________ on the Mississippi, on Sunday,
Aug. 23rd, instantly killing 9 persons, including both engineers and scalding some 30 deck hands and
deck passengers, many of whom have since died, 6 missing. The boat received but little damage.
 P. S. The latest account we have seen from St. Louis, states that 20 (or 29) bodies of the crew and
deck passengers had already been buried, and that 10 to 12, were still missing. The boat is said to
have been under full headway, and the disaster is attributed to the want of water in the boilers, the
engineer being deceived by the quantity of mud which it is supposed the boiler contained. Some of
the passengers walked about the boat and conversed freely after the accident, but having inhaled the
steam died in a few hours.
 There was a rise of several feet in the Ohio on the first of this week; the water commenced falling
rapidly on Tuesday; there is still a good boating stage.
 Mr. Davidson, of the wharfboat, has our acknowledgments for a late Cincinnati paper which
contained matters of importance to us which we should not have received in any other way.
 Haverhill Ferry. We are right glad to note the present prosperity of our friend Joshua Oakes of the
Haverhill and Greenupsburg ferry. He has fine ferrying accommodations - much better than before
the disasters of the ice last winter - and after his bad luck on two or three occasions within 18 months
past, we consider it no more than fair for his friends who happen to be in the range of that ferry to
cross the river, if for nothing more than to patronize fast the cleverest fellow that draws the breath of
life.
 New Idea in Steamboating. - A new plan for building steamers has been brought out in England, and
an experimental boat built to run from Ludlow to Bonlong. The boat is 235 feet long, 20 feet beam,
of 250 tons burden and has an engine of 50 horse power. The bow and stern are filled with fixed(?)
air, like a life boat. If it meets the expectations of the inventors and builders, two immense vessels of
10,000 tons and 1,000 horse power will at once be built on the same plan; they will run from London
to the East Indies in 30 days without stopping on the way.
 Steamer ???. - It is well enough to mark some steamboats. Jesse Young, well known reliable citizen
of Scioto county informs us that his daughter in company with Mrs. Forsythe recently had $3.00 fare
each exacted from them on the above boat from Ironton to Gallipolis; the customary price on better
boats is $1.00. Also his wife in company with Mrs. Murphine had a $1.50 each extracted from them
on the steamboat last week from Ironton to Junior Landing; customary price 50 cents. The ladies in
each case remonstrated but received only short and ungentlemanly replies. - Look Out.

IR Sept. 9, 1852
 Steamboat Murders. - are still taking place ―thick and fast.‖ The latest is that the steamer Reindeer -
that ―crack North River boat,‖ - burst a boiler on Saturday afternoon last killing ten persons instantly,
badly scalding 30, and injuring many more slightly. Up to Monday evening, thirty-two deaths had
resulted from the explosion.
 Steamer U. S. Aid. - The attention of shippers is directed to the card of the above steamer in another
column. The clerk, Capt. Davidson, late of the steamer, Relief, is well known to the shippers of this
vicinity. The boat is entirely new, has made but one trip, and is calculated for an excellent low water
passenger boat.

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IR Sept. 16 1852
 The Fashion is making very punctual trips, tri-weekly, from Big Sandy to Portsmouth. We trust that
she will soon commence daily trips again. By the way why not have a daily river mail be, the
Fashion, from Portsmouth? There is to be a river mail from Cincinnati to Portsmouth, commencing
on the 1st of October, and it seems to us that by effort a river mail might be secured to connect from
Portsmouth to Greenupsburg, Ironton and Catlettsburg.
 Steamboat Racing. - The New York Mirror continues its reprobation of Steamboat Racing, and
particularly racing on the Atlantic, between the Collins and Cunard line: The numerous hair-breadth
escapes, known at the time only to the pilots, and to some few perhaps, of the passengers, are
gradually coming to light; and almost every traveler who returns from a steam voyage across the
Atlantic has some thrilling tale to tell of the dangers he has passed. Icebergs have been shaved; rocks
have been grated; sand bars have been scraped; fishing vessels have been run down; and fatal
collisions were but hair breadth escapes. Our fast captains have boasted of not even ‗slowing‘ their
engines during the entire passage, notwithstanding fogs, rocks, and ships were darkening their course.
- On the dangerous banks of Newfoundland through starless midnight, when the fog was like a
blanket, and the darkness could be felt, the vessel has been driven on at full speed, with the pilot
trembling at the wheel, hearing the horns of the fisherman all around him; while the unconscious
passengers have slept soundly with only a film between them and death. The Captain, on his arrival,
is complimented for his criminal hardihood with a string of resolutions and a service of plate, while
the owners are congratulated on ―beating all competition.‖ This is all wrong; and owners, captains,
passengers and the public are to blame.
 The Cabinet is doing a very fine business, has freight in abundance, and on some of her last trips has
been crowded with passengers. Her very clever clerks never forget to bring us the ―papers,‖ and
merit our ―double and twisted thanks.

IR Sep 23, 1852
 Scientific American. - We have just received the first number of the eighth volume of this invaluable
paper to mechanics, engineers, scientific and intelligent men generally. It is a shame that so few
copies are taken among the intelligent mechanics of Ironton. We have been a constant reader of it for
two years past and know its great worth. It is cheap too, "dog cheap," only $1.50 each for ten copies.
Hand in your names to this office, right quick, as we with to complete the club as soon as possible.
Call and examine specimen copies.

IR Sept. 28, 1852
 We are requested to state that the steamer Cabinet will lay up during the next week, and it is now
supposed, will be ready for her down trip on the Monday following.
 Serious Accident. - On Friday evening last the steamer Reveille dropped down to the New York
Company‘s warehouse, for the purpose of taking some freight before proceeding to Cincinnati.
While lying there, the packing of one of her steampipes gave way, and the steam rushed out, scalding
Mr. and Mrs. Evans severely on the hands and face, and injuring their child, aged about one year, so
severely that it died in about two minutes. An aged woman was also severely scalded. They were
from Jackson, Ohio. Portsmouth Tribune & Clipper.

IR Oct. 7, 1852 - Commodore Abraham Whipple.
Among the most noted men that settled in Marietta, was Commodore Abraham Whipple, the man
who had the honor of firing the first gun on the seas for our freedom. He was as brave as a lion, and Dr.
Hildredth has given a most entertaining sketch of his adventures as a sea captain. He once frightened a
French privateer who was pursing him, off the track, by mounting hats and caps on handpikes, and
turning square on the enemy, who supposing his previous fight was only a stratagem to get him in his
power, turned and pressed all sail to make good his escape. With this Whipple was altogether satisfied.
This was during the old French war. On the 17th of June 1772, he commanded some row boats in an
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attack on an English Schooner, the Gaspee, which had become very obnoxious to the Rhode islanders,
and had got fast in the mud in pursuit of the Providence packet, the Hannah.
It was on this occasion that the first gun was fired and the Gaspee was captured and burned. This
treason to King George was not traced to its author, until just before the revolution actually began. When
Sir James Wallace who now blockaded the ports and rivers on the Rhode Island coast, sent him the
following letter:
―You, Abraham Whipple, on the 17th day of June, 1772, burned his majesty‘s vessel, the Gaspee,
and I will hang you at the yard arm. JAMES WALLACE
To which Whipple replied:
―To Sir James Wallce: Sir - Always catch a man before you hang him, ABRAHAM WHIPPLE.
In 1801 he commanded the St. Clair, a small vessel built at Marietta, down the Mississippi, to
New Orleans, and thence to Havanna. In after life he used to claim the distinction of firing the first gun at
the British in the revolutionary war on the ocean, and the navigating of the first vessel built on the Ohio
river, to the sea.

IR Oct. 21, 1852
 The Steamer Cabinet is now making her regular trips from Big Sandy to Cincinnati. Week before
last, while the water was very low, she was chartered for the Cincinnati and Aurora trade, but
somewhat of a rise having taken place in the river, she was up ready for her down trip on Monday
morning last.
 The Steamer Relief was sunk on Tuesday of last week in deep water, some distance from Vanceburg.
Her cargo was for C. A. M. Damarin, of Portsmouth, for Jackson, Clinton, and other furnaces.
 Fashion No. 2. This fine little packet hauled off last week for repairs. Mr. Johnson, her clerk,
informs us that she may be expected down from Big Sandy, on next Monday, re-painted, re-carpeted,
and in first rate running order in every respect.

IR Nov. 11, 1852
Capt. Perry Kerr and J. Shute have bought the steamer Haverhill, and are about to take her down to
some of the Bayous and the lower Mississippi, freighted with produce.
 The Steamer Cabinet has changed commander, and went down on Monday morning under the charge
of Capt. Sam. Crawford, a most popular selection. - McClure and Reedy are the clerks, the former
known as one of our most honest and accommodating citizens, and the latter as a very accurate and
faithful business man. We can do no less than predict for the Cabinet the same abundant prosperity
she has heretofore had since in this trade.

IR Nov. 11, 1852 - Ohio River.
 The Allegheny sources of the Ohio are near the borders of Lake Erie, 700 feet above the level of the
lake and 1,330 feet above the level of the sea; and boats may start within seven miles of the lake and
float securely down to the Gulf of Mexico, 2,400 miles - also in another quarter the sources are, we
believe, in Potter county, Pa., somewhere near Coudersport. Steamboats have ascended to Olena, 250
miles above Pittsburgh, and 2,400 miles from the mouth of the Mississippi. Coudersport is 40 miles
above Olear, from which point to Pittsburg the fall of the river is 950 feet. From Pittsburgh to
Cincinnati, the fall of the river is 267 feet, of which fall 225 feet is between Pittsburgh and
Portsmouth, and 42 feet thence to Cincinnati. The entire fall of the river from Pittsburgh to the mouth
(Cairo) is only about 400 feet. The average fall from Pittsburgh to Cairo is not quite seven inches per
mile, the section from Portsmouth to Cincinnati not quite five inches per mile. Low water at
Pittsburgh is 134 feet above the level of Lake Erie; at Wheeling 55 feet - and the level of the river is
the same as that of the Lake at a point between Marietta and Parkersburgh. The velocity of the
current taken just above Wheeling when the water was 2-15 feet deep on the Wheeling but, was about
3.5 of a mile per hour; at 8 feet deep, about 2 miles per hour; at 15 feet deep, about 3 miles per hour;
at 31 1/4 feet deep, about 4 3/4 miles per hour. At the same place 1 foot deep discharged 102,000,000
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OHIO RIVER HISTORY 1850-1865 PART II Working copy Researched by Sharon M. Kouns © 2003

cubic feet in 24 hours; 5 feet deep discharged 864,000,000 cubic feet in the same time; 10 feet deep,
2,754,000,000 cubic feet, and 36 feet deep, 22,500,000,000.
 The foregoing facts are drawn from an article in the ―Smithsonian Contributions to Knowledge,‖ and
are the result of investigations and observations by Charles Ellet, Jr., Civil Engineer.

IR Nov. 11, 1852
 Some ten or twelve flat boats loaded with produce from the upper part of this county started out with
the present rise of the river, for the ―lower country.‖
 Capt. H. N. Gillett informs us that he has just received a letter from his son, P. W. Gillette, who
arrived at Oregon City on the 16th of September, 130 days from St. Joseph - well and in excellent
spirits.
 That fine little packet Fashion No. 2, is out again in fine style; has been thoroughly re-painted and re-
fitted, and is now in excellent running order, and has most popular officers.
 Our most profound bow to Mr. Davidson of the wharfboat for a thousand and one favors.
 The river commenced rising during the latter part of last week, and is now at a fine boating stage.
The Buckeye State came down on Monday evening the first of the large packets.
 On Monday morning while the Cabinet was at Poage‘s Landing, Ky., above this place, Dan Donley,
an Irishman, fell overboard and was drowned.

IR Nov. 18, 1852 - Steamboat Explosion.
 The steamer Buckeye Belle exploded both boilers at Beverly on the Muskingum, last Friday
afternoon. Seven persons were killed outright, two or three more died before the next morning, eight
or ten were missing on the night of the explosion, and quite a number of others were very badly
injured, some of whom have probably since died. Among the injured were Senator C. C. Convey, of
Marietta, who had his leg badly broken, and Representative Bartlett, of Washington, and Okey, of
Morgan, both badly scalded, and who were on their way to Columbus. The boat is said to have been
blown nearly to pieces, the cabin, pilot house and everything fore and aft the wheel house completely
torn to fragments, so that even the tops of the ladies‘ cabin sunk almost to the lower deck. There
were seven or eight ladies and some children on board, but all escaped with their lives, being taken
off the stern of the boat in skiffs. Every flue in one boiler collapsed, and the other boiler was not to
be found on the afternoon of the disaster. The explosion it is said was occasioned by gross
recklessness on part of the engineers, the water getting too low, and one of the engineers was on the
safety valve at the time of the explosion., which took place as the engine was stopped to let the boat
pass into the guard lock. We gather the foregoing from the State Journal,

IR Nov. 25, 1852 - The Buckeye Belle.
From the Marietta intelligence we learn further particulars of the awful explosion of this steamer.
It appears that she was wrecked, blown almost completely to small fragments beyond parallel in
the case of steamboat explosions, and that the number killed was very great in proportion to the number
of persons on board - about thirty individuals having lost their lives, and others maimed for life. The
largest piece of a boiler which has been found is only 10 or 12 feet long. The explosion took place on
Friday, and as late as Sunday fragments of human bodies were found, in one place a piece of an arm, in
another a leg, and close at hand a liver; and on Monday the tongue of a man was picked up on the bank,
and in another place the head of a man with a hat on, no other remains being near. A red hot brick was
thrown more than 300 feet up the hill, and fired the leaves of the woods, and a rabbit was killed by the fall
of a brick more than 400 feet from the boat.
Senator Covey was sitting in the ladies cabin, and had his leg broken by the fall of a hot stove
upon it. The stove was removed from him by a young lady, a Miss Stone, of McConnellsville, who, it is
said, carried Mr. Covey out from amid the wreck, unassisted, he being a large man, and she a delicate
female. Mr. Covey died on Wednesday. His loss is very much mourned as he was an able man, and a
very honest and upright citizen.
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OHIO RIVER HISTORY 1850-1865 PART II Working copy Researched by Sharon M. Kouns © 2003

Representative Bartlett, of Washington, and Okey, of Monroe, were scalded severely, and we
have a report from the river that they are both dead but do not give credit to the report.
The Intelligence says that reports are current that intemperance on the part of engineers and some
other officers of the boat was the cause of this terrible affair. Be it as it may there was most criminal
recklessness - murder, wholesale and in the highest degree.

Spirit of the Times began their newspaper Dec. 1852 ... B. F. Cory, editor (?); H. Crawford, James C.
Terry, Ralph Leet, John Campbell (named in ad)

IR Dec. 9, 1852
 We made a trip to Cincinnati last week, consuming the entire week; should like to give an account of
the trip, but cannot do so now. At present must be content with stating that it was a very pleasant trip.
We went down upon the Cabinet and returned upon the same boat as far as Franklin Landing.
Coming up the boat made time equal to the usual time of the Pittsburgh packets, and made several
more landings. We think some of our people ought to take passage on the Cabinet oftener than they
do. Surely she has very clever and obliging officers, makes good time, and we found on her good
accommodations, and good fare. - Let our citizens patronize their own.

IR Dec. 23, 1852 - Steamboat Disasters.
 On Tuesday morning of last week, the steamer Western World, was run into and sunk on the lower
Mississippi, by the steamer H. R. W. Hill. Ten or fifteen lives are supposed to have been lost, and the
boat and cargo (1400 barrels of flour, a large quantity of corn, and 60 head of cattle) a total loss, the
bottom having turned up; names of the drowned are not given.
 The steamer Moro Castle was also sunk near the same place; we have none of the particulars.
 Also the steamer Cleopatra, bound from Black river to New Orleans, with 900 bales of cotton, was
recently burned; several lives lost.
 Also the steamer Magnet blew up at Grand_low island, about 30 miles above Marietta, on the 14th
inst., killing the pilot instantly, and mortally wounding four others. This Magnet was an old stern
wheel boat.

IR Dec. 23, 1852 - Minnesota.
 We notice from Minnesota papers some items of interest. - Navigation at St. Paul closed on the 10th
of November, and during the week the mercury ranged from zero to 30 degrees above. The firs
steamboat arrived at St. Paul last spring on the 16th of April, accordingly the season of navigation in
1852, was six days less than seven months. From the 10th to the 30th of November no southern mail
had arrived at St. Paul, and the editors did not look for any for several days longer. The number of
steamboat arrivals during the past season was 171; different boats 17. Flour was quoted at $7 and
pork at $30 per barrel; fresh pork 10 to 12 cents and beef 8 to 10 cents per pound; hams 15; butter 40;
lard 25; potatoes 75; beans _3 and salt _1 per bushel.

1853

IR Jan. 6, 1853 - Daguerreotype Licenses.
 The Daguerrian Yacht of Messrs. Lamartine and Sullivan is still at our landing. We constantly advise
all who desire any likenesses of the kind to call upon these gentlemen. They are the best operators
that have ever visited Ironton, and will not fail to give perfect satisfaction. - And let not cloudy
weather prevent adult persons from giving them a call, as these operators prefer to take grown persons
when the sun does not shine.
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