Steamboat accident on the Ohio in 1824
Hello, Does anyone know of steamboat disaster on the Ohio River around November of 1824? Could be either up or down river from Cincinnati. I would appreciate any information. Thanks, Charles
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Re: Steamboat accident on the Ohio in 1824
Hello, Charles, I have an ancestor who lived in Spencer Co IN and family tradition is that he was a riverboat pilot and moved barges up and down the Ohio River. He was killed in an explosion and ca. 1850. I've tried unsuccessfully to find any information.
I wrote to the Indiana State Library, 140 N. Senate Ave., Indianapolis IN 46204. They sent a pamphlet listing "Interlibrary Loan of Newspapers on Microfilm." and replied, "I had no success in finding information on Mr. Mason and his accidental death . . . I doubt that any state agencies would have information on the steamboat accident. I found no laws regulating steamboats in Indiana prior to 1860 and our newspaper index and book catalogs do not cover steamboat accidents in the 1850's. You might contact the Spencer Couonty Historical Society (Rockport Public Library, Walnut Street, Rockport, IN 47635, 812-659-4866). Another organization that may be helpful is the Inland Rivers Library (c/o Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County, 800 Vine Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202-2071, 513-369-6947). This library specializes in the history of steam navigation on the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers."
The Curator of Rare Books at the Cincinnnati Library responded: "Unfortunately it is easier to find information concerning boats than about the people who worked and travelled on them. Pilots did indeed have to be licensed from 1852 onward. Unfortunately we do not have the earliest licensing records . . ."
I wrote also to the National Archives and Records Service, 8th & Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20408. They responded that "there are some references to wrecks and explosions of steamboats after 1852; however, they are indexed by name of vessel." Closing, they said "it appears that the only way to properly answer your question would be to examine local newspapers in the area . . ."
I also wrote to the Main Branch, Louisville/Jefferson Couonty Public Library, Louisville, 301 York Street, Louisville KY 40203-2257.
I don't want to be discouraging, but based on my attempts, I doubt that you will be able to find anything in print, library, newspapers, etc. But I would give it a try because you never know in this day and age what you can find!
Dorann
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Re: Steamboat accident on the Ohio in 1824
Hello Dorann, Many thanks for your answer to my query. Unfortunately, it is discouraging as you point out but I greatly appreciate your time and effort in giving such a detailed answer. I will keep trying and if I find any useful source, I will contact you. Regards, Charles
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Re: Steamboat accident on the Ohio in 1824
Yes, thanks for info, I have been looking for a steamboat in the MI. I never would have thought to look in Spencer Co. Indiana. I have relatives in Spencer Co. and have dont lots of research, but never have run across this info. Thanks.
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Re: Steamboat accident on the Ohio in 1824
Here's some information on a steamboat that sank on the Ohio around 1824 named the Tell City. The site was south of Belpre, Ohio adjacent to Blennerhassett Island. As young boy living in that area in the late 1930's, I remember seeing the ship's cabin which remained intact on the Ohio shore--apparently left there following the accident. Perhaps this is not the one you referenced but I thought it necessary to respond. Change in address----HLOBDELL@woh.rr.com
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Re: Steamboat accident on the Ohio in 1824
Thank you very much for your reply. At least with a name to go on, I have hope of learning something more. With thanks, Charles
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Re: Steamboat accident on the Ohio in 1824
Re: Steamboat accident on the Ohio in 1824
I don't know weather this could help you or not but,during the years I lived in Gallipolis my best friend told me her grandfather? I don't know how far back, owned bargs on the Ohio river that was sunk. Her name was Peggy Oliver. She lived in Gallipolis Ferry, WVa. I'm sure would have some information that may be useful to you. Sonja
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Re: Steamboat accident on the Ohio in 1824
I had a relative that disappeared on the Ohio River around that time and he worked on the river on a boat and was wondering how to get more info on this accident? Thanks
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Re: Steamboat accident on the Ohio in 1824
Re: Steamboat accident on the Ohio in 1824 I don't know weather she would know anything about a drowning.If I can,would you like me to contact her? Any recollection of family speaking of a drowning would probably be just the fact. Have you tried the library for old news paper articles? That would be big news and if there where any papers from that time period it would probably in there. I could ask my brother how far back the news papers went at the Gallipolis library, would you like that? Your best bet is old news papers articles. Or post a question to anyone remembering a drowning in their family during the 1820s. Also a bow hunter!
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Re: Steamboat accident on the Ohio in 1824
yes I would appreciate any info you can give me, thanks
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