Topic starter
22/11/2008 12:38 am
I found in the inspection notes from St. Louis in the 1870's several boats built at Grafton. would love to know who built them.
Sophie ferry boat built 1871
Anna ferry boat built 1871
Ella ferry boat built 1870 still operating 1876
Lucy Lee ferry boat built 1870 still operating 1874
J. F. Furgason ferry built 1876
Ida May ferry built 1875
Grafton towboat built 1872 dismantled 1882
Piasa towboat built 1873 off records 1889
I believe this pre-dates Rippley Hardware Co which went to Midwest Boat Co and then became Grafton Boat works.
22/11/2008 1:18 am
Carl,
Save for the J. F. FURGASON, all of these boats are listed in the Way's Directories, with only notes on dimensions and tonnages and no builder listed. The sole exception is the towboat GRAFTON, built by the Grafton Stone & Transportation Co. It seems likely that the PIASA was too, since she was being operated a year after her construction by Grafton Stone.
Topic starter
22/11/2008 6:11 am
Thanks guys
I read Grafton's Ghosts, it talks of the Rippleys but they are late on the scene maybe 1890's. I guess I just looked up the Sophie and when I didn't find her in Way decided he didn't list ferries. He used the same source I did. I had the impression that the two Towboats were only owned by Grafton Stone and transportation Co. They were likely used to push barges of stone use in bridge piers and buildings. Edds bridge, one in St Charles and a hotel in St. Louis among others. I checked the two towboats in way's towboat directory nothing on who the builder was just the first owner.
The Lucy Lee went to the Missouri River: a center-wheel ferry, 83.4' by 24.2' by 3.3 ft she had one engine 13" by 4.5' one boiler 16' by 36". She was cut down by ice laying in winter quarters at Miami, Missouri Feb. 7, 1881 Reported as a $3,000 loss. My Missouri River notes are better as they include several sources. The most complete one is likely Woolard's. still no clue as to who built her