Iron Queen (Packet, 1892-1895)

Summary

• BOAT DESCRIPTION: Sternwheel
• BOAT TYPE: Packet
• BUILT: 1892 at Harmar, Ohio at Knox Yard
• FINAL DISPOSITION: Burned on April 3, 1895 at Antiquity, Ohio
• OWNERS: Pittsburgh and Cincinnati Packet Line
• OFFICERS & CREW: Captain John M. Phillips (master, 1892); Robert H. Kerr (purser, 1892); Al Voegtly (clerk, 1892); Gus C. McCullough (clerk, 1892); E. Dayton Randolph (pilot, 1892); William H. Clark (pilot, 1892); Al Pennywitt (mate, 1892); John Heatherington (mate, 1892); Ash Ruth (engineer, 1892); Kelly Flesher (engineer, 1892); Park Allen (carpenter, 1892); C.W. Pusey (steward, 1892); Harry DeHart (steward, 1892); Noah P. Pharris (watchman, 1892); Captain Thomas S. Calhoon (master, 1895); Dayton Randolph (pilot, 1895); James Rowley, Sr. (pilot, 1895); Ed McLaughlin (pilot)
• RIVERS: Ohio River
• OTHER INFORMATION: Ways - 2778; Her first season she carried many passengers due to the Chicago World's Fair (river-rail tickets were issued). On July 17, 1892, she was landing at Powhatan Point, Ohio when she hit an obstruction and sank. The H. K. Bedford brought a pump, the break was battened and she was floated with hours. Many of the passengers first learned of this at breakfast the next morning. On April 3, 1895 she landed at Antiquity, Ohio to load hoop-poles. A rouster carrying a bundle of these swung his load and knocked over a lantern which set fire to flammable freight. All passengers and crew escaped ashore safely except for a chambermaid, Mattie Mosby, who went back for her hat, was trapped, jumped into the river to escape, and drowned. The wreckage was visible in low water as late as 1909. She was three years old to the day when she sank. The Virginia was built as her replacement
• PHOTO DESCRIPTION: Interior cabin with people seated for dining at tables lining the hall; waiters are standing behind the seated people