Bob Ballard (Packet/Towboat, 1890-1909)

Summary

• BOAT DESCRIPTION: Sternwheel
• BOAT TYPE: Packet/Towboat
• BUILT: 1890 at Murraysville, West Virginia (hull); was completed at Mason City, West Virginia
• FINAL DISPOSITION: Sank on December 10, 1909 along the Ohio shore above the Aetna Furnace
• OWNERS: Varians; Captain Frank Morgan
• OFFICERS & CREW: Captain E. E. Varian (master); W. E. Hayman (clerk); Captain C. H. Varian (master); H. L. Ritchie (clerk)
• RIVERS: Ohio River; Kentucky River
• OTHER INFORMATION: Ways - T0279; 0656; Whistle, machinery and equipment from the packet Boone which was lost at Pine Creek, Ohio above Sciotoville. She was built as a packet for the Varians of Point Pleasant, West Virginia and ran Gallipolis-Marietta trade with Captain E. E. Varian. She had a tin roof, possibly the only packet to have one. The Varians also ran in the Louisville-Kentucky River trade, going high as Tyrone. After purchase by Captain Frank Morgan, Ironton, Ohio, she was converted into a towboat. She was working at Ashland, Kentucky towing transfer barges when she sank and was lost at Coal Haven, above Ironton, Ohio in December 1909
• PHOTO DESCRIPTION: Bob Ballard at Ironton, Ohio