Hard Days on the Rivers.
We are finally into that great time of year where we can get out and walk along the Ohio and Muskingum rivers in the sunshine. Along the way there are birds, squirrels and lots of folks with their dogs. On the rivers we see people fishing, kayaking, practicing for the next crew race, maybe even the Dragon boats on a good day. But early in the history of our towns along the rivers, many days were not so tranquil.
This morning I have been reading through more of the 1967 Tallow Lights and came across a couple of entries submitted by John Knox Jr. The Tallow Lights are full of interesting and informative article about the history of Washington County. The articles have been submitted by local historians and members since the 1960s. The WCHS is actively looking for more people to research and write article for future Tallow Light issues. Give us a call or send us an email if you are interested.
In the September 1967 issue of the Tallow Light, John Knox Jr. relates an article from the American Friend and other early Marietta Newspapers that tells of the dangers of the rivers.
Horrid Accident
The steamboat Washington had been built and was commanded by Captain Shreve. The steamer had left Wheeling on Monday Morning, and arrived safely opposite Harmer on Tuesday evening.
“The fires were kindled Wednesday morning, preparatory to starting, and it soon exploded, and spread death and torture in every direction...seven persons lost their lives, and ten others were scalded, some of them very badly...the town was alarmed by the explosion, six or eight of the victims were ‘nearly skinned from head to feet’, sic died Wednesday night, and were buried on Thursday.
Among those badly scalded was Notley Drown; but he recovered to meet his death in a similar manner nearly fifteen years afterwards. He was killed by the explosion of the steamboat Tri-Color...at Wheeling.”
I found an article on GenDisasters.com that gives more details of the explosion.
Mr. Drown was a resident of Harmar and was captain of the Tri-color. After the explosion the boar remained in the area for repairs for three weeks, then left for the Mississippi.
Mr. Knox reported on another incident from June 1, 1815. On that day “the ferry-boat, attached to a rope across the Muskingum, and propelled by the current, crossing in high water, was sunk by the force of the current and mismanagement of the ferry-man, having on board H.L. Prentiss and a black servant girl who lived with General Wilcox. The girl was drowned. The others escaped.” This was included in the August 1967 issue of the Tallow Light.
These are just of the uncounted stories that appear in our collection of back issues of the Tallow Light held in the Washington County Historical Society Archives and Collections. Just as soon as we get everyone vaccinated and we are allowed to re-open, we would be very happy to have you visit the Archives and dig into a subject that interests you concerning the history of Washington County.