Ralph Hicks (Towboat/Pleasure boat, circa 1914-1944)

Summary

• BOAT DESCRIPTION: Sternwheel
• BOAT TYPE: Towboat/Pleasure boat
• BUILT: 1902 at St. Louis
• FORMERLY: Albermatla
• FINAL DISPOSITION: Dismantled at the St. Louis wharf in 1944
• OWNERS: Captain Jeff Hicks (1914); Fruin-Colnon Contracting Company (1925); Kansas City Bridge Company; Captain Roy A. Miller and Captain Robert Roehrig (1935); River Transportation Company (Robert Roehrig, R.J. Schultz and Edgar S. Albrecht, 1939); Charles N. Drake (1940)
• OFFICERS & CREW: William M. McTaggert (chief engineer, 1914); Captain Ben J. Winters (master, 1939); Tom Critchfield (1939); Ed Richey (mate, 1939)
• RIVERS: Missouri River; Mississippi River; Illinois River
• OTHER INFORMATION: Ways - T2108; 4675; She was converted to steam (the Albermatla had been gas powered) shortly after being purchased by Captain Hicks around 1914. Captain Hicks used this boat as a pleasure boat and for general towing. After she was sold to the Kansas City Bridge Company, she was used on the Missouri River. In 1935 she was sold to Captains Miller and Roehrig who cut her down to a single deck and did contract towing with her