Musser (Rafter/Towboat, 1886-1907)

Summary

• BOAT DESCRIPTION: Sternwheel
• BOAT TYPE: Rafter/Towboat
• BUILT: Le Claire, Iowa, 1886
• BECAME: Keokuk
• FINAL DISPOSITION: Rebuilt at Wabasha and renamed Keokuk, 1907
• OWNERS: Van Sant and Musser Transportation Company; Musser Lumber Company, Muscatine, Iowa; Captain Walter Blair (1907)
• OFFICERS & CREW: 1886: Thomas H. Dolson (master; also master in 1890 and 1893), Frank Edwards (clerk), Sherman Brown (pilot), George Galloway (first engineer), W. D. Patten (second engineer), Henry Mossman (mate), George Pringle (steward); Thomas H. Dolson (pilot, 1894); Captain Stephen Withrow (master, 1896, 1899, 1900, 1901); E. Hertrow (pilot, 1900)
• RIVERS: Mississippi River
• OTHER INFORMATION: Ways - T1877; Built by Van Sant and Edwards, at a cost of almost $20,000; had 2 boilers, eight engines, and electric lights; temporarily enrolled at Port of Dubuque, April 15, 1886. Governor Sam Van Sant was a part owner. In 1907 at Wabasha, Minnesota, her hull was replaced with a larger one; Captain Walter Blair bought her, finished the rebuilding, and renamed her Keokuk
• PHOTO DESCRIPTION: Possibly taken at La Crosse, Wisconsin; many people on levee and on board. Boat between the Musser and the levee has sign that says "Diana / Port of La Crosse"