Elizabeth (Packet, 1888-1904)

Summary

• BOAT DESCRIPTION: Sidewheel
• BOAT TYPE: Packet
• BUILT: Hull built at Belle Vernon, Pennsylvania, boat completed at West Brownsville, Pennsylvania, 1888
• FINAL DISPOSITION: Caught fire January 24, 1904
• OWNERS: 1902: Monongahela River Packet Company; July 23, 1903: Theodore A. Miller, Pittsburgh; Samuel W. Carpenter
• OFFICERS & CREW: 1888: Captain R. M. Boyd; 1902: Captain Frank L.Ganoe, Sam Hendrickson and Irwin Boyd (pilots)
• RIVERS: Monongahela River; Ohio River; Allegheny River
• OTHER INFORMATION: Ways - 1766; The Elizabeth ran the Pittsburgh-Elizabeth trade, which played out about 1900. She was laid up for some time and in 1902 an independent line was formed called Monongahela River Packet Company where she ran the Pittsburgh-Morgantown trade. Captain Frank L.Ganoe ran opposition to the regular Morgantown line; however, this didn't work and she was laid up in November, 1902. There was a U.S. sale July 22, 1903 and she was bought by Theodore A. Miller, Pittsburgh. He sold her to Samuel W. Carpenter, a diver with his fleet moored in the Allegheny River above the Sixth Street bridge. The Elizabeth and the Olivette were tied alongside each other at that location. On January 24, 1904, the Olivette caught fire also setting the Elizabeth ablaze. The Elizabeth was turned loose, drifted down under the Union Bridge, a covered wooden structure, and set it on fire. The tug John Dippel shoved her ashore where she burned at leisure. Damage to the bridge was estimated at $1,000