Mary S. Blees (Packet, 1899-1917)

Summary

• BOAT DESCRIPTION: Sternwheel
• BOAT TYPE: Packet
• BUILT: 1899 at Mobile, Alabama
• BECAME: Piasa
• FINAL DISPOSITION: Sold to Eagle Packet Company in February 1917 and renamed
• OWNERS: John F. Klein; William Ruprecht (1915)
• OFFICERS & CREW: Captain Milt Harry (1915); Peyton Bryans (2nd clerk, 1913); "Cotton" Calvin (pilot, circa 1915); Captain Matt Jackson (master, 1913); Howard Baer
• RIVERS: Mississippi River; Tombigbee River; Illinois River
• OTHER INFORMATION: Ways - 3838; First home port, Mobile, Alabama. Built for the Mobile-Tombigbee River trade. In the fall of 1914, she ran New Orleans-Baton Rouge. After she was sold in 1915, her cotton guards were removed, etc. and she then ran St. Louis-Illinois River