Le Claire Iowa

River Men

Watching for the Ferry
By
John Bloom

This is not a complete list
(If you have any information on river men please add it. )

Bartlett

“When Rafters Ruled’
Fred A. Bill
Chapter 6
Clinton Herald
April 8, 19

“I was fortunate enough to get a job with Capt. David Hanks on the Hiram Price and finished the season with him.”

“One particular thing happened on this up trip. The engineer’s name was Bartlett and he lived in Le Claire. When we got to Sycamore chain, on the raft channel side, the boat would not stem the current. Captain Dave tried a number of times and then gave it up and laid up for the night and the engineer went home. In the morning when he came to the boat the fireman had steam up and the Hiram Price walked up over the chain as if there was none there! Captain David was too easy!”

Bartlett

The Davenport Democrat & Leader
Dec. 20, 1908
Pg. 11

Le Claire

The Many old friends here are grieved to learn of the death of E. P. Bartlett, which occurred at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Jennie Finley in St. Louis , Dec. 17. Mr. Bartlett was an old Mississippi river engineer and later was in the government service on the river.

--Sue Rekkas

RIVERMAN DEAD
DANIEL DAWLEY DIES AT LE CLAIRE
He has Been Identified With traffic on the Mississippi River For Nearly Half a Century

Davenport Democrat
Sept 27, 1901

The flags on the river packets and at the Diamond Jo warehouse were at half mast today in respect to the memory of Daniel Dawley of Le Claire, one of the oldest and best known steamboat engineers on the upper river. Mr. Dawley died at his home in Le Claire early this morning after an illness of but as few weeks. The cause of his death was a fever contracted about a week ago.

He was nearly 60 years of age and had spent nearly all of his life from early boyhood on the river. He was a careful engineer and had been at different times on nearly every packet and raft boat on the upper river. The last boat he was on was the W.J. Young, Jr., which left a week ago Wednesday to go home for a rest.

The family has been connected with river traffic since the early days of navigation, the father being Captain Daniel Dawley who was on the river almost continuously from 1838 to shortly before his death when he retired and was appointed postmaster of Le Claire.

Several brothers of the deceased are still living, one A.L. Dawley, being cashier of the Diamond Jo Line at St. Louis . Another brother, Arthur, resides at Le Claire. He leaves besides his aged mother, a wife and two children, a son and daughter. His death will be universally mourned among river men, who knew him as a faithful engineer and a true friend. The esteem in which he was held is instanced by the fact that as soon as the news of his death was received the flags on the packets and at the warehouse were raised at half mast.

transcribed by Georgeann McClure

J. S. Dodds

Davenport Democrat
Dec. 28, 1903

Death of J. S. Dodds of Pleasant Valley
One of the successful farmers of the county

Was the father of the well known Steamboat Man, Captain Robert Dodds, and had lived to an advanced age-funeral today.

Announcement is made of the death of John S. Dodds, one of the old settlers of this county and for more than 40 years one of the best known farmers of Pleasant valley township. He died at his home four miles west of Le Claire on Christmas night. Mr. Dodds had been in feeble health for the past two years and his death was largely the result of the declining of the physical forces incident to old age.

The deceased was born in butler county. Pennsylvania , Aug 22, 1822, and had therefore attained the ripe old age of 81 years, 3 months and 28 days. On March 10, 1857, he was united in marriage to Miss Susan Shannor of the same county, and together they came west that year, settling on the large farm in Pleasant Valley where they have since continued to live. Mr. Dodds was one of the most successful farmers of that part of the county and one of its most highly respected citizens.

The members of the surviving family consists of a wife and six children-bird Dobbs of Colorado, Captain Robert Dodds of Keokuk, Miss Lillie Dodds and Mrs Guy LaGrange at home. John in Kansas and George of Colorado .

Mr. Dodds was a brother of the late T. J. Dodds of Le Claire, for many years, postmaster at that place. A brother Jesse Dodds and a sister Mrs. Susan Trimpler, reside in this city, while two sisters Mrs. Maggie Humes and Mrs. Elizabeth Stevison reside in Pittsburgh Pa.

The funeral was held this afternoon from the late residence .all the members of the family being present except the son John, who was unable to come.

Capt. D. F. Dorrance
Pilot, is dead

Passed Away Sunday at Local Hospital at age 73 Years.

Davenport Democrat
Dec. 18, 1916, Pg. 12

Capt. D.F. Dorrance of Le Claire, well known Mississippi river pilot, died Sunday morning at 9 O’clock at a Davenport hospital. Death followed a stroke of paralysis sustained early Thursday morning, since which time he has been in a critical condition. He was 73 years old.

Capt. Dorrance was one of the veteran, as well as best known pilots on the upper Mississippi . During his life he probably brought as many log and lumber rafts over the hazardous Le Claire rapids as any other pilot.

Capt. Dorrance was born in Rock Island county, Oct. 5, 1843. He was educated in the district schools and early in life took to the river. When a mere boy he had the reputation of handling the oars with more dexterity and skill than any other lad on the river. He soon became a pilot on a raft boat and later acquired several boats of his own. His last boat was the “Irene D,” named after his daughter, Mrs. Irene Spinsby of Le Claire.

Capt. Dorrance was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Lancaster who died in 1892. For the past five years he has been retired from active service, during which time he did occasional work at the pilot wheel. The past summer he worked on one of the Bedra Wood’s sand boats in Moline and his last engagement was on the steamer Alice, owned by the interstate Material company..

In his day Capt. Dorrance was known as one of the most skilled and daring pilots on the upper Mississippi .

Surviving are two children, a son Herschel, and a daughter Mrs. I. S. Spinsby, wife of Capt. Spinsby of Le Claire.

Funeral services will be held at 2 o’clock Tuesday afternoon from the Suiter undertaking parlors in Le Claire. Interment will take place in the Le Claire cemetery.

D. F. Dorrance

Capt. D. H. Dorrance

THE PILOTS IMMBROGLIO

ARREST OF D H. Dorrance for driving without a license
What is claimed by the inspectors and what Mr. Durance claims, held for appearance
Nov. 18, 1886

There was some more pilot business before Commissioner White this afternoon. D. H. Dorrance, one of three Dorrances who are so well-known as rapids pilots, was the party in custody, charged with the crime of violating section 4438 of the laws of the United State,” which forbids any person to sail as pilot of a vessel on the navigable waters of the United States without a license.

It appears that the district inspectors, Barns and Scott, are at the bottom of the prosecution. They notified U. S. Attorney finch of the alleged offense and he added accordingly, and Captain Jack McCaffrey was summoned as the prosecuting witness. The information alleges that on the 14^th day of September, 1886, the License of D. A. Dorrance was suspended by the inspectors for a period of ten days, and that on the 17^th day of September he acted as pilot on the steamer Pilot, “on the Mississippi river, in Scott County, Iowa,” that he did the same thing with the same steamer on the 30^th and 31^st day of September.

Attorney Fisch was present for the government and Abner Davison appeared with Mr. Dorrance as his counsel. Mr Davison claimed that Mr. Dorrance had not been properly suspended -that he had been given no opportunity for a hearing before the inspectors. , who suspended prematurely without notice to him,, and that therefore the suspension was waived and the commissioners held Dorrance in the sum of $300 for appearance of the next term of the U. S. court in Keokuk.

All the pilots on the upper Mississippi and the masters and mates of steamboats are watching the proceedings against Dorrance with great interest. There are some very peculiar features in the case. For instance, Dana Dorrance claims that he did not get a pilot during his suspension, that because he was seen in the pilot house of the steamer it was taken for granted that he was acting at the wheel, when he wasn’t. he claims, too, that he employed another pilot, giving him $300 a month to do his work. But the government will endeavor to show that durance was really the pilot when he was in the pilot house the times complained of that the party he employed was not a rapids pilot at best a packet pilot; that the later stood at the wheel. While Dorrance told him how to direct the raft in the channel, and he steered the raft accordingly; and that thus Dorrance was pilot in fact. The inspectors say that there is no use of having rules and regulations for the government of pilots if pilots are to be permitted to get around them in that way, or to pay no attention to suspensions.

Tansy Hawthorn
Capt. Tansy Hawthorne
Retired Boat Captain, 93, Pilots Ellen

Capt. Tansy Hawthorne, Le Claire, Guest of U. S. Engineers
1935

Captain Joe Morehead “Tansy “ Hawthorne , 93, Le Claire, basked in the Limelight today.

The old river captain was the guest of the U. S. engineers station in the Clock Tower and was brought to Davenport by the U.S. Ellen, the engineers’ boat, this morning. He was an honored guest at the Clock Tower and at a dinner served aboard the Ellen at noon.

In the afternoon the Ellen was taken thru the locks and below the dam, and on the return trip to Le Claire Captain Hawthorne took the wheel, piloting the boat over once familiar rapids now submerged by the lake. Although he retired from the river in 1930 after 73 years service, he is given his pilots license each year by the government.

Captain Hawthorne told the engineers that John D. Rockefeller, who celebrated his 96^th birthday Monday, had only three years start on him and that he would live longer.

Transcribed by Georgeann McClure

Holsapple W. D.

Interesting Figure Goes Into discard
April 10, 1921
Davenport Democrat

W. D. Holsapple, now 78 years of age, served as a pilot at Le Claire for over 50 years. He now lives on the bluff behind Le Claire, over looking the great Father of waters on which he spent his life. Captain Holsappple was born Oct 3, 1843, and lived for many years at Rock Island .

CHAS O EBEL 1886 DIRECTORY
Transcribed by Kathy Mahmens

Holsapple Dos pilot Le Claire
Holsapple E T engineer Le Claire

Henry Horton

Davenport Democrat
Jan. 9, 1910

Henry Horton

Henry A Horton died at his home in Le Claire early Saturday morning after a long illness from Brights disease.

Mr. Horton was born in Frankstown, Blair County, Penn. May 4, 1844, and came with his parents Mr. And Mrs. Geo. Horton, to Le Claire when 10 years old, where he has always resided.

He was married in Le Claire, Sept. 20, 1865 to Miss Elizabeth Hart. He is survived by his widow and two children, Mrs. E. S. Kindly, wife of Prof. Kindly of Silvis, and George Horton of Rock Island, two grandchildren, Murina Kindly and Isabella Horton, two sisters and one brother, Mrs. A.E. Barrett of Clear Lake, Ia. Mrs. D.P. Redmond of Omaha, Neb. and George Horton of Springfield, Mo.

Mr. Horton has been a marine engineer all his life. He was the oldest mason of Le Claire lodge and had held many offices of trust in his town. He belong to Masonic order and the American Patriots. Burial at Le Claire Cemetery. Transcribed by Georgeann McClure

Capt. Bob Isherwood

Davenport Democrat
Feb 15, 1898
Bob Isherwood

The funeral of Capt Bob Isherwood, whose death occurred at his home at 10 o’clock Sunday night. Was held there at 2 o’clock Monday afternoon, and largely attended. The boatyards were shut down and the town turned out. The flags were half masted in St. Louis and other places along the river, and there were general expressions of sorrow at the death of the river veteran.

Robert Sherwood born in Maryland in 1835 but till he was 19 years of age he lived at Brownsville Pa. At 19 he shipped on the Ohio river steamer, A. G. Mason as carpenter and came with her the whole round trip to St. Paul , and for two years ran with her between St. Louis and that city. Subsequently he worked as operator on the St. Louis levee. He went on the Canada of the Northern Line, as carpenter, Thence he rose to the place of mate, remaining on the different boats of the line for 13 years, and later became a captain, and commanding the Petrol, the Savannah and the Minnesota .

In 18 he went to work with the Diamond Jo Line, and he stayed in that company’s employ till his death. With the exception of the seasons of 18 and 18 when he was first at Sioux city , as master in command of the Sidney , but he also walked the deck of the Diamond Jo and the Tidal wave. He was one of the Diamond Jo’s most trusted men.

He was married at Le Claire about 1864, to Miss Jennie Henthora. She survives him with two children, Miss Geneva, principal at McGregor , Ia. And Charles, at home, learning the trade of the river, as his father did. A son and daughter are dead. The officials of the Diamond Jo Line attended the Funeral and showed their respect in every way, as well as their regret for Capt. Isherwoods death.

Researcher Sue Rekkas

Thomas Isherwood

Davenport Democrat
February 5, 1923
Front Page

Capt Thomas G. Isherwood,
Veteran River Steamboat
Man, Dies in 89^th Year

Captain Thomas G. Isherwood, probably one of the most successful and best-known river steamboat captains on the Mississippi during the last half of the century, a man who knew the steamboat business from every angle and had built many crafts which now ply the waters of the Father of Waters, is dead. Death occurred at 4: 15 this morning at 1333 East 10^th street, following a period of failing health extending over the last year. Capt. Isherwood was 89 years old.

PLAYMATE OF JAMES BLAINE

Born in Pennsylvania, Oct. 22, 1833, Capt Isherwood, living on the banks of the Ohio river, early in life was fascinated by the stream, and with James G. Blaine, a neighbor boy, often played on its banks and swam in its waters. In his 18^th or 19^th year, he obtained his first position as an employee on a steamboat, an occupation which continued to fascinate him up to the time of his death.

After spending his early years on the Ohio River, learning all phases of steamboat operation, he decided to come to the Mississippi, and was attracted to Le Claire and Davenport. It has been said that he was an authority on all river conditions, and that he guided and advised hundreds of river captains.

WAS PRACTICAL MAN

A practical steamboatman in every way, he was supreme authority on every craft he captained, setting all disputes himself, and when necessary taking an unruly employee by the scruff of the neck. He came to be respected by all river men as a fair dealer.

After a number of years as a captain, he entered the carpenter contracting business, both as a boat builder and as a general contractor, and in this field enjoyed success.

LIVED IN SCOTT CO. 73 YEARS

FOR THE LAST 73 YEARS, Capt. Isherwood has been a resident of Scott County. He married Miss Ruby Pollock of Mr. Vernon, Ia., in 1858, she preceding him in death a number of years ago.

In recent years, when Capt. Isherwood reached an advanced age, he suffered illness a number of times, and was taken to the hospital, and was taken to the hospital, but he iron constitution he had built up by outdoor life in his youth enabled him to recuperate each time. Altho his daughters in California had offered him a home in a milder climate, he preferred to be near the river he was so fond of, and every day when his health permitted he would walk down to its bank and look over its expanse of water.

Capt. Isherwood was a member of Snow Lodge, A. F. & A. M., and Le Claire. Those who survive him are two daughters. Mrs. Estella Hale and Mrs. Adeline Becker, both of Los Angeles, Cal.

The body was brought to the Horrigan & Son chapel, where funeral services in charge of Snow Lodge A. F. and A. M. of Le Claire, will be held at 2:30 Wednesday afternoon with burial in Oakdale cemetery.

1333 East 10^th St
Davenport, Iowa
Built 1850

The Daily Davenport
February 5, 1923
Page 1

Capt Tom Isherwood, old
Time Mississippi River Pilot,
Dead at Age of 89

Captain Thomas K. Isherwood, veteran river pilot, died at 4:15 o’clock this morning at his home at 1333 East Tenth Street after a lingering illness of a year’s duration. Captain Isherwood spent nearly all of his life in river work and was probably the most successful and best-known pilot on the Mississippi river. He would have been 90 years old next October.

He was born in Pennsylvania October 23, 1833 and was married to Miss Ruby Polock at Mt. Vernon, Ia. in 1855.

Captain Isherwood devoted his life to shipbuilding and river work and for over half a century had been accepted as authority on river conditions. He first became attracted to river work in 1850 when he accepted the command of the steamer Clara Dean which ran between Pittsburg and Louisville on the Ohio River. He was thus employed three years before accepting a position as pilot of the steamer A. G. Mason which ran between St. Louis and St. Paul on the Mississippi which position brought him to Davenport on the Duck Creek chain and Captain Isherwood entered the employee of the Northern Line Packet company and for 14 years was connected with that company.

After 56 years services as a river pilot he was forced to retire from that occupation, but continued to follow the river by engaging in the shipbuilding business.

After his retirement as a pilot he spent many summers on various Mississippi river boats and never tired of telling of his eventful life when he piloted steamers up and down the “Father of Waters,” he has made his home in Le Claire and davenport for a number of years.

Last August Captain Isherwood narrowly escaped death when he was seriously injured when he fell down the stairs of his home 3221/2 East second St. he sustained a fractured shoulder and an injury to his head which it was feared would prove fatal, but rallied and until recently was able to be about. Capt. Isherwood attributed his remarkable vitality at such an advanced age to an active life in a rugged occupation.

He was a member of the Snow Lodge, A. F. & A. M. of Le Claire. Surviving are two daughters. Mrs. Estella Hale and Mrs. Adeline Becker of Los Angeles California.

Funeral services will be held at 2:30 o’clock Wednesday afternoon at the E. A. Horrigan & Son funeral parlors with internment in the Oakdale cemetery. The Snow Lodge A. F. 7 A. M. of Le Claire will have charge of the services at both the parlors and the grave.

The Davenport Times
June 28, 1901
Page 7

Funeral of Mrs. Isherwood

Services Were Largely Attended by Friends and Relatives

The funeral of Mrs. Thomas Isherwood was held at the family home 215 East Twelfth Street at 10 o’clock this morning, the services being conducted by Dr. Barclay. The music was furnished by a quartet. The floral offerings were numerous and elaborate being the tokens from many steamboatmen and their families of Davenport and Rock Island. The pallbearers were Captain George Lamont, Captain James Osborn, Captain Lon Bryson, John McGinnis, J. W. Seaman and E. W. Seaman. The internment was in Oakdale.

Researcher Sue Rekkas

KENNEDY

"Davenport Democrat", Dec. 31, 1945:
     "THOMAS E. KENNEDY, 83, for 60 years a riverman, died at 5 a.m. Monday in a
Davenport hospital after an illness of one year.
     "Mr. Kennedy worked for years as an engineer and mate aboard many boats on the
river, and for 18 years was employed by the U.S. engineers.
     "He was born March 20, 1862 in Davenport, and lived most of his life in the LeClaire
area. On Sept. 10, 1905 he was married to Lottie Mikesell. Mr. Kennedy was a
member of the Modern Woodmen of America and the Holy Name Society of St.
Henry's Church, LeClaire.
     "Survivors include his wife; a son, John E. of LeClaire and a daughter, Mrs. Erma
Weichman, Albuquerque, N.M.; a grand-daughter and two sisters, Mrs. C.B.
Christianson, Eugene, Ore., and Mrs. C.W. Disney, LeClaire.
     "Services will be held at 8:15 a.m. Thursday in the Halligan funeral home, and at 9 in
St. Henry's Church. Interment will be in Glendale Cemetery."

Submitted by relative Carole Butt of Scottsdale AZ.

Frank Kitchen

Davenport Democrat and Leader
September 26, 1919
Pg. 9

FRANK KITCHEN,
RETIRED RIVERMAN,
DIES IN LE CLAIRE

Frank Henry Kitchen, 89, one of the last surviving retired riverboat captains of this area, died in his home in Le Claire at 1:30 a.m. Sunday. He had been in ill health the last two years.

The former riverman was born Dec. 10, 1839, at Fulton , Ill. And had lived in Le Claire 61 years. He had served as a pilot on the Diamond Jo Lines, and also on the Streckfus lines for a number of years and later operated a boat firm.

Funeral services will be held at 1:30 P.M. on Wednesday in the McGinnis funeral Home followed by burial in Glendale cemetery Le Claire.

Mr. Kitchen was married to Leila Disney in Davenport in November 1888. She died in 1898.

He was a member of Snow Lodge A.F. & A.M. of Le Claire and Kaaba Shrine of Davenport.

There are no survivors. His parents, Peter and Christine Kitchen preceded him in death.

The family has requested that flowers be omitted.

Researcher Sue Rekkas

Ex- Le Claire
River Pilot
Dies, Age 77

Capt. J. H. Laycock succumbs to Heart Attack
-Funeral Tuesday

Captain John Henry Laycock,. 77, well known steamboat pilot and master for the Streckfus lines and Federal barge Line, succumbs to a heart attack at hi9s home in Burlington .

A resident of Burlington for the past five years, Capt. Laycock had operated out of Davenport for nearly 50 years, arriving on Mississippi , Missouri , Illinois , Ohio and Tennessee river steamboats during that time.

He was born in Halifax England , July 15, 1857, and with his parents came to Le Claire four years later. He moved to Davenport about 15 years later. He started his career as a clerk in the Streckfus Lines and offices and rapidly worked his way to a masters license.

His last assignment was piloting the General Ashburn, a federal barge line towboat. He quit river work in 1928 because of poor health.

He was married to Mrs. Anna Kron in 1926 at Fort Madison . Two brothers, William L. Laycock, Davenport , and Joseph E. Laycock, Colorado , as well as the widow and a stepson survive. Captain Laycock was a member of the Methodist church, Snow Masonic lodge of Le Claire and the Elks Lodge.

Funeral services will be held in Le Claire Tuesday noon. Burial will be in Glendale cemetery, Le Claire.

Capt. E. J. Lancaster

Capt. Lancaster, Le Claire, Dead

VETERAN RIVER PILOT DIES AFTER ILLNESS OF A DAY

Takes Ill While at Work on the Steamer Marquette -was sixty eight Years Old

Davenport Times
May 10, 1914
Page 3 (Times Special Service)

LECLAIRE , IA. May 9 - Captain E. J. Lancaster, river pilot for forty years, died at his home here at 10 o’clock this morning after an illness of a day’s duration. He was taken ill while at work as a pilot on the steamer Marquette of the Pierson Sand & Gravel Co., Moline , yesterday, and was brought to his home in Le Claire last night. He was 68 years old.

Captain Lancaster was born in De Kalb county Ill. , June 23 1848, but spent most of his life here. His wife, five daughters, Mrs. John Fedderson of Chicago; Mrs. Wm. Bissick of St. Louis; Miss Alice, Mrs. Clarence Hitchcock and Mrs. Theodore Snow of Le Claire; three sons, Lee and Harold of Le Claire; and Harry of St. Louis; a sister, Mrs. Eliza Stone of Le Claire and a brother, Captain B.P. Lancaster of Le Claire survive.

Captain Lancaster at the beginning of the civil war enlisted in Company C. eighth Iowa cavalry and served through the war. He was a member of Snow Lodge of the Mason of Le Claire and of the Modern Woodmen of America

Lancaster

Capt E.J. Lancaster
June 23 1846 - May 9 1914

Legendary Le Claire Home Faces a Fiery Fate Sunday

The Daily Times
June 15, 1962
By Larry Heintz

A legendary Le Claire house, with a “hidden room,” will go up in flames Sunday- unless fate, in the form of bad weather, intervenes.

The house is a two-story, 13 room structure built in 1831 by E. J. Lancaster, a Mississippi river boat captain.

At 8:30 a.m. Sunday, firemen from Scott County ’s fire District No.1-the Le Claire, Pleasant Valley and Princeton department-will begin holding a series of fire drills.

By 10 a.m. Le Claire Mayor Louis Mohr expects the old landmark to be in flames.

As with many old landmarks, legends have grown up around the Lancaster house. But this house has a feature that makes legends more plausible.

On the second floor, under the southwest gable, was located a “hidden” room, it was reported. The room was never finished and was closed off.

Explains reason

The reason for this was explained by Fred Clark of Le Claire, who was a playmate of the Lancaster children, children who remembers the captain.

“Capt. Lancaster was a very superstitious man,” Clark said. “He said if he finished that room, some member of his family would die.

Clark also said that Capt. Lancaster, who owned and operated the steamboat, “Eclipse” as a packet boat would not start a trip upstream on a Friday because he thought the boat might hit something.

A recent occupant of the home however, did open up the “hidden room.” The room, which has a ceiling that goes to the point of the garret, is about 20 feet square, according to Charles “Chappie’ Morgan, one of the Le Claire firemen who will take part in Sunday’s drill.

Le Claire residents are reluctant to see the house destroyed. “I think it’s a shame, but I guess there is nothing to be done,” said Mrs. Andrew Neilson, in a typical reaction. “It’s a wonderful house and it is in good condition,” declared Mrs. Neilson, a great-niece of early settler Antoine Le Claire

Too costly

Le Claire’s museum board has made efforts to save the house for use as a museum and library, but found the project would be too costly.

Destruction of the structure was delayed until that decision was made.

Present owners Dean Fry and glen Little of Davenport offered the home to the board free with an additional 4100 for moving it.. The site is to be used for commercial development.

The museum board estimates that it would cost between $12,000 and $15,000 to move the building (to the town park) and to renovate it.

“It is the biggest house in town,” declared Frank Clark, “It has seven rooms and bath downstairs.” he pointed out that like the house of Nathanial Hawthorne’s novel, it has seven gables.

It was built to last, too. Instead of the usual vertical studding framework, the walls are constructed of 2-inch by 4-inch dimension lumber laid on top of each other and spiked together.

Researcher Sue Rekkas

B. P. Lancaster
1940- 1928

The Daily Times
Oct. 15, 1928

B. P. Parmar Lancaster, pioneer River Captain, dies at age of 88 years at home in Le Claire

B. Parmar Lancaster, pioneer upper river steamboat captain died Sunday in Le Claire at the age of 88 years. He succumbed to a brief-illness.

Captain Lancaster as born July 29, 1840 in Ohio , When five years of age he came west to Le Claire with his parents and had resided there since.

In early young manhood he answered the lure of the glamorous river and entered into a career of steam-boating on one of the pioneer side-wheelers which frequented the port of Le Claire . About the time he had mastered the difficulties of a pilot he resigned his post to become a member of the union army in the civil war.

He served with a company of infantry throughout the war and following the cessation of hostilities returned to his home and to the business of river traffic. For many years he served in the capacity of pilot on various crafts and later became one of the best known captains in the log raft and packet trades, directing activities on the Morning Star and Helen Blair as well as other boats. His advanced age forced him to retire some years ago.

He was married to Miss Emma Elliott at Le Claire shortly after his return from army service. She preceded him in death in 1915. He had been active in the affairs of the John R. Buckman post, G. A. R. at Le Claire.

Surviving are four sons, S. E. Lancaster of Seattle , Thomas and John of Washington and M. J. of Minneapolis : three sisters, Mrs. Mary Shirley of Mont-Morris Colo. Mrs. Sarah Cummings of California and Mrs. Ollie Finley of Stanton , Iowa . And several grandchildren.
Researcher Sue Rekkas

Captain
Sam Lancaster

Longs

Photo GMC
Joseph Long Oct 16, 1853


Glendale

 cemetery


Le Claire
, 
Iowa

Long Joseph

The Davenport Democrat and Leader
Feb. 25, 1910

Capt. Jo Long Dies In West
Well Known Riverman Dies After Several Months’ Illness

Word has been received in Davenport of the death at Seattle , Wash. , of Captain Jo Long, for years one of the best known rivermen and steamboat owners on the Upper Mississippi . While serving as its master and pilot, Captain Long engaged in many an exciting race and invariably came out with flying colors. He was also regarded as one of the most skilful pilots and for years piloted the majority of the boats over the treacherous waters.

He was the owner of the steamer Jo Long, which for years plied in the packet trade, between Davenport and Clinton and which had the distinction of being the fastest boat in these erous (?) rapids between Davenport and Le Claire. Two years ago he removed to Seattle and was followed a year later by his family.

Captain Long was born in Le Claire in 1851 and was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Long. He was for years a member of the Masonic lodge in Le Claire and later became affiliated with the Davenport Masons. His death followed an illness of two months.

The survivors are the wife, one daughter, Pearl , and two brothers, William Long of Le Claire and Frank l. Long of Dubuque.

Sue Rekkas

The Davenport Daily Times
Dec. 5 1896

LONG CASE ENDS
CAPT LONG FOUND GUILTY OF A MINOR OFFENSE.
The jury returns a verdict late this afternoon guilty of assault to commit great bodily injury

Davenport Weekly Democrat
Dec. 17, 1896
Pg. 3

CAPT LONG’S SENTENCE

Capt. J. N. Long was up before Judge Waterman Monday morning to receive his sentence for he crime of which he was fund guilty by the jury at the recent trial. He was accompanied by his attorneys. Messers. J. A. Hanley and E. E. Cook, they being practically the only ones in the court room at the time. After some preliminaries Judge Waterman stated that he would sentence Capt. Long to pay a fine of $100, so that the total amount to be paid by Capt. Long, aside from his attorney’s fees, will be about $250. He was not prepared to make a settlement at the time, but the court allowed him time to get the money instead of committing him until paid, as is sometimes done.

* more on this in Iowa steamboat wars on the Iowa History Project

Long Thomas

The Daily Times
Oct 13, 1933

Thomas F. Long, a life resident of Le Claire, died at 11:35 a. m. today at his home in Le Claire. He suffered a heart attack Thursday. The decedent was born Dec. 14, 1852, in Le Claire and was educated in the schools there. He was married to Agnes Wendt, Feb. 26, 1888, at Davenport . For many years Mr. Long was a steamboat engineer, retiring ten years ago.

Surviving besides his wife are one son, Emery Long, of Le Claire; one daughter, Mrs. J. P. Curzon, of Davenport and three grandchildren. The body was taken to the McGinnis funeral home and will be removed to the Mc Ginnis chapel in Le Claire Sunday morning where funeral services will be held at 2 p. m. Burial will be in Glendale cemetery.

The bearers were Charles Thompson, Herman Bickel, Joe Tweseil, Ewald Van Hein, George Bissick and Thomas Harper.

Sue Rekkas

Long William

The Davenport Democrat and Leader
May 27, 1923

Former River Steamer Cook Breathes Last.
William H. Long Succumbs to Long Illness at Le Claire Home

William H. Long for many years a cook on Mississippi river steamboats and well known along the river, died after a long illness at his home, in Le Claire early Saturday morning.

He was born in Pennsylvania Aug. 25, 1848 and came to Le Claire in childhood. His marriage to Miss Ellen Bishop took place at Hampton Ill. , on Jan. 28, 1876.

Surviving are two sons, Roy of Le Claire and Harry of Henry, Colo. ; and a daughter, Mrs. Ina Litscher at home. A brother Frank of Le Claire, and ten grandchildren also survive.

Funeral services will be conducted by Rev. Wm, E. Green at the home Monday morning with internment in Le Claire cemetery.

pallbearers were Art Dawley, C. Disney, Frank Suiter, James Ryan, J. A. Meyer, and Capt. Orrin Smith.

Sue Rekkas

Transcribed by Georgeann McClure

Long

Joe Long

When competition between the boats for passengers and freight heated up. Capt. Joe Long, thinking he was not getting his share , became upset with the steamboat agent James Osborn and stabbed him. He was arrested and fined $300 in court.

GMC

Times Democrat
Feb. 24, 1965

EMERY (SAM) LONG

Emery (Sam) Long, 67, of 537 N. Cody Road, Le Claire, died Tuesday afternoon in the colonial Manor Nursing Home, Davenport, after a three month illness.

A life resident of Le Claire, Mr. Long married the former Stella M. Coffin in Davenport in 1925.

He was a retired riverboat engineer, having worked on the Quinlan, the Le Claire and the Allen

Surviving are his wife; sons Robert L. and James W., both of Le Claire, William f., Wheatland, and Fred M., Omaha, Neb., three grandchildren, and a sister, Mrs. J. P. Cerzon, Los Angeles, Calif.

Services will be at 3 p.m. Thursday in the McGinnis funeral home, Bettendorf , with burial in Glendale cemetery, Le Claire.

Visitation will be after 2 p. m. today.

Researcher Sue Rekkas

Mikesell ( Maxwell) Addison

April 5, 1903 Daily Times, page 4 under the column “IN OTHER TOWNS”. " A. Maxwell (Mikesell) left Wednesday for Memphis , Tenn. , where he will begin his season's work as engineer of one of the Lee steamers."

--Sue Rekkas

A Raft Pilots Log
Walter Blair

“Getting on board late at night, I took the berth assigned to me, by the
mate, but did not sleep much. At breakfast I was made acquainted with James
Hugunin, master and pilot, George Tromley, Sr., pilot, R.B.McCall,
mate, Thos, Wright, chief engineer, Add. Mikesell, assistant engineer, Wm.
Davenport, my partner, Ben Shipley, cook, and Harry Carleton, cabin boy.”

* The Mikesell family of Le Claire changed their name to Maxwell

Capt Alvah O. Day

ALVA O. DAY, FORMER RIVER
STEAMBOAT CAPTAIN, DIES

Alva O. day, supervisor of the United States Steamboat Inspection Service in this district and old-time Mississippi river steamboat captain, died Monday at Howard Hospital , of septic poisoning from a throat infection. He resided at 3324 South Jefferson Ave.

Capt. Day, who was 66 years old, had been in river service for more than 40 years and had been connected with the Government since 1916. Previously he was captain of steamers for the Diamond Jo Line. In 1910 he piloted from the North the last large raft of logs sent down the river.

Capt. Hugh Pollock

Davenport Democrat
Dec. 5, 1911
Pg. 13

SAD ENDING OF RIVERMAN’S LIFE

Former Rapids Pilot Dies in Abject poverty Across the River

Concerning the death of Capt Hugh Pollick, (sic) brief mention of which was made in last evenings Democrat, the Rock Island Argus gives the following details:

Walking along the levee yesterday morning at 11:30, Fred Gall and Peter Trenkenchuh approached the northern track of the Rock Island & Peoria Railway between Nineteenth and twentieth street , where they came upon a man lying behind a freight car, all curled up, his head resting near the rail. A large bruise was discovered on the left side of the head just above the eye, and thinking that the man was under the influence of liquor, they took hold of him to arouse him, Gall at the same time remarking to his companion, “I guess you had better call the police patrol.” On seizing the supposed sleeper they were horrified to observe that he was stiff and cold, having been dead for some time.

Capt. J.W. Rambo

One of Last Raft Pilots Succumbs at Le Claire in his Eighty-First Year

Captain Rambo; LeClaire, Iowa

Davenport Democrat
Jan 30, 1925

With the death at 5 o’clock this morning at Le Claire of Capt. J. W. Rambo, is marked the passing of one of the few remaining raft pilots who plied the Mississippi river in the heyday of steam boating before the ramifications of the railroad industry had made obsolescent and almost obsolete the slower and less direct transportation afforded by the locomotive.

Capt. Rambo was 81 years of age, and had been retired from active piloting since Oct 15, 1922. His declining health was not marked until the last few weeks.

For sixty years he piloted rafts thru the Le Claire rapids, having gained his first river experience when an adolescent.

The fascination of the river held for him the remainder of his life. He guided hundreds of boats up and down the Mississippi and earned a reputation as a rapids pilot in the days when railroading was in its infancy..

During the last years of his active river service, Capt. Rambo was commanding officer of the steamer “Artimus Gates” of Clinton owned by the Clinton Sand and Gravel company. He knew well every bend and shoal in the river for many miles on either side of his home city.

For four terms, he served as mayor of Le Claire, and was acting in that capacity at the time the present city hall was built there. He also served as a councilman of Le Claire for several years.

Capt. Rambo was born in Rapids City, Ill., July 27, 1844 across the river from Le Claire and with his parents came to Le Claire when he was but two weeks old, retaining his residence there ever since. He married Miss Josephine Slaughter at Princeton, Nov. 24, 1864, and the couple celebrated their sixtieth wedding anniversary on Thanksgiving day of last year.

In the Masonic fraternity, Capt. Rambo won distinction by serving in the various offices of the fraternity, including that of worshipful master. He was a member of Snow Lodge No. 34 at Le Claire, with which he became affiliated in 1871. At the time he was initiated, his brother-in-law, Capt. Joseph Hawthorne, also a pioneer river captain, also took the initiatory degree, and both were equally prominent in the offices of the lodge. In 1921, the lodge celebrated the golden anniversary of the affiliation of Capt. Rambo and Capt. Hawthorne.

In childhood, Capt. Rambo attended the old Sycamore school, at that time resided with his parents near the old water mill.

Those who survive are his wife; one daughter, Mrs. B. J. Metzgar; and one grandson, Ward Metzgar of Dubuque.

Funeral service will be held Sunday afternoon from the home under the auspices of the Masonic Lodge. Interment will be in the Le Claire Cemetery.

--from book "Rivermen Muscatine, Iowa" compiled by Georgeann Mcclure

Robert Shannon

The Davenport Democrat
Sept 14, 1910
Pg. 2

Robert Shannon

The remains of Robert Shannon who passed away Saturday in Rock Island , was brought to his native town Monday morning and laid to rest in Le Claire’s beautiful “City of The Dead ”. The remains were accompanied by the sons and mother of the deceased and joined here by brother and sisters and many other relatives. Rev. Bailey and a choir composed of Mrs. George Tromley, Miss Annie Laird and Jas Suiter, held services at the grave. The following assisted with the casket. L. Morey, M. Ney, August Abraham, Lee Suiter, Ralph Ewing and S. W. Disney.

Researcher Sue Rekkas

* there were three Shannons Hugh Shannon, Robert Shannon and James Shannon

Smiths

Davenport Democrat and Leader
Dec. 15, 1918

FORMER RIVER PILOT
PASSES AWAY SATURDAY

Captain Fuller Smith of Steamer
Verne Swain Dies in Chicago

According to word received late Saturday, Captain Fuller Smith, former well known river pilot, and for years captain of the steamer “Verne Swain” passed away at 8 o’clock Saturday morning at the home of one of his daughters in Chicago.

The remains will be brought to Le Claire for burial, and interment will take place there, announcement of the time to be made later.

Captain Smith’s old home was in Le Claire, and during the long period that he spent in navigation the river he resided there, but removed to Davenport . He has however, made his home in Chicago for the past ten years.

The survivors are two daughters Mrs. Grace Tolleson and Mrs. Lola A. Stone, both of Chicago ; two sisters, Mrs. Net Holsappple and Mrs. Cynthia Becker, of Le Claire: also two brothers, Peter of le Claire and George of Moline, Ill.

--Sue Rekkas

The Daily Times
Dec. 17, 1918
Pg. 12

Capt. Smith Funeral Held

The funeral of Capt. Ira Fuller Smith, who died in Chicago , Saturday, was held Monday afternoon at 2 o’clock at Le Claire, Rev. M. E. Kroster officiated at the service. The pallbearers were six nephews of the deceased. They were Orrin Smith, Nelson Smith, Frank Smith, George Holsapple and Frank Becker. Interment was in Le Claire cemetery.

--Sue Rekkas

The Davenport Democrat and Leader
June 10, 1928

CAPTAIN ORRIN SMITH, Le Claire, ran largest rafts down rapids: Father furnished Evidence for Lincoln

On a fair day in May 1856, the sidewheel excursion steamer Effie Afton, puffing down the Mississippi , struck a pier of the first bridge across the river between Davenport and Rock Island .

The impact of the collision or some other force, upset a stove on the steamer’s deck and the big boat went up in flames. The bridge property of the Chicago , rock Island and pacific railway, being a wooden structure was also partially destroyed.

Out of this incident grew the famous rock Island bridge case in which Abraham Lincoln distinguished himself, winning the case for the railroad when the steamship company brought suit.

What is more important the resulting decision set a precedent which struck the opposition in the building of trans-Mississippi bridges a death blow.

Probably no one at this day remembers the incident more distinctly than captain Orrin Smith of Le Claire, for 48 years a river pilot in all capacities and today actively engaged in guiding the Lone Star on almost daily trips between Princeton and Davenport .

Father Furnished Evidence

“My father, Captain John E. Smith furnished evidence in that case for the railroad company,” he recalled the other night. Tilted back in an old chair on the lower deck of the Lone Star he rehearsed the incident while a kerosene lamp with yellow light shown thru the smoke from a cigar he puffed occasionally.

“It nearly made a farmer out of my father after years on the river. Lincoln and the rock Island wanted to prove that the bridge was not an obstruction to river traffic and hired my father to pilot a boat up and down the river for an entire day.”

He did it successfully, easily. Probably made a dozen trips or so in the same channel where the Effie Afton had gone down. “That made the river men mad and they wouldn’t give dad a square deal so he went back to Le Claire and moved into a small farm. In 30 days steamboat owners were after him.

“Come on back and pilot our boats for us” they begged him, “They’re going to pieces in the rapids.”

“I’ll come on back for $10 a day, work or play,” was his reply and they agreed to his terms.

Compensation Unknown

Records show that Lincoln received $500 for winning the case, but what Captain John Smith received, more than his daily wages, Captain Orrin Smith does not know.

“Like father, like son” the present Captain Smith has proved himself the equal of his father in his mastery of the rapids, which have been the downfall of many a river pilot and stout steamboat. In his half century of river navigation he has never lost a boat on water that churn over treacherous stones. He made a name for himself when huge lumberrafts were run down the river from Minnesota and Wisconsin forests and ahs the distinction of bringing down the two largest rafts ever floated across the rapids.

Fifteen hundred feet in length was one of these monsters, in reality a raft and a half. Captain Smith explained and conceived when a river captain was roused to new efforts by a story in a Davenport newspaper telling of the “greatest raft in history.” Brought down the river by a rival.

The second raft, not quite so long, but a double decker and containing 2,600,000 feet of lumber is shown in the accompanying photograph.

Two Boats required

To move these tremendous bulk of logs down the river, two boats were required, one at the stern and another at the head of the raft, the “after called a “bowboat” the bowboat made it possible the swinging of the raft back and forth across the stream.

Incidentally it was captain John smith again who conceived the idea of the bowboat and his son who carried this idea to the ultimate perfection.

“Huge rafts power the essential downfall of river men.” Captain Smith declares, “With smaller rafts logs would have been moved less rapidly and the supply would have lasted longer. As it was the last raft was floated down the Mississippi many years ago and a lot of pilots were thrown out of work.”

“I’ve run all kinds of boats.” He recalls. “Raft boats freighters, excursion steamers, and sand barge boats. There used to be a boat each way daily between St. Paul and Davenport , crowded too with people sleeping on deck cots or wherever they could find a place.

Will Never Come Back

“Now they’re all gone, burned, sunk, rotted, except for a few small ones which as were running here. They’ll never come back. They don’t pay, the railroads put them on the run and now the automobile has the railroad going. Once owned a boat myself, paid $15,000 for her and was lucky to get $1,800 when I sold her.” He explained. Consequently in the attempt to return large traffic, Captain Smith sees but madness where, he says, the cost will far exceed any return and where ice locks the channel for five months out of 12 months.

But as long as any kind of a boat courses up and down the river here Captain Smith will live the life he knows best. He has been on the water from the time he was able o row his first skiff. “I used to swim like a fish, tho I haven’t been in the water for years.” He says. Why I used to swim across the river from Le Claire to Port Byron any time the notion struck me, and back again, “Many’s the time I’ve given passengers on those daily boats a good scare. Just as they pulled away from Le Claire bound for Pt. Byron, I’d paddle up behind in my canoe, throw a rope over the rudder beam and ride into mid-river. Then I’d upset my canoe and come up under it, making a big shout as I went down.

Under the Boat

“People would see the canoe turned over and wouldn’t see me come up. I’d be under the canoe where there was plenty of air and there I’d stay until I thought a boat would be coming after me, then up I’d pop. What a laugh and stare that would give them.” He roared.

“Used to be a crack shot too.” He reminisced. “Where other fellows used a shot gun I’d use a rifle or pistol. Always used to hunt rabbits with a revolver and get them too. If I saw them before they ran.

“One day we were coming down the river and saw a big flock of swans way ahead. I called to my engineer, Frank Long. He got his shot gun and I my rifle. When we were about 50 yards away, close enough for the shot gun, I banged away twice and to swans fell, frank called up and asked “did you see those two I got” “Well until you see the balled marks I answered and sure enough I’d hit them and he missed ‘em. “One other time Jake Brasser, a boxer, wrestler, and a crack shot, as he claimed, boasted he could out shot me. Fellows always used to be shooting and then hanging the targets up in a saloon.

A Crack Shot

“Well we put up a six inch target at 35 yards. Jake had a five shot and O a seven shot revolver. We fired and then investigated the results. I’d placed all seven shots in the six inch circle, piecing the bull’s eye with all of them. Jake had hit t only once, but that was right in the center of the bullseye. Say, he put that target up in the saloon, and didn’t get over it for days. We used to laugh about that.

Returning once more to the talk of swimming he warned “Don’t ever get into ice water, it’ll paralyze you. He told the incident of his own initiation, his first and last experience which happened about 30 years ago.

“We were coming back from hunting near Princeton . Had our boat full of guns, camping stuff and straw in the bottom. A stiff wind was whipping the waves into whitecaps and water stopped into the boat. All at once she started head first for the bottom.

Into the icy water

“The fellow with me grabbed his gun and went down but I grabbed an oar in one hand the boat with the other. Down I went too, and then managed to get a hold of George. Under water I turned the boat upside down, out fell the stuff and up came the boat, bottom side up. “Hang on the boat I called as I pulled George up, and holler like the devil. “ I managed to climb on top the boat , straddle it and began to paddle. Finally a fellow heard us shouting and paddled out. He pulled George into the boat and I sprawled in paralyzed from the hips down where the icy water had soaked me. When I got to shore I ran all the way to a saloon, got three hot whiskeys, went home, put on dry clothes and came out all right. We both did, but stay out of ice water.”

With that Captain Smith fell back to dreaming a minute.

“Well guess it’s about time to look for the hay, he spoke suddenly,” and rose to turn down the lamp.

Researcher Sue Rekkas

John Smith

Smith steamboatmen from Le Claire

1870 Le Claire Federal Census
Smith Peter M. 40 M W Runs Ferry Boat Pa

Smith John E. 36 M W Boat Pilot . . Pa .

Smith Oren 11 M W . . . Iowa . . .

Smith Nelson 18 M W Works on Boat . . Iowa

Capt. Isaac Spinsby

Davenport Democrat
July 24, 1947

Capt Spinsby Retired Veteran Of River, is Dead

Record Includes Mississippi
Piloting and Hennepin Pioneering

Capt Isaac Sturgeon Spinsby, 83, a former riverboat captain on the Mississippi, who saw nearly half a century’s service aboard various craft prior to his retirement about 20 years ago, died at 8:20 a. m. today in his home in Le Claire following a six months illness.

The body was removed to McGinnis funeral home, and services are set for 2 p. m. Saturday, with burial in Glendale cemetery, Le Claire

A native of Montgomery City Mo. Capt sturgeon was born Feb. 14. 1864, received his education in the schools of Montgomery City and Le Claire, and married Irene Dorrance in Le Claire, Dec. 18, 1889.

Began at 17

It was while he lived in the Mississippi river community that he learned to love the river and people who worked on it, and longed to become a part of this group. At the age of 17 he became a deck hand on the Glenmont, and worked successively on such boats as the Saturn, Wild Boy, and Irene D., owned by his father-in-law and named for his daughter, receiving the respective ratings of cub pilot, pilot and later master. He was named captain on the USS Mac, a government owned boat, in 1891.

He later served as captain on other government boats such as the USS Ruth, USS Le Claire and the USS Louise. He had worked for the government for over 35 years on the Mississippi in the Rock Island district and had served as river captain on the Mississippi for over 30 years.

Hennipen Pioneer

Capt. Spinsby was instrumental in the building of the Hennipen canal, waterway from Chicago to the Mississippi , and was in charge of the first boat that passed through. He held a license to operate on the Mississippi river and all its tributaries, which included the Missouri , Illinois , Wisconsin and various other navigable streams.

Survivors include four sons. D. F. Spinsby, at one time candidate for mayor of Rock Island, John Spinsby, South Dakota, and George and Court Spinsby both of Le Claire; five daughters, Mrs. W. L. Pierce, Milwaukee, Mrs. Howard Cole, Los angeles, Mrs. L. W. Amman, Fulton, Ill. And Mrs Curtis Boedecker and Mrs John Moeller, both of Davenport , and nine grandchildren.

Capt. Issac Spinsby

Henry Spinsby

Henry Spinsby
St. Louis Post Newspaper
April 16, 1909

Spinsby-On Thursday April 15, 1909 at 11 a. m. Henry Spinsby in his eighty-ninth year.

Funeral from Louis Spellbrink’s funeral parlors. 1923 Franklin Avenue , on Friday, April 16, at 3:20 p. m. to Crematory. Incineration private.

[Spinsby info Contributed by relative Nancy Schroeder]

Stedman James

Capt. W. Blair
RECALLS MANY
OF THE BOATS

“This company bought from W. A. Blair the excellent raft boat, the Silver Crescent . She was 123 feet long with a 23 foot beam. She was built of selected Kentucky oaks and was a fine model. She had the engines of the two-boat Park Painter of Pittsburgh, with 14 inch cylinders and a 4 1-2 stoke. She was fitted with a comfortable cabin and was one of the handsomest and fastest crafts in the entire rafting fleet.”

“The writer was her master and pilot with Parm Lancaster as mate, James Stedman as engineer and S. R. Dodds as clerk. For a few weeks Capt. Lon Bryson was with us, to teach and show us raftsmen how to handle passengers and freight as well as the clerical work connected with these things”.

Jim Suiter Robert Moore &

Bartlett

Le Claire

Thomas Isherwood

LONG CASE ENDS CAPT LONG FOUND GUILTY OF A MINOR OFFENSE. The jury returns a verdict late this afternoon guilty of assault to commit great bodily injury

Long

Mikesell ( Maxwell) Addison

Smiths

FORMER RIVER PILOT PASSES AWAY SATURDAY

Capt. Smith Funeral Held

Stedman James

LONG CASE ENDS
CAPT LONG FOUND GUILTY OF A MINOR OFFENSE.
The jury returns a verdict late this afternoon guilty of assault to commit great bodily injury

FORMER RIVER PILOT
PASSES AWAY SATURDAY