More About The Mv. John Paul

By John R. Miller

After reading the Old Boat Column about the W.C. Shepard (later known as the John Paul) in the November 17 issue of The Waterways Journal, I wanted to add that pool 19 up around Montrose, Iowa, and Nauvoo, Ill., is like being on the Great Lakes, especially when the wind gusts come straight out of the east.

That stretch of the Mississippi River, when gusts are blowing, makes some mean white caps. That’s not to say it doesn’t happen elsewhere, but when it’s howling like a mad dog in the Montrose-Nauvoo area, it gets fun.

The John Paul had very little freeboard, and that was one thing that was not in good favor for it. When she was caught up in those high winds, her engine room doors were open. The white caps broke over her guard and went right down into the engine room, and she turned turtle.

At Mile 378.4 where she met her demise, on the right ascending bank, there is a road with homes known as Sycamore Haven Drive. Some residents who lived in that spot where the John Paul went down watched as it unfolded. The crew had to get on the barges. Some gentlemen who had jon boats jumped into action, got in their boats to rescue the crew and brought them all to safety.

To this day, you can drive out on Sycamore Haven and see the lighted buoy that serves as a grave marker for the John Paul.

I wanted to add this as well. When the river froze up, the John Paul had ice all around her. Capt. Clayton E. Hanlin walked out on the ice and retrieved the John Paul’s engine order telegraph. I remember well seeing it all polished up at his residence.

In thinking about John B. (Baptist) Ritchie, I still think of visiting him aboard the Delta Queen. He always reminded me of Saint Nick with that white beard. I also remember when Capt. Ritchie was operating the Thrifty Nickel, the former Hortense B. Ingram and the Cyril A Bahr.

I always got a kick out of that name.

Capt. John’s daughter, Martha, worked on the Thrifty Nickel as well. Of course, I always think of my visits to the Mississippi Queen with Capt. Charlie Ritchie aboard.

Those were great times, and I sure miss them.