Tacoma
"This article was in the Hissem family records but there is no newspaper identification nor date. However, Captain Hissem rebuilt the Tacoma in 1894."
DOESN'T WEAR IT
But Captain M L Hissem Cordially and Enthusiastically Approves the White Collar
Capt. M L Hissem, of the steamer Tacoma, was after the big river deal of Tuesday, has the only boat running out this city, independent of the White Collar Line, was seen yesterday on 'Change and asked as to his opinion of the absorption of the several river trades by Com. Laidley. He said:
"Regarding the deal between the Bay and Laidley lines, I have this to say. It is the best thing that ever happened. I tell you that I candidly believe Providence has a hand in adjusting our business affairs sometimes. Certainly it will benefit everyone, both skipper and transportation. An establishment of a regular line at reasonable rates, will restore confidence with the people to the extent of bringing back largely of that portion which has been diverted to the other channels, and enable the steamboat company to prepare such tonnage as is adequate to the demand.
No, I do not think the people will be dissatisfied with the change, nor do I think an exorbitant rate will be imposed. But it will give each trade sufficient tonnage for its business, and each boat having the legitimate business can afford to handle it at reasonable rates. Therefore it is, I say a benefit that the people will readily see. How are we affected? Well, just as all others. You see we were almost in the very act of disposing of our boat to be replaced with one equal to the emergency. You understand me.
No we had not suffered materially on account of that fight, but the way matters were drifting it would not have been long until people would have been glad to have their stuff carried on barges. I tell you the whole thing was a misunderstanding, and I am so glad, not only on our own account, but on account of both packet companies, and the people in general, that this matter has been adjusted. It has been the most noble act of their lives, manly as well as business like. And since Mr. Laidley and Br. Bay have laid down their cruel weapons, made friends, and fixed up matters to their personal interests and the best interest of everybody, why not everybody rejoice? If there is any one thing that I can express thank fullness for more than other things, it is this very thing.
Yes, sir, I consider steamboat stock materially advanced. I can go to work now with more vim, with better heart than ever. Yes sir, when the Tacoma comes out this week, the people will scarcely believe their own eyes, for she is remodeled and refurbished entire.
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Cincinnati Enquirer, 3 April 1898, page 36
ROBBED
Captain M L Hissem of the steamer Tacoma, was robbed of his gold watch and a small amount of money. The robbery occurred while the steamer was at the foot of Main street, and the thieves gained an entrance into his stateroom by picking the lock. This is the third time a robbery has been reported from the wharf boat, the last two being on the Minnie Bay.
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Cincinnati Enquirer,13 May 1907, page 7
RIVER INTELLIGENCE
Weather fair and cool. River 16 feet 6 inches and swelling
slowly. Business quiet.
Departures-The Tacoma leaves
daily, except Saturday at 11 pm for Ripley, Maysville and way points from the
foot of Broadway. In command of Captain Hissem and Harry Surtees in charge
of the office.
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Cincinnati Enquirer, 25 February 1905, page 8
STEAMBOAT WRECKED
Maysville, Ky. February 24-The ice gorge in the river broke at 2 o'clock this afternoon. The ferry boat Lawrence gave the signal by tooting her whistle and 5000 people made a run for the river. The steamer Big Kanawha lay behind the uncompleted ice piers. The crowded over the piers, which barely projected above the water. This snapped the new lines as if they were threads and the Kanawha was carried down the river. At the foot of Wall street lay a barge almost in midstream. The Kanawha struck this barge and careened, the ice crowding beneath the hull until she upset. She then took fire and burned until she sand beneath the water. The boat floated in against the shore just above Pogue's distillery, where she now lies a total wreck.
"All praise is due Captain Edward Williamson and his crew, who did not desert the boat until she began to sink. it was a perilous trip and the men jumped from the boat to the floating ice and made their way to the shore. The boat's dog jumped on a cake of ice and floated some distance until some young men ventured out on the ice and saved him. The boat is valued at $15,000.
The Tacoma lay immediately behind the wharf boat and only suffered a cave in of her hull above the water line. The Tacoma was constructed upon the Queen City Marine Ways and is 182.3 feet long, 32.4 feet wide and has a hold 4 feet deep.
The ferry boat Lawrence owned by Captain C M Phister had her guards torn away by the Kanawha being force against her and a hole torn in her hull, but is afloat.
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