Several boats were named Tennessee. This Tennessee was a diesel sternwheeler with a wood hull. It was built in Metropolis, IL in 1923. It was 59 x 14 x 2.3 and was powered by a 60 hp Anderson semi-diesel. It was owned by J. O. Ashman of Paducah, KY until it was bought by Igert, Inc. of Paducah around 1944. The boat was completely rebuilt in 1942. The Tennessee was sold to Clarence A. "Jack" Grimm of Pittsburgh in March 1948. His brother, E. P. "Bill" Grimm sold her to John Lucas of Clairton, PA on March 1, 1949. My dad said his father, Charles N. "Chick" Grimm, Sr., bought the boat in early 1948, but the Inland River Record does not show that, unless it confused Charles and Clarence. The boat was sold again in March 1951 to Harry Booth, Coraopolis, PA. The 1955 Inland River Record says she was later sold to Bill Grimm Towing Co., Pittsburgh. According to the 1956 Inland River Record, she was last owned by J. E. Crivella of Pittsburgh, and was dismantled in late 1954.
Photo by Dan Owen.