This is just the beginning! Our collection holds over 300 years of history, including rare newspapers, obituaries, marriage records, birth records, and so much more—most of which you won’t find anywhere else!
Clever Lady Navigator Pilot of Illinois River Steamer
Mrs. Rose S. Watkins, wife of Captain George Watkins, earned a pilot license in early spring after inspectors noted her skills in navigating the Illinois River and directing a small steamer. She and her husband operate a boat between Chicago and Starved Rock, with winter and spring work on river lower reaches. Watkins has long taught school, lived on her father-in-law’s island home, and is known for steering under challenging wind and current while managing crew and provisioning.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Chicago
Winds River
Rose S. Watking
Starved Rock
Watkins
la Salle
Mansfield and
Peck
Ottawa
Watking
Starved Tock
Springs Valley
Willer
Lwu
Obhieagy
George Watkins
Lilinuls