RYMAN
THOMAS G. RYMAN
Capt. Thomas G RYMAN, the well known Cumberland River steamboatman , died at his home in Nashville on
December 23rd after a lingering illness of two years.
Captain Ryman was born in 1841 and had been interested in
river industries most of his life, his father before him being a river man. In 1865 he bought his first steamboat the
Alpha for which he paid $3,500 in New Orleans. Since the days of the 'Alpha' Capt. Ryman has built and owned over
thirty-five steamboats. The second was the "Eddyville" which was built at Evansville, the machinery of his first boat
being used. Probably the largest boat owned was the "Shippers Own" which was built at Brownsville, Pa. The
majority of the other boats were built at Jeffersonville, Ind. Capt. Ryman was conceded to be one of the most
successful if he did not stand first, among the steamboat men of the South and West. He has been well and favorable
known from Pittsburgh on the Ohio to St. Paul and New Orleans on the Mississippi. Up until a few years ago, when
his health failed he was actively engaged in managing his business. Capt Ryman has owned more boats than any other
man ever doing business on the Cumberland River.
Captain Ryman leave a wife to whom he marred in 1869 and
seven children.
He was always a very charitable man, and did much to aid the needy and suffering. He was converted under the preaching of Rev. Sam JONES several years ago and it was due to his efforts that the magnificent Tabernacle on Summer Street in Nashville was built.
A number of men of Trigg county had been in his employ during his career as a river man. Among the number being: Felix K. and James M. GRASTY, James P. KILGORE, E Forest
MAJOR and Hugh TOMPKINS. - Cadiz Record - Jan 05, 1905
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