Callie Leach was the daughter of Robert Ward and Hannah Holland Leach. She first married Augustus French and after his death she married Charles Hugh Tomlinson.
1920 and 1930 with 2nd husband
1910 Houston Co, AL Census
E. D. 154, Precinct 13, Columbia
9 May 1910
Reel: T624-16 Page: 160B & 161A
Dwelling 195 Family 195
McNair, John E., Head, M, W, 47 yrs, Married 1, 24 yrs, b Alabama, Fa Scotland, Mo North Carolina, Speaks English, Farmer, General Farm, OA, Can read, write, Owns farm, Free of mortgage
McNair, Ida M., Wife, F, W, 37 yrs, Married 1, 24 yrs, 3 children, 2 alive, b Ohio, Fa Ohio, Mo Ohio, Speaks English, No occupation, Can read, write
McNair, Frenchie A., Daughter, F, W, 23 yrs, Single, b Texas, Fa Alabama, Mo Ohio, Speaks English, No occupation, Can read, write
Page: 161A
McNair, Clarkie A., Daughter, F, W, 19 yrs, Single, b Texas, Fa Alabama, Mo Ohio, Speaks English, No occupation, Can read, write, Did not attend school within year
Leach, Robert W., Father-in-law, M, W, 73 yrs, Married 2, 35 yrs, b Ohio, Fa Virginia, Mo Virginia, Speaks English, Can read, write
Leach, Mary J., Mother-in-law, F, W, 57 yrs, Married 1, 35 yrs, 0 children, 0 living, b Ohio, Fa Ohio, Mo Ohio, No occupation, Can read, write
French, Callie L., Sister-in-law, F, W, 48 yrs, Widowed, b Ohio, Fa Ohio, Mo Ohio, Speaks English, No occupation, Can read, write
Metcalf, Wuerten C., Adopted Son, M, W, 28 Single, b Indiana, Va Indiana, Mo Indiana, Speaks English, Farm Laborer, Home Farm, W, Can read, write
Ancestry shows Callie's surname as "Frerick"; however, upon viewing original, it is ". Also, William Metcalf is again listed in the 1910. This time instead of "boarder", he is listed as "adopted son" - adopted son of Robert's or John McNair's?
1900?
Name: Callie Leech Tomlinson
Death Date: 24 Aug 1935
Death Place: Houston, Alabama
Gender: Female
Race (Original): White
Age at Death: 74y
Estimated Birth Date: 1861
Birthplace: Oh
Marital Status: Widowed
Spouse's Name: C. H. Tomlinson
Father's Name: L. W. Leach
Father's Birthplace: Oh
Mother's Name: Hannah Holland
Mother's Birthplace: Oh
Film Number: 1908533
Reference Number: cn 17379
Collection: Alabama Deaths, 1908-1974
From Ancestry.com:
Alabama Deaths, 1908-59
Name: Callie L. Tomlinson
Death Date: Aug 1935
Death County: Houston
Volume: 35 Roll: 3 Page #: 17379
Source Information: Ancestry.com. Alabama Death Index, 1908-1959. [database online]
From William Hunter: Will of Callie Leach French Tomlinson.(Houston Co. Will Book No. 2, starts at bottom of page 97 and continues on page 98:
WILL OF CALLIE FRENCH TOMLINSON
THE STATE OF ALABAMA
HOUSTON COUNTY
I, Callie Tomlinson, of Columbia, Houston County, Alabama, hereby make and declare this to be my last will and testament, revoking any and all wills heretofore made by me at any time.
FIRST
I direct that all my just debts and funeral expenses be paid as soon after my decease as conveniently can be done.
SECOND
I give and bequesth unto FRENCHIE HAMMOND all the rest, residue and remainder of my estate, real, personal and mixed, wheresoever situated, of which I may die seized and possessed, or to which I may be entitled to at the time of my death.
TO HAVE AND TO HOLD the same unto her, absolutely and forever.
THIRD
I nominate and appoint E. E. HAMMOND to be the sole executor of this my last will and testament and direct that he be exempted from giving an official bond.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I hereunto subscribed my name in the presence of W. H. Lee and Ethel Adams, whom I have requested to become attesting witnesses, hereto, on this the 16th day of July, 1934.
Callie French Tomlinson
Signed, sealed, published and declared by the above named CALLIE TOMLINSON as and for her last will and testament, in the presence of us, who, in her presence, and at her request, and in the presence of each other, have hereunto set our hands as witnesses.
W. H. Lee and Ethel Adams
From William Hunter: Callie registered to vote in Houston Co. Alabama in 1920, at age 59 birthday November 20, 1861 listed as Mrs. Chas. H. Tomlinson (copy in document folder).
Electronic media: http://eastcarrollgenealogy.blogspot.com/2009/06/women-steamboat-captains. html
Clubs and Teams of East Carroll Parish, LA
Ferry Boats and Their Captains of Carroll/East Carroll, Louisiana
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Women Steamboat Captains
(from "Old Man River", by Maude Van Fossen, newspaper article from 1980‘s)
In the course of time there were four women steamboat captains on the Mississippi River; Captain Callie French of the New Sensation, Mary Miller of the Saline, Mary Becker Green of the Greenland, and Blanche Douglas Leathers of the Natchez VIII.
No women's lib, but there was keen completion and jealousy among the women captains. Capt. Mary Miller claimed to be the first but was challenged in later years by others. She got her Captain's license on Feb 18, 1884.
Captain Callie Leach French or "Aunt Callie", as she was known, was the genuine article, a bell-ringing, horn-tootin', wheel-turnin' captain!, was said by one of her examiners, Capt. O'Reilly. On the river she was captain and pilot from 1888 to 1907; but she also cooked, mended, nursed, acted, wrote gags, never lost a boat or had an accident! She handled boats, crews, actors, audiences, storms, floods, feasts and famines, with equal ease. Through it all, her strongest words were, "Well I'll be dawg-goned!" Her husband was Capt. Agustus Byron French who ran the New Sensation.
Mary Becker Greene, the beloved "Ma" Greene obtained her pilots license in 1896 and her captain's license in 1897. She had been married to Captain Gordon C. Greene in 1890, he had instructed her on operating a steamboat. She piloted the Bedford between Cincinnati and Louisville during 1897, it became extremely popular for its dependability and for its air of refinement. Her biggest thrill was taking the Greenland to the St. Louis World's Fair in 1904, the crowds went wild over her. The Delta Queen flies today the flag which flew on the masthead of the Bedford Steamboat.
In 1880, Bowling Leathers, son of Thomas Leathers, married Blanche Douglass, daughter of James S. Douglass. Bowling built seven steamboats without giving notes for their costs. Blanche loved the river, she loved her husband and wanted to be with him, and in 1891 they had the Natchez No. VIII built. She got her license in 1894. The "Little Captain" or "Boss" Leathers was described as the most distinguished of Louisiana women. The Natchez VIII sank in 1918. Blanche passed away in 1940.
Posted by Sandra Guthrie Moore at 7:35 AM
Electronic media: Women & the Sea at http://www.mariner.org/women/changing/river.htm (Great photos on webpage of Callie and her 1st husband)
The First Female River Pilots
As the nineteenth century wore on, many women began making careers at sea, working as riverboat pilots and owning and operating boating and fishing businesses. The rewards of life on the water were many. In that era, America's rivers were alive with steamboats carrying freight and passengers to cities like Cincinnati and New Orleans. Women began earning pilots' and captains' licenses and taking the wheel.
Callie French
Several women became known as competent pilots along the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers during the late nineteenth century. Callie French and her husband, Captain A. B. French, operated several "floating theatres," and Callie was approved to pilot one of them, the New Sensation. In addition to serving as pilot, "Aunt Callie" cooked, acted, wrote jokes, and played the calliope to let people know the "showboat" was coming into town.
The Frenches' showboats were quite successful, and the pair formed a partnership with another couple, the McNairs. A. B. French died in 1902, and Callie continued to pilot and captain the boats with the McNairs. At her retirement in 1907, she boasted that she had never lost a boat.
This calliope is from the fifth and last boat named French's New Sensation. To keep her fingers from being burned by the steam, Callie French wore heavy gloves while playing.
French is shown here wearing a pilot's wheel as a pin; the photograph may have been taken at the height of French's career as a showboat pilot.
It is not known what vessel this was taken from, but the woman on the far left bears a strong resemblance to "Aunt Callie."
Electronic media: National Mississippi Museum and Aquarium (cached pages)
Captain Callie Leach French
Captain Callie French is regarded by many as the first licensed woman pilot in the United States and the second woman to receive her master's license (1895). She was only one of four women in the early ranks of female pilots on the inland river system. Initially, the examiners were skeptical to grant "Aunt Callie" her pilot's license because of her gender. But in the end, seven of the most distinguished pilots awarded Captain Callie French her license.
Callie French and her husband, Augustus French, operated New Sensation showboats along the waterways. As a licensed captain, she operated the boat while her husband was ashore. Captain Callie French's first sole command on another boat would not occur until ten years after receipt of her license.
She piloted and captained boats on the river from 1888 until 1907. "Aunt Callie" assisted thousands of patrons on board by cooking, mending, nursing, acting and writing gags. She never lost a boat nor had an accident.
1920 and 1930 with 2nd husband
1910 Houston Co, AL Census
E. D. 154, Precinct 13, Columbia
9 May 1910
Reel: T624-16 Page: 160B & 161A
Dwelling 195 Family 195
McNair, John E., Head, M, W, 47 yrs, Married 1, 24 yrs, b Alabama, Fa Scotland, Mo North Carolina, Speaks English, Farmer, General Farm, OA, Can read, write, Owns farm, Free of mortgage
McNair, Ida M., Wife, F, W, 37 yrs, Married 1, 24 yrs, 3 children, 2 alive, b Ohio, Fa Ohio, Mo Ohio, Speaks English, No occupation, Can read, write
McNair, Frenchie A., Daughter, F, W, 23 yrs, Single, b Texas, Fa Alabama, Mo Ohio, Speaks English, No occupation, Can read, write
Page: 161A
McNair, Clarkie A., Daughter, F, W, 19 yrs, Single, b Texas, Fa Alabama, Mo Ohio, Speaks English, No occupation, Can read, write, Did not attend school within year
Leach, Robert W., Father-in-law, M, W, 73 yrs, Married 2, 35 yrs, b Ohio, Fa Virginia, Mo Virginia, Speaks English, Can read, write
Leach, Mary J., Mother-in-law, F, W, 57 yrs, Married 1, 35 yrs, 0 children, 0 living, b Ohio, Fa Ohio, Mo Ohio, No occupation, Can read, write
French, Callie L., Sister-in-law, F, W, 48 yrs, Widowed, b Ohio, Fa Ohio, Mo Ohio, Speaks English, No occupation, Can read, write
Metcalf, Wuerten C., Adopted Son, M, W, 28 Single, b Indiana, Va Indiana, Mo Indiana, Speaks English, Farm Laborer, Home Farm, W, Can read, write
Ancestry shows Callie's surname as "Frerick"; however, upon viewing original, it is ". Also, William Metcalf is again listed in the 1910. This time instead of "boarder", he is listed as "adopted son" - adopted son of Robert's or John McNair's?
1900?
Name: Callie Leech Tomlinson
Death Date: 24 Aug 1935
Death Place: Houston, Alabama
Gender: Female
Race (Original): White
Age at Death: 74y
Estimated Birth Date: 1861
Birthplace: Oh
Marital Status: Widowed
Spouse's Name: C. H. Tomlinson
Father's Name: L. W. Leach
Father's Birthplace: Oh
Mother's Name: Hannah Holland
Mother's Birthplace: Oh
Film Number: 1908533
Reference Number: cn 17379
Collection: Alabama Deaths, 1908-1974
From Ancestry.com:
Alabama Deaths, 1908-59
Name: Callie L. Tomlinson
Death Date: Aug 1935
Death County: Houston
Volume: 35 Roll: 3 Page #: 17379
Source Information: Ancestry.com. Alabama Death Index, 1908-1959. [database online]
From William Hunter: Will of Callie Leach French Tomlinson.(Houston Co. Will Book No. 2, starts at bottom of page 97 and continues on page 98:
WILL OF CALLIE FRENCH TOMLINSON
THE STATE OF ALABAMA
HOUSTON COUNTY
I, Callie Tomlinson, of Columbia, Houston County, Alabama, hereby make and declare this to be my last will and testament, revoking any and all wills heretofore made by me at any time.
FIRST
I direct that all my just debts and funeral expenses be paid as soon after my decease as conveniently can be done.
SECOND
I give and bequesth unto FRENCHIE HAMMOND all the rest, residue and remainder of my estate, real, personal and mixed, wheresoever situated, of which I may die seized and possessed, or to which I may be entitled to at the time of my death.
TO HAVE AND TO HOLD the same unto her, absolutely and forever.
THIRD
I nominate and appoint E. E. HAMMOND to be the sole executor of this my last will and testament and direct that he be exempted from giving an official bond.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I hereunto subscribed my name in the presence of W. H. Lee and Ethel Adams, whom I have requested to become attesting witnesses, hereto, on this the 16th day of July, 1934.
Callie French Tomlinson
Signed, sealed, published and declared by the above named CALLIE TOMLINSON as and for her last will and testament, in the presence of us, who, in her presence, and at her request, and in the presence of each other, have hereunto set our hands as witnesses.
W. H. Lee and Ethel Adams
From William Hunter: Callie registered to vote in Houston Co. Alabama in 1920, at age 59 birthday November 20, 1861 listed as Mrs. Chas. H. Tomlinson (copy in document folder).
Electronic media: http://eastcarrollgenealogy.blogspot.com/2009/06/women-steamboat-captains. html
Clubs and Teams of East Carroll Parish, LA
Ferry Boats and Their Captains of Carroll/East Carroll, Louisiana
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Women Steamboat Captains
(from "Old Man River", by Maude Van Fossen, newspaper article from 1980‘s)
In the course of time there were four women steamboat captains on the Mississippi River; Captain Callie French of the New Sensation, Mary Miller of the Saline, Mary Becker Green of the Greenland, and Blanche Douglas Leathers of the Natchez VIII.
No women's lib, but there was keen completion and jealousy among the women captains. Capt. Mary Miller claimed to be the first but was challenged in later years by others. She got her Captain's license on Feb 18, 1884.
Captain Callie Leach French or "Aunt Callie", as she was known, was the genuine article, a bell-ringing, horn-tootin', wheel-turnin' captain!, was said by one of her examiners, Capt. O'Reilly. On the river she was captain and pilot from 1888 to 1907; but she also cooked, mended, nursed, acted, wrote gags, never lost a boat or had an accident! She handled boats, crews, actors, audiences, storms, floods, feasts and famines, with equal ease. Through it all, her strongest words were, "Well I'll be dawg-goned!" Her husband was Capt. Agustus Byron French who ran the New Sensation.
Mary Becker Greene, the beloved "Ma" Greene obtained her pilots license in 1896 and her captain's license in 1897. She had been married to Captain Gordon C. Greene in 1890, he had instructed her on operating a steamboat. She piloted the Bedford between Cincinnati and Louisville during 1897, it became extremely popular for its dependability and for its air of refinement. Her biggest thrill was taking the Greenland to the St. Louis World's Fair in 1904, the crowds went wild over her. The Delta Queen flies today the flag which flew on the masthead of the Bedford Steamboat.
In 1880, Bowling Leathers, son of Thomas Leathers, married Blanche Douglass, daughter of James S. Douglass. Bowling built seven steamboats without giving notes for their costs. Blanche loved the river, she loved her husband and wanted to be with him, and in 1891 they had the Natchez No. VIII built. She got her license in 1894. The "Little Captain" or "Boss" Leathers was described as the most distinguished of Louisiana women. The Natchez VIII sank in 1918. Blanche passed away in 1940.
Posted by Sandra Guthrie Moore at 7:35 AM
Electronic media: Women & the Sea at http://www.mariner.org/women/changing/river.htm (Great photos on webpage of Callie and her 1st husband)
The First Female River Pilots
As the nineteenth century wore on, many women began making careers at sea, working as riverboat pilots and owning and operating boating and fishing businesses. The rewards of life on the water were many. In that era, America's rivers were alive with steamboats carrying freight and passengers to cities like Cincinnati and New Orleans. Women began earning pilots' and captains' licenses and taking the wheel.
Callie French
Several women became known as competent pilots along the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers during the late nineteenth century. Callie French and her husband, Captain A. B. French, operated several "floating theatres," and Callie was approved to pilot one of them, the New Sensation. In addition to serving as pilot, "Aunt Callie" cooked, acted, wrote jokes, and played the calliope to let people know the "showboat" was coming into town.
The Frenches' showboats were quite successful, and the pair formed a partnership with another couple, the McNairs. A. B. French died in 1902, and Callie continued to pilot and captain the boats with the McNairs. At her retirement in 1907, she boasted that she had never lost a boat.
This calliope is from the fifth and last boat named French's New Sensation. To keep her fingers from being burned by the steam, Callie French wore heavy gloves while playing.
French is shown here wearing a pilot's wheel as a pin; the photograph may have been taken at the height of French's career as a showboat pilot.
It is not known what vessel this was taken from, but the woman on the far left bears a strong resemblance to "Aunt Callie."
Electronic media: National Mississippi Museum and Aquarium (cached pages)
Captain Callie Leach French
Captain Callie French is regarded by many as the first licensed woman pilot in the United States and the second woman to receive her master's license (1895). She was only one of four women in the early ranks of female pilots on the inland river system. Initially, the examiners were skeptical to grant "Aunt Callie" her pilot's license because of her gender. But in the end, seven of the most distinguished pilots awarded Captain Callie French her license.
Callie French and her husband, Augustus French, operated New Sensation showboats along the waterways. As a licensed captain, she operated the boat while her husband was ashore. Captain Callie French's first sole command on another boat would not occur until ten years after receipt of her license.
She piloted and captained boats on the river from 1888 until 1907. "Aunt Callie" assisted thousands of patrons on board by cooking, mending, nursing, acting and writing gags. She never lost a boat nor had an accident.
Callie Leach was the daughter of Robert Ward and Hannah Holland Leach. She first married Augustus French and after his death she married Charles Hugh Tomlinson.
1920 and 1930 with 2nd husband
1910 Houston Co, AL Census
E. D. 154, Precinct 13, Columbia
9 May 1910
Reel: T624-16 Page: 160B & 161A
Dwelling 195 Family 195
McNair, John E., Head, M, W, 47 yrs, Married 1, 24 yrs, b Alabama, Fa Scotland, Mo North Carolina, Speaks English, Farmer, General Farm, OA, Can read, write, Owns farm, Free of mortgage
McNair, Ida M., Wife, F, W, 37 yrs, Married 1, 24 yrs, 3 children, 2 alive, b Ohio, Fa Ohio, Mo Ohio, Speaks English, No occupation, Can read, write
McNair, Frenchie A., Daughter, F, W, 23 yrs, Single, b Texas, Fa Alabama, Mo Ohio, Speaks English, No occupation, Can read, write
Page: 161A
McNair, Clarkie A., Daughter, F, W, 19 yrs, Single, b Texas, Fa Alabama, Mo Ohio, Speaks English, No occupation, Can read, write, Did not attend school within year
Leach, Robert W., Father-in-law, M, W, 73 yrs, Married 2, 35 yrs, b Ohio, Fa Virginia, Mo Virginia, Speaks English, Can read, write
Leach, Mary J., Mother-in-law, F, W, 57 yrs, Married 1, 35 yrs, 0 children, 0 living, b Ohio, Fa Ohio, Mo Ohio, No occupation, Can read, write
French, Callie L., Sister-in-law, F, W, 48 yrs, Widowed, b Ohio, Fa Ohio, Mo Ohio, Speaks English, No occupation, Can read, write
Metcalf, Wuerten C., Adopted Son, M, W, 28 Single, b Indiana, Va Indiana, Mo Indiana, Speaks English, Farm Laborer, Home Farm, W, Can read, write
Ancestry shows Callie's surname as "Frerick"; however, upon viewing original, it is ". Also, William Metcalf is again listed in the 1910. This time instead of "boarder", he is listed as "adopted son" - adopted son of Robert's or John McNair's?
1900?
Name: Callie Leech Tomlinson
Death Date: 24 Aug 1935
Death Place: Houston, Alabama
Gender: Female
Race (Original): White
Age at Death: 74y
Estimated Birth Date: 1861
Birthplace: Oh
Marital Status: Widowed
Spouse's Name: C. H. Tomlinson
Father's Name: L. W. Leach
Father's Birthplace: Oh
Mother's Name: Hannah Holland
Mother's Birthplace: Oh
Film Number: 1908533
Reference Number: cn 17379
Collection: Alabama Deaths, 1908-1974
From Ancestry.com:
Alabama Deaths, 1908-59
Name: Callie L. Tomlinson
Death Date: Aug 1935
Death County: Houston
Volume: 35 Roll: 3 Page #: 17379
Source Information: Ancestry.com. Alabama Death Index, 1908-1959. [database online]
From William Hunter: Will of Callie Leach French Tomlinson.(Houston Co. Will Book No. 2, starts at bottom of page 97 and continues on page 98:
WILL OF CALLIE FRENCH TOMLINSON
THE STATE OF ALABAMA
HOUSTON COUNTY
I, Callie Tomlinson, of Columbia, Houston County, Alabama, hereby make and declare this to be my last will and testament, revoking any and all wills heretofore made by me at any time.
FIRST
I direct that all my just debts and funeral expenses be paid as soon after my decease as conveniently can be done.
SECOND
I give and bequesth unto FRENCHIE HAMMOND all the rest, residue and remainder of my estate, real, personal and mixed, wheresoever situated, of which I may die seized and possessed, or to which I may be entitled to at the time of my death.
TO HAVE AND TO HOLD the same unto her, absolutely and forever.
THIRD
I nominate and appoint E. E. HAMMOND to be the sole executor of this my last will and testament and direct that he be exempted from giving an official bond.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I hereunto subscribed my name in the presence of W. H. Lee and Ethel Adams, whom I have requested to become attesting witnesses, hereto, on this the 16th day of July, 1934.
Callie French Tomlinson
Signed, sealed, published and declared by the above named CALLIE TOMLINSON as and for her last will and testament, in the presence of us, who, in her presence, and at her request, and in the presence of each other, have hereunto set our hands as witnesses.
W. H. Lee and Ethel Adams
From William Hunter: Callie registered to vote in Houston Co. Alabama in 1920, at age 59 birthday November 20, 1861 listed as Mrs. Chas. H. Tomlinson (copy in document folder).
Electronic media: http://eastcarrollgenealogy.blogspot.com/2009/06/women-steamboat-captains. html
Clubs and Teams of East Carroll Parish, LA
Ferry Boats and Their Captains of Carroll/East Carroll, Louisiana
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Women Steamboat Captains
(from "Old Man River", by Maude Van Fossen, newspaper article from 1980‘s)
In the course of time there were four women steamboat captains on the Mississippi River; Captain Callie French of the New Sensation, Mary Miller of the Saline, Mary Becker Green of the Greenland, and Blanche Douglas Leathers of the Natchez VIII.
No women's lib, but there was keen completion and jealousy among the women captains. Capt. Mary Miller claimed to be the first but was challenged in later years by others. She got her Captain's license on Feb 18, 1884.
Captain Callie Leach French or "Aunt Callie", as she was known, was the genuine article, a bell-ringing, horn-tootin', wheel-turnin' captain!, was said by one of her examiners, Capt. O'Reilly. On the river she was captain and pilot from 1888 to 1907; but she also cooked, mended, nursed, acted, wrote gags, never lost a boat or had an accident! She handled boats, crews, actors, audiences, storms, floods, feasts and famines, with equal ease. Through it all, her strongest words were, "Well I'll be dawg-goned!" Her husband was Capt. Agustus Byron French who ran the New Sensation.
Mary Becker Greene, the beloved "Ma" Greene obtained her pilots license in 1896 and her captain's license in 1897. She had been married to Captain Gordon C. Greene in 1890, he had instructed her on operating a steamboat. She piloted the Bedford between Cincinnati and Louisville during 1897, it became extremely popular for its dependability and for its air of refinement. Her biggest thrill was taking the Greenland to the St. Louis World's Fair in 1904, the crowds went wild over her. The Delta Queen flies today the flag which flew on the masthead of the Bedford Steamboat.
In 1880, Bowling Leathers, son of Thomas Leathers, married Blanche Douglass, daughter of James S. Douglass. Bowling built seven steamboats without giving notes for their costs. Blanche loved the river, she loved her husband and wanted to be with him, and in 1891 they had the Natchez No. VIII built. She got her license in 1894. The "Little Captain" or "Boss" Leathers was described as the most distinguished of Louisiana women. The Natchez VIII sank in 1918. Blanche passed away in 1940.
Posted by Sandra Guthrie Moore at 7:35 AM
Electronic media: Women & the Sea at http://www.mariner.org/women/changing/river.htm (Great photos on webpage of Callie and her 1st husband)
The First Female River Pilots
As the nineteenth century wore on, many women began making careers at sea, working as riverboat pilots and owning and operating boating and fishing businesses. The rewards of life on the water were many. In that era, America's rivers were alive with steamboats carrying freight and passengers to cities like Cincinnati and New Orleans. Women began earning pilots' and captains' licenses and taking the wheel.
Callie French
Several women became known as competent pilots along the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers during the late nineteenth century. Callie French and her husband, Captain A. B. French, operated several "floating theatres," and Callie was approved to pilot one of them, the New Sensation. In addition to serving as pilot, "Aunt Callie" cooked, acted, wrote jokes, and played the calliope to let people know the "showboat" was coming into town.
The Frenches' showboats were quite successful, and the pair formed a partnership with another couple, the McNairs. A. B. French died in 1902, and Callie continued to pilot and captain the boats with the McNairs. At her retirement in 1907, she boasted that she had never lost a boat.
This calliope is from the fifth and last boat named French's New Sensation. To keep her fingers from being burned by the steam, Callie French wore heavy gloves while playing.
French is shown here wearing a pilot's wheel as a pin; the photograph may have been taken at the height of French's career as a showboat pilot.
It is not known what vessel this was taken from, but the woman on the far left bears a strong resemblance to "Aunt Callie."
Electronic media: National Mississippi Museum and Aquarium (cached pages)
Captain Callie Leach French
Captain Callie French is regarded by many as the first licensed woman pilot in the United States and the second woman to receive her master's license (1895). She was only one of four women in the early ranks of female pilots on the inland river system. Initially, the examiners were skeptical to grant "Aunt Callie" her pilot's license because of her gender. But in the end, seven of the most distinguished pilots awarded Captain Callie French her license.
Callie French and her husband, Augustus French, operated New Sensation showboats along the waterways. As a licensed captain, she operated the boat while her husband was ashore. Captain Callie French's first sole command on another boat would not occur until ten years after receipt of her license.
She piloted and captained boats on the river from 1888 until 1907. "Aunt Callie" assisted thousands of patrons on board by cooking, mending, nursing, acting and writing gags. She never lost a boat nor had an accident.
1920 and 1930 with 2nd husband
1910 Houston Co, AL Census
E. D. 154, Precinct 13, Columbia
9 May 1910
Reel: T624-16 Page: 160B & 161A
Dwelling 195 Family 195
McNair, John E., Head, M, W, 47 yrs, Married 1, 24 yrs, b Alabama, Fa Scotland, Mo North Carolina, Speaks English, Farmer, General Farm, OA, Can read, write, Owns farm, Free of mortgage
McNair, Ida M., Wife, F, W, 37 yrs, Married 1, 24 yrs, 3 children, 2 alive, b Ohio, Fa Ohio, Mo Ohio, Speaks English, No occupation, Can read, write
McNair, Frenchie A., Daughter, F, W, 23 yrs, Single, b Texas, Fa Alabama, Mo Ohio, Speaks English, No occupation, Can read, write
Page: 161A
McNair, Clarkie A., Daughter, F, W, 19 yrs, Single, b Texas, Fa Alabama, Mo Ohio, Speaks English, No occupation, Can read, write, Did not attend school within year
Leach, Robert W., Father-in-law, M, W, 73 yrs, Married 2, 35 yrs, b Ohio, Fa Virginia, Mo Virginia, Speaks English, Can read, write
Leach, Mary J., Mother-in-law, F, W, 57 yrs, Married 1, 35 yrs, 0 children, 0 living, b Ohio, Fa Ohio, Mo Ohio, No occupation, Can read, write
French, Callie L., Sister-in-law, F, W, 48 yrs, Widowed, b Ohio, Fa Ohio, Mo Ohio, Speaks English, No occupation, Can read, write
Metcalf, Wuerten C., Adopted Son, M, W, 28 Single, b Indiana, Va Indiana, Mo Indiana, Speaks English, Farm Laborer, Home Farm, W, Can read, write
Ancestry shows Callie's surname as "Frerick"; however, upon viewing original, it is ". Also, William Metcalf is again listed in the 1910. This time instead of "boarder", he is listed as "adopted son" - adopted son of Robert's or John McNair's?
1900?
Name: Callie Leech Tomlinson
Death Date: 24 Aug 1935
Death Place: Houston, Alabama
Gender: Female
Race (Original): White
Age at Death: 74y
Estimated Birth Date: 1861
Birthplace: Oh
Marital Status: Widowed
Spouse's Name: C. H. Tomlinson
Father's Name: L. W. Leach
Father's Birthplace: Oh
Mother's Name: Hannah Holland
Mother's Birthplace: Oh
Film Number: 1908533
Reference Number: cn 17379
Collection: Alabama Deaths, 1908-1974
From Ancestry.com:
Alabama Deaths, 1908-59
Name: Callie L. Tomlinson
Death Date: Aug 1935
Death County: Houston
Volume: 35 Roll: 3 Page #: 17379
Source Information: Ancestry.com. Alabama Death Index, 1908-1959. [database online]
From William Hunter: Will of Callie Leach French Tomlinson.(Houston Co. Will Book No. 2, starts at bottom of page 97 and continues on page 98:
WILL OF CALLIE FRENCH TOMLINSON
THE STATE OF ALABAMA
HOUSTON COUNTY
I, Callie Tomlinson, of Columbia, Houston County, Alabama, hereby make and declare this to be my last will and testament, revoking any and all wills heretofore made by me at any time.
FIRST
I direct that all my just debts and funeral expenses be paid as soon after my decease as conveniently can be done.
SECOND
I give and bequesth unto FRENCHIE HAMMOND all the rest, residue and remainder of my estate, real, personal and mixed, wheresoever situated, of which I may die seized and possessed, or to which I may be entitled to at the time of my death.
TO HAVE AND TO HOLD the same unto her, absolutely and forever.
THIRD
I nominate and appoint E. E. HAMMOND to be the sole executor of this my last will and testament and direct that he be exempted from giving an official bond.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I hereunto subscribed my name in the presence of W. H. Lee and Ethel Adams, whom I have requested to become attesting witnesses, hereto, on this the 16th day of July, 1934.
Callie French Tomlinson
Signed, sealed, published and declared by the above named CALLIE TOMLINSON as and for her last will and testament, in the presence of us, who, in her presence, and at her request, and in the presence of each other, have hereunto set our hands as witnesses.
W. H. Lee and Ethel Adams
From William Hunter: Callie registered to vote in Houston Co. Alabama in 1920, at age 59 birthday November 20, 1861 listed as Mrs. Chas. H. Tomlinson (copy in document folder).
Electronic media: http://eastcarrollgenealogy.blogspot.com/2009/06/women-steamboat-captains. html
Clubs and Teams of East Carroll Parish, LA
Ferry Boats and Their Captains of Carroll/East Carroll, Louisiana
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Women Steamboat Captains
(from "Old Man River", by Maude Van Fossen, newspaper article from 1980‘s)
In the course of time there were four women steamboat captains on the Mississippi River; Captain Callie French of the New Sensation, Mary Miller of the Saline, Mary Becker Green of the Greenland, and Blanche Douglas Leathers of the Natchez VIII.
No women's lib, but there was keen completion and jealousy among the women captains. Capt. Mary Miller claimed to be the first but was challenged in later years by others. She got her Captain's license on Feb 18, 1884.
Captain Callie Leach French or "Aunt Callie", as she was known, was the genuine article, a bell-ringing, horn-tootin', wheel-turnin' captain!, was said by one of her examiners, Capt. O'Reilly. On the river she was captain and pilot from 1888 to 1907; but she also cooked, mended, nursed, acted, wrote gags, never lost a boat or had an accident! She handled boats, crews, actors, audiences, storms, floods, feasts and famines, with equal ease. Through it all, her strongest words were, "Well I'll be dawg-goned!" Her husband was Capt. Agustus Byron French who ran the New Sensation.
Mary Becker Greene, the beloved "Ma" Greene obtained her pilots license in 1896 and her captain's license in 1897. She had been married to Captain Gordon C. Greene in 1890, he had instructed her on operating a steamboat. She piloted the Bedford between Cincinnati and Louisville during 1897, it became extremely popular for its dependability and for its air of refinement. Her biggest thrill was taking the Greenland to the St. Louis World's Fair in 1904, the crowds went wild over her. The Delta Queen flies today the flag which flew on the masthead of the Bedford Steamboat.
In 1880, Bowling Leathers, son of Thomas Leathers, married Blanche Douglass, daughter of James S. Douglass. Bowling built seven steamboats without giving notes for their costs. Blanche loved the river, she loved her husband and wanted to be with him, and in 1891 they had the Natchez No. VIII built. She got her license in 1894. The "Little Captain" or "Boss" Leathers was described as the most distinguished of Louisiana women. The Natchez VIII sank in 1918. Blanche passed away in 1940.
Posted by Sandra Guthrie Moore at 7:35 AM
Electronic media: Women & the Sea at http://www.mariner.org/women/changing/river.htm (Great photos on webpage of Callie and her 1st husband)
The First Female River Pilots
As the nineteenth century wore on, many women began making careers at sea, working as riverboat pilots and owning and operating boating and fishing businesses. The rewards of life on the water were many. In that era, America's rivers were alive with steamboats carrying freight and passengers to cities like Cincinnati and New Orleans. Women began earning pilots' and captains' licenses and taking the wheel.
Callie French
Several women became known as competent pilots along the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers during the late nineteenth century. Callie French and her husband, Captain A. B. French, operated several "floating theatres," and Callie was approved to pilot one of them, the New Sensation. In addition to serving as pilot, "Aunt Callie" cooked, acted, wrote jokes, and played the calliope to let people know the "showboat" was coming into town.
The Frenches' showboats were quite successful, and the pair formed a partnership with another couple, the McNairs. A. B. French died in 1902, and Callie continued to pilot and captain the boats with the McNairs. At her retirement in 1907, she boasted that she had never lost a boat.
This calliope is from the fifth and last boat named French's New Sensation. To keep her fingers from being burned by the steam, Callie French wore heavy gloves while playing.
French is shown here wearing a pilot's wheel as a pin; the photograph may have been taken at the height of French's career as a showboat pilot.
It is not known what vessel this was taken from, but the woman on the far left bears a strong resemblance to "Aunt Callie."
Electronic media: National Mississippi Museum and Aquarium (cached pages)
Captain Callie Leach French
Captain Callie French is regarded by many as the first licensed woman pilot in the United States and the second woman to receive her master's license (1895). She was only one of four women in the early ranks of female pilots on the inland river system. Initially, the examiners were skeptical to grant "Aunt Callie" her pilot's license because of her gender. But in the end, seven of the most distinguished pilots awarded Captain Callie French her license.
Callie French and her husband, Augustus French, operated New Sensation showboats along the waterways. As a licensed captain, she operated the boat while her husband was ashore. Captain Callie French's first sole command on another boat would not occur until ten years after receipt of her license.
She piloted and captained boats on the river from 1888 until 1907. "Aunt Callie" assisted thousands of patrons on board by cooking, mending, nursing, acting and writing gags. She never lost a boat nor had an accident.
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