Capt. A. Rainey has just returned from Jeffersonville, where he closed the contract with the Howards for a splendid steamboat for the Tallahatchie and Yazoo trade tributary to Greenwood. The City of Greenwood will be the name of the new boat. Its dimensions will be: length, 120 feet; beam, 30 feet; it will be driven by a pair of Carliss engines, 8 inches in diameter and 48 inch stroke, and two boilers, 44 inches in diameter and 14 feet long. It will be fitted up in the most modern style, and will be the best carrier and fastest boat in the trade. Capt. Rainey is a popular steamboat man, and his new boat will be a thorn in the side of its competitors.
From The Daily Flag, August 5, 1898
Steamer, "City of Greenwood"
Yesterday at 10:30 o'clock, the Steamer "City of Greenwood", Capt. Abner Rainey's new boat, arrived in port. Capt. Rainey, like the old warhorse that he is, said he would bring to Greenwood the prettiest steamer that ever plied the Yazoo River, and in his new boat, he has kept his word good.
The boat was built at Jeffersonville, Indiana by Edward J. Howard, at a cost of $10,000.00; has a storage capacity of 800 bales of cotton, besides ample accommodations for 40 first-class passengers. The boat is 130 feet long, 28 foot beam, with 32 feet overall, while the cylinders are 10 inches in diameter and have a four foot stroke. A neat office, saloon, and dining room and 12 state rooms, fitted up with the latest up to date steamboat furniture, makes the "City of Greenwood" an ideal river carrier.
Capt. Rainey has engaged a first-class crew of officers, as the following names will show: A. Rainey,Capt.; Ed Mercke, First Clerk; John Erskin, Second Clerk; James Johnson, Pilot; Charles C. Keeler, Mate; Charles H. Weisman, Chief Engineer.
Capt. Rainey has long been identified with the river interest of Greenwood, and in putting his new boat in the Yazoo River trade, he has filled a long felt want, for which the people of this city will ever thank him.
By invitation, several couples left Wednesday afternoon for Sidon, to make the trip from that town to Greenwood on the boat, and while in that town were royally entertained by Dr. W.W. Durden. At about 8 P.M., the boat steamed into that port and the young people simply took possesion. Those who were of the party are as follows: Misses Florrie Chapman, Sallie Cole, Sallie Barnes Humphreys, Lillie Brooks, and Lalla Boyd. Messrs. Lee Simms, Ben George Humphreys, H.H. Southworth, E.M. Purcell, T.M. Gouldman, and Mr. and Mrs. A. McKimbrough.
After remaining at the landing a short while, the steamer rounded about and went back down the river as far as Phillipston, and during the time the young people enjoyed themselves in dancing, card games, and other innocent amusements.
A dance and public reception was to have been tendered Capt. Rainey on his arrival here, but owing to Mayor Miller's illness, the festivities have been postponed until next Monday night, when the whole-souled, genial, jovial captain will be presented with one of Weiler's magnificent gold watches by his many Greenwood friends.
From the Delta Flag, February 24, 1899.
Christening of the New Steamer
The christening ceremonies of the new steamer, "City of Greenwood" last Monday night, was witnessed by a large crowd of representative citizens. Mr. R.T. Jones, acting mayor in behalf of the city, delivered the address of welcome in his usual characteristic style, after which Mr. R.V. Pollard, in magnificent manor and well chosen words, presented Captain Rainey with a solid gold watch, the present coming from the big-hearted captain's many admirers in this city. Captain Rainey, in replying, thanked the enitre populace for the kindness and appreciation shown him, and said that when the Ruler of Mankind made men with the "Gift of Gab", it left him out, but that he would ever keep the timepiece as a rememberance of the occasion. Little Miss. Sallie Kimbrough christened the steamer by the usual custom of breaking a bottle of champagne over her bow.
After the christening ceremonies were over quite a number of the young people enjoyed themselves in tripping the light fantastic until a reasonable hour in the vacant room over Treadwell's store.
From the Delta Flag, March 3,1899.
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