Leonard F. Shaner Jr.
kiwifarms.net
- Joined
- Jun 13, 2015
Here is the beginnings of the book I'm writing.
Captain John C. Werner and His Crew
Captain Werner is the captain of barge "Union Canal No. 231". He has worked in barge work for 35 years, starting with the Pennsylvania Canal out of Lewistown, PA. , He then moved to Bernville, PA. And started his life with the Union Canal. Captain Werner met his wife Marry Conrad at the Northkill Hotel she was a Kitchen helper. At age 23 she married John at age 34. They now have been married for a total of Ten years. They have Two Children a boy age 5 and a girl age 3. And one on its way.
Captain Werner and his crew set sail for Reading and then on down to Philadelphia via the Schuylkill Canal, this would be a 4 day travel. Captain Werner shoved off at Bern Wharf #10 at 5:00 AM. His Bowsman James W. O'Kelly age 23 and Mule Drive Willy Thomas, age 15 and a team of Three Mules. They were hauling 28 tons of grain [Corn] for Philadelphia to be shipped over to England. Captain Werner was at the tiller and Bowsman O'Kelly was watching the 80' tow line to make sure it was nice and tight, not to slack any for they would jerk the team and that wasn't good for them.
Because it could pull them off course. Driver Thomas was riding the shaft mule and Captain Werner yelled at him to get off that mule, "you're being paid to lead the team not to hitch a ride"! Captain Werner is a fare man, but he does have a temper at times, Now Bowsman O'Kelly was yelling at Willy to slow up the team that they were going to fast, we are suppose to go 4 mph not 6.
If a lock keeper catches us, we will get a fine, and we are getting close to lock # 37 and Keeper is Mathias Stout a mean cuss. I don't want to get him at that point. Then Captain Werner said and I agree, as he woke up, from his 2 minute nap.
Captain John C. Werner and His Crew
Captain Werner is the captain of barge "Union Canal No. 231". He has worked in barge work for 35 years, starting with the Pennsylvania Canal out of Lewistown, PA. , He then moved to Bernville, PA. And started his life with the Union Canal. Captain Werner met his wife Marry Conrad at the Northkill Hotel she was a Kitchen helper. At age 23 she married John at age 34. They now have been married for a total of Ten years. They have Two Children a boy age 5 and a girl age 3. And one on its way.
Captain Werner and his crew set sail for Reading and then on down to Philadelphia via the Schuylkill Canal, this would be a 4 day travel. Captain Werner shoved off at Bern Wharf #10 at 5:00 AM. His Bowsman James W. O'Kelly age 23 and Mule Drive Willy Thomas, age 15 and a team of Three Mules. They were hauling 28 tons of grain [Corn] for Philadelphia to be shipped over to England. Captain Werner was at the tiller and Bowsman O'Kelly was watching the 80' tow line to make sure it was nice and tight, not to slack any for they would jerk the team and that wasn't good for them.
Because it could pull them off course. Driver Thomas was riding the shaft mule and Captain Werner yelled at him to get off that mule, "you're being paid to lead the team not to hitch a ride"! Captain Werner is a fare man, but he does have a temper at times, Now Bowsman O'Kelly was yelling at Willy to slow up the team that they were going to fast, we are suppose to go 4 mph not 6.
If a lock keeper catches us, we will get a fine, and we are getting close to lock # 37 and Keeper is Mathias Stout a mean cuss. I don't want to get him at that point. Then Captain Werner said and I agree, as he woke up, from his 2 minute nap.