April 24, 1882

Hannibal, MO.

The tow steamer Little Eagle, while attempting to go through the drawbridge here Sunday afternoon with a raft, was carried against the pier by a strong current and broken in two near the boilers. Joseph Vallam, of La Crosse; Silas Cooper, fireman, of Quincy, and Henry Houseman, of Hannibal, all members of the crew, were drowned. Vallam’s body was recovered, but the bodies of Cooper and Houseman have not yet been found. Nobody else was injured. The wreck of the boat still lies piled up against the pier. The steamer was valued at $9,000 and was insured. She carried no passengers.