Captain Joe Mace

Noted River Pilot Crosses the Bar Joe Mace died at his home in Burlington, Ohio

Ceredo Advance, Ceredo, WV 13 Jan. 1915

Cincinnati, Ohio-Jan. 4- Early this morning, a riverman climbed aboard the Coney Island steamers, Island Queen and Princess, in their winter berths in the Kentucky River.

The riverman carried a message, and not long after, a hoarse note of requiem came from the whistles under half steam, then the boat bells tolled. It was the announcement to the caretakers that Pilot Joe Mace, one of the best-known wheelmen on the Ohio River, died at his home in Burlington, Ohio, opposite Ceredo, WV, early this morning.

Pilot Mace had guided steamers up and down the Ohio River for 40 years. His last trick at the wheel was December 7, when he piloted the Princess to the Kentucky River to her winter dock.

He was from a noted family of sea captains and pilots, his father and brothers having followed the profession all their lives.