Help define some terms - PLEASE

[Gunner Dave Davis]

In 1885 my Great Great Grandfather built a small Sternwheeler "Lena" for
use as a marine farm wagon.
The local paper (March 20, 1885 ST. Helens, OR.) Describes it: "she
is a steamboat, sternwheeler, cog rigged, direct action, plenty housing,
20 tons burden, 45 feet overall, 9 feet beam, 3 feet depth of hold,
draws 18 inches of water...."

Now could someone translate for me? Cog rigged ? Direct action? ( I
Think I know) Plenty housing?
Thanks for the help
Gunner Dave

[Paulrjordan]

Well Gunner Dave..I've been watching the Paddleducks postings for a
week now for a semblance of a reply to your intriguing request, and it
seems you have us stumped (unless you received some message off list
we don't know about!)

First off, it seems you are related to the well known Sauvies Island
pioneer family of John Bonser, and the "sternwheeler" you are refering
to was built by Stephen Bonser. A fuller description of this family
and their early adventures is found at Oregon Pioneer Biographies.
http://www.rootsweb.com/~orgenweb/bios/bonser4.html

Now I'm not going to guess at any of these definitions as I'm a
neophyte when it comes to sternwheelers. I was hoping our Towboat Joe
would be back from his current tour (he's a musician too) and be able
to throw some light on these meanings but he might still be away.
Nevertheless we have to get an answer for you so I'm going to pop off
a few emails to people who may be able to shed some light on this.
I'll keep you posted.

PJ