The Argo-Keiser Family Collection
Collection Summary
Title: The Argo-Keiser Family Collection 
Dates (Inclusive): 1885-1985
Creator(s): Keiser, Irene Argo (1883-1972)
Language: English
Abstract: The collection contains photographs, film negatives, glass plate negatives, and print plates of the Argo-Keiser family and river related subjects. Also included in the collection are a number of documents related to the Argo-Keiser family. 
Collection Number: P-32 
Size: 1.0 linear feet
Location:	
Pott National Inland Waterways Library
St. Louis Mercantile Library at UM – St. Louis 
Thomas Jefferson Library Building 
One University Boulevard 
 St. Louis, Missouri 63121
Biographical Note:  Captain Elias (Ike) Lambert Argo was a steamboat captain from Ironton, Ohio who worked primarily on the upper Ohio and was associated with such lines as the Bay Line and the Greene Line.  His daughter, Irene Estelle Argo Keiser (1883-1972) moved from Ironton, Ohio to St. Louis with her husband Frank Keiser in 1911. Mrs. Keiser and her husband ran the Tavern Hotel, a motor hotel located in the West End neighborhood. Mrs. Keiser was an active member of the Sons and Daughters of Pioneer Rivermen until her death. 
Scope and Content Note: The collection consists of one record box (1 linear foot) of photographs, film negatives, glass plate negatives, print plates, and related documents of the Argo-Keiser family from the period 1880-1985. There are two series in the collection; Photographs and Related Documents. These series are divided into sixteen folders.

Series 1 contains photographs, film negatives, glass plate negatives, and print plates from approximately 1880 to 1985. Most of these are related to the Argo-Keiser family, but some depict early 20th century steamboats.

Series 2 contains documents related to the Argo-Keiser family including: cemetery plot purchase receipts, correspondence, bills, receipts, and DAR application materials.
Restrictions: 
Access Restrictions: Some of the material in Pott Inland Waterways Library Collection P-32 may be photocopied, digitally scanned or photographed, subject to condition. 
Copyright Information: The researcher assumes full responsibility for observing all copyright, property, and libel laws as they apply.
Citation: When citing material from this collection, the preferred citation is: From the Collections of the St. Louis Mercantile Library at the University of Missouri-St. Louis.
Subject Headings:
River Steamers
Steamboats
Steam-navigation—Ohio River
Argo family
Keiser family
Hotels—Missouri—St. Louis
Contents List:
Series Name	Folder/Item Description	Series Number	Folder Number
	Photographs	Argo-Keiser Family Photos 1880-1900	1	1
	Photographs	Argo-Keiser Family Photos 1900-1920	1	2
	Photographs	Argo-Keiser Family Photos 1900-1920	1	3
	Photographs	Argo-Keiser Family Photos 1900-1920	1	4
	Photographs	Argo-Keiser Family Photos 1900-1920	1	5
	Photographs	Argo-Keiser Family Photos 1900-1920	1	6
	Photographs	Argo-Keiser Family Photos 1900-1920	1	7
	Photographs	Argo-Keiser Family Photos 1900-1920	1	8
	Photographs	Argo-Keiser Family Photos 1900-1920	1	9
	Photographs	Argo-Keiser Family Photos 1920-1940	1	10
	Photographs	Argo-Keiser Family Photos 1940-1970	1	11
	Photographs	River-Related Photographs 1900-1985	1	12
	Related Documents	River-Related Print Plates	2	13
	Related Documents	Family papers, correspondence, 	2	14
		ephemera.
	Related Documents	Family Bible	2	15
	Related Documents	Lake Forest Estate Plan	2	16

Folder 12 Contents:
1.	Negative, Captain Elias (Ike) Lambert Argo, early 20th century.
2.	Photograph, view of river, unknown date.
3.	Photograph, Family photo (unknown if Argo family) on steamboat, early 20th century.
4.	Photograph, Steamboat Joseph B. Williams, 1907.
5.	Photograph, Steamboat Henry M. Stanley, early 20th century.
6.	Photograph, Steamboat Fleetwood, early 20th century.
7.	Photograph, Captain Elias (Ike) Lambert Argo, early 20th century.
8.	Same as above, enlarged and cropped.
9.	Photograph, Inland Marine, 1988.
10.	Photograph, Mark Largent, M/V Amoco Missouri, 1984.
11.	Photograph, Steamboat Indiana, early 20th century.