If possible, can someone please provide synonyms for "boatman" to describe someone from 19th century America who might command a shallow raft transporting goods or people along the Mississippi? It seems all the terms I have come across so far are modern or ocean-going in nature.

by FlumeRouge

Thanks!

Grimjestor

I think I've heard them called 'river rats', possibly in the books about Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain (Samuel Clemens).

Try looking at period fiction if you are looking to learn the vernacular of that era :)

doubin

Ferryman (two coins for the ferryman)