My parents named the boat after a ripple on the Rogue River named after one of our ancestors. As our family tells it, Mr. Riley caught wind of an attack by the Rogue River Indians while fishing and went down the river in his boat, telling people to get to the fort at Gold Beach, Oregon. I am currently trying to verify this story. The dust on the books I'm reading is thick!
11/09/05
I found some information today in the book, "Pioneer History of Coos and Curry Counties, Or". On page 73, there is a passage about the Rogue River attack:
"Mr. Riley, early the next morning, started up the river in a skiff to serve a summons on Mr. Tullus. When within a mile of the To-to-tin he heard the firing, which was still continued on the fleeing volunteers, and knew then that the outbreak was a reality, and we don't suppose that a boat ever sped down that course propelled by more willing muscles. By his timely arrival, the people were saved and the news dispatched wherever its receipt might save a life."
This lends some credence to the family story, but I still haven't found out for sure if that ripple was named because of this incident.