Built in 1873, at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania as the R.W. Burke.

In 1898, the tug was acquired by Captain James McAllister of the Greenpoint Lighterage Company of New York, New York. Where she retained her name. She was the first towing vessel for the company that would later become the McAllister Brothers Towing Company of New York, New York.

In 1907, she was acquired by Captain Daniel McElroy of New York, New York. Where she was renamed as the Reliable.

The tug was later acquired by the F.A. Verdon Company of New York, New York. Where the tug retained her name.

In 1911, she went out of documentation. Her current, and or final disposition is unknown.

Powered by a single, Steeple, compound steam, engine 13-1/2, 25 x 20. She was a single screw tug, rated at 153 horsepower.

(William Lafferty, Glenn T. Johnson)