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Bledsoe

Businessman and co-owner of the Louisiana & Missouri Packet Company in New Orleans, Louisiana in 1876. (February 10, 1835 – August 20, 1920)[2]

Partner of Mr. Hayes, with whom he also owns the Mississippi riverboat Stonewall Jackson. Mr. Bledsoe was a cautious and honest businessman, but willing to take a calculated risk when he saw an opportunity.

In 1876, Bret Maverick appeared in the office of the Louisiana & Missouri Packet Company with a remarkable proposition. Bledsoe and Hayes were to give him a $5,000 stake to book passage on the Stonewall Jackson to St. Louis. In return, Bret promised to return the stake, and likely pack the riverboat with curious passengers hoping to see a rematch at poker between Samantha Crawford and himself.

The bargain was successful. The poker game drew more in fares than Bret owed. Once Bret was able, he saw to it that Bledsoe and Hayes got their $5,000 stake repaid.[1]

See: According to Hoyle