Demands for better ferryboat services between Follansbee and Mingo became news when J. W. Johnson petitioned the county court for a ferry franchise. The only Follansbee ferry service available was operated by Mrs. Maxwell.  Her ferry was described as excellent, but primarily consisting of a rowboat leaving a landing nearly a mile below town.  It had been nearly two years since horse-drawn wagons were taken across the river from Follansbee. The two other ferry services across the river were at Wellsburg and the Steubenville ferry that crossed the river near Holliday Cove.

Johnson argued that Follansbee and Mingo had thriving industries and commerce.  Prohibition in West Virginia also created more demand by folks who wanted to travel across the river to saloons in the Mingo Bottoms vicinity. Workers also crossed daily to factories.  Likewise, farmers would prefer to use a local ferry rather than drive their wagons four miles to the Wellsburg or Steubenville ferries.

Johnson proposed to establish a landing in the south part of town.  A qualified ferryman would be in charge and capable of operating a boat that could carry both passengers and wagons.  The proposed landing would be built so that steamboats may stop for passengers or cargoes.

• Mill Towns Review, “Plan Greater Ferry Service with Mingo,” June 19, 1914, front page.