The Ruby was built as a small wooden hull, side wheel steamer in De Soto, Wisconsin in 1880. The vessel was used as a ferry boat and ran between McGregor and Prairie du Chien.
On November 18,1899 the Ruby was destroyed by fire between McGregor, Iowa and Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin. She was run ashore and beached below Glenhaven, Wisconsin, a total loss. "Wreck now lies in Cassville Slough."