Built in 1961, by Barbour Metal Boat Works Incorporated of St. Louis, Missouri (hull #1138) as the W.H. Shaver Jr. for Tri-State Materials Incorporated of Parkersburg, West Virginia.

In 1979, the tug was acquired by the Dravo Corporation of Parkersburg, West Virginia. Where she retained her name.

In 1987, she was acquired by Imperial Towing Incorporated of Imperial, Pennsylvania. Where the tug was renamed as the Amber Johnson.

In 1989, the tug was acquired by St. Jo Marine Incorporated of Bellaire, Ohio. Where she was renamed as the Ralph B.

In 2004, she was acquired by Georgetown Marine Incorporated of Bellaire, Ohio. Where the tug retained her name.

In 2007, the tug was acquired by Ohio River Salvage LLC. of Crescent, Pennsylvania. Where she retained her name.

In 2008, she was acquired by the Ingram Barge Company of Nashville, Tennessee. Where the tug retained her name.

In 2018, the tug was acquired by Bellaire Marine Incorporated of Bellaire, Ohio. Where the tug was renamed as the the Julia A. Harrison. Where the tug was phased out of service and was "laid up" at Bellaire, Ohio.

Repowered in 1972, she is driven by two GM 16V-71N diesel engines. She was a twin screw towboat, rated at 850 horsepower.