The Maid of Iowa was built and owned by Levi Moffitt and Dan Jones.

Shares of the boat were purchased by Joseph Smith in 1843, for use by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

On one voyage, a large steamboat tried to run the Maid of Iowa off the river, but Captain Jones prevented this by threatening to shoot the pilot of the larger ship.

It was also used to carry freight, such as coal, lumber, lead, military supplies, wheat, corn, and pork.

After Joseph Smith was killed, it was sold in 1845 to Peter Hoelting to haul freight on the Fox and Wisconsin Rivers.