Where did the phrase A man to ride the river with originate i know it refers to someone who is dependable or reliable but you are interested in the origiantion?

"Someone to ride the river with" is a trusted companion. The term probably arose during the early settlement of the west. Especially during the time of the covered wagon trains and the cattle drives from Texas to rail heads to the north.

Crossing a river was one of the most difficult and dangerous parts of the journey. It needed to be very organized and well guided by a person who knew what the problems were and their solutions and everyone needed to do their share of the work. No crossing was the same as the one before so the "someone to ride the river with" needed to be a good decision maker, someone who will stay cool in a crisis, and will not run away from trouble.

In modern times a woman who is a real partner in a marriage is said to be "one to ride the river with" My father said that of my mother and I say that of my wife of 54 years).