There is a article on Wikipedia addressing hog chains, here:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hog_chains
Beyond that, pictures will probably speak loudest.

I remember seeing the Paddleducks web site years ago when doing some research on a paddle-wheeler. (You need to register to access search.)

Lew
Florida, USA

Link: http://www.paddleducks.co.uk

Hello Gord-C!
I am also creating a Mississippi sternwheeler.
There I was also looking for ideas. Here are a few of them, and if you have some patience, I can show you my version. Am just drawing up in CAD . . Will get back to you later.
Hobbyist greetings Michel-Cl.

Appendix:
All these photos have either received or found on the Internet. These are filed with me under the folder : Ideas from around the world . . . . Thanks to the Internet!
or look in my harbour under no 5 sternwheeler

https://engel-modellbau.eu/shop/Schiff/Heckraddampfer/CHAPERON-Mississippi-Heckraddampfer-Komplettbausatz.html