William Harvey Goldsmith

GOLDSMITH, REITER

Posted By: Rebecca Foster (email)
Date: 9/10/2014 at 10:29:00

Wm. H. Goldsmith 97 years old, is dead at Le Claire.

William Harvey Goldsmith, Pioneer resident of Le Claire and former river pilot, died at his home of his daughter Mrs. Eva Reiter, in Le Claire yesterday. Mr, Goldsmith would have observed his 97th birthday next week.

Born in Upshur county Ohio, Oct 6, 1830, he came to Iowa with his parents in 1840, settling in Pleasant Valley township, and later moving to Le Claire, where he had since made his home. For many years he followed the river and piloted rafts over the rapids.

Mr. Goldsmith in his earlier days also had gained fame as a horseman. He was a stage coach driver in Iowa long before the days of railroads and good highways.

In 1856, Mr. goldsmith was married to Mary Jane White, also a native of Ohio, who died Dec. 30, 1909, For the past nine years he had made his home with his daughter Mr. Goldsmith had been in good health until the past few weeks. He was one of a family of twelve children. The only survivor are two half sisters and his daughter Mrs. Reiter.

The funeral will be held Thursday at 2 p. m. from the home in Le Claire, with interment in Glendale cemetery. Friends are asked to omit flowers.

Source: The Daily Times, Davenport, Ia., 27 Sept 1923.