W.D. Holsapple

HOLSAPPLE

Posted By: Rebecca Foster (email)
Date: 9/10/2014 at 10:39:37

Captain W. D. Holsapple, Veteran River Pilot, is Dead, 50 Years at Helm.

Capt. W. D. Holsapple

Captain W. D. Holsapple, aged 80 years, for more than half a century a pilot on the Mississippi river, veteran of river men and admired by them for this knowledge of the shifting currents of the father of waters, died at 5:45 o’clock yesterday afternoon at his home at smith’s Crossing, two miles below Le Claire. His death followed several months illness of cancer.

Captain Holsapple was retired by the P. S. government three years ago after nearly 30 years’ service on the government boats in this district and with a record which included service at Muscle shoals and on the Missouri as well as the Mississippi, where he learned the art of guiding river craft and developed his skill at the helm of great packets.

His death yesterday ended a career of adventure typical of the hardy pioneer of the early days. Born in Indiana, captain Holsapple’s family came to Illinois in the late ‘50’s and when Lincoln called for volunteers to save the Union, he was among the first to answer. Four years of the conflict only sharpened his desire for a zestful life, and returning from the Civil War young Holsapple was drawn to the then thrilling life of the river. Stalwart sharp of eye keen of judgment and hardy with the strength and fire of the pioneer, he mastered the ways of the river and soon given charge of a boat.

The Le Claire rapids, terror of the staunchest rivermen, were a challenge to him that he was ever ready to accept and Captain Holsapple skill in steering a course thru this variable and ever-changing water marked him among the bravest pilots of the river. With him at the wheel captains and owners felt a confidence that few men of the gallant company of river pilots inspired.

When the Moline canal was finished the United states paid its tribute to this ability by turning over the first boat to go thru the channel to Captain Holsapple. Similarly, he was called upon for the maiden voyage thru the Hennipin. The Verne Swain, The Maggie Raney, the Josephine the Nellie, the Dick Clyde and a dozen other of the packets that were the chief means of transport between the river cities of those days knew the determined and trustful command of his hand. So adept and so closely and well did he know the signs and tricks of the river that when he made his first voyage up the muddy, bar-dotted Missouri, which held disaster for men who had spent their lives studying its changing course, he finished the trip without damage.

Three Decades on U. S. Boats

Twenty years in the packet service and Captain Holsapple, as the railroads encroached upon the river transportation entered the government service. He spent nearly three decades piloting U. S. craft up and down the Northern Mississippi, his love of the river being exceeded only by his fulfillment of every responsibility which the pilots of those days accepted as their creed.

From a half hundred thrilling experiences in his long river career his friends yesterday recalled the occasion when several years ago the captain and Mrs. Holsapple wee passengers on the Bald Eagle, an excursion steamer, which ran out of the Tri-Cities with a capacity crowd of pleasure seekers. Above the Clinton bridge the boat got out of control of its pilot and altho Captain Holsapple was on a lower deck with passengers, he realized that all was not well. He sought the captain and warned him but the Captain confident of his pilot paid no heed. The second warning went unnoticed and Captain Holsapple rushed to the pilot house.

The pilot dazed and evidently confused in his helplessness, did not answer Captain Holsapple. Pressed then by the necessity of action the captain said: “Your letting this boat go against the pier: you’ll sink t if you don’t act quickly.” And grasping the man threw him out of the cabin, saying: “You shan’t drown these people! You can’t down my wife.” Seizing the wheel he averted the disaster and the captain then appreciating the service besought him to take the craft the remainder of the journey to Davenport.

Native of Indiana

Captain Holsapple was born Oct 3, 1843, in Indiana and when he was 13 years of age his parents moved to Rapids City, Ill. Where his father conducted a general store. There Captain Holsapple grew to young manhood, but left his home to serve his country being enrolled in company G. 47th Illinois infantry. Upon completion of his army service, which continued thru the period of the war he returned to Rapids City and then turned to the river for his career.

He was united in marriage Jan 13, 1867 with Miss Henriette Smith and a few years ago, surrounded by their family and scores of loving neighbors and friends they celebrated their golden wedding anniversary. The widow survives and there are left to mourn his departure two sons, Roy of Davenport, George, and a sister Mrs. T. I. Hall of Pomona, Ca. Three brothers M. V. Holsapple of Rock Island, George of Iowa city and O. F. of Neb., and a sister, Mrs. J. F. Compton of Davenport. Two Grandchildren also survive.

Source: The Davenport Democrat and Leader, Davenport, Ia., 11 May 1926.

LAST RITES FOR VET RIVERMAN

The LeClaire Presbyterian Church is Filled at Last Services.

Last rites for Captain W.D. Holsapple, veteran Mississippi river pilot, who passed away Saturday afternoon at his home at Smith's Crossing, below LeClaire, were held at 2:30 o'clock this afternoon in the LeClaire Presbyterian church, Rev. J.T. Stewart conducted the services and burial took place in the LeClaire cemetery. Jerry S. Green spoke at the services and the church was filled with friends and admirers of the late river man gathered there to pay their last tribute to one of the best known and respected pioneers of this community.

Source: Davenport Democrat and Leader, Davenport, Ia., 14 May 1924.