Isaac Rothschild

ROTHSCHILD, DEUTSCH, BLOCK

Posted By: Rebecca Foster (email)
Date: 2/14/2015 at 19:45:12

ISAAC ROTHSCHILD.

If you were a boy in Davenport 40 years ago, or for a considerable period before and after that time, your pleasant memories include a new suit of clothes bough at Isaac Rothschild's. And you will remember the solicitude with which you were fitted out, the pleasure you took in that suit, how well it wore. You outgrew it probably , and if you lived in a home where such things were passed on to the younger children, that suit probably saw service for some years before it wore out. It was a time of substantial cloths, of all-wool suits, and if Isaac Rothschild vouched for it you knew it was all right.

Memories of Mr. Rothschild as Davenport's most popular clothing merchant of those long ago years are awakened by the new which The Democrat and Leader carried to its readers of "Little Isaac's" death at age of 84 years. Mr. Rothschild was small of stature but big of heart. All his years he was everybody's friend. He saw only the joy of living, he assimilated and radiated it. No one ever heard him utter a critical or unkind word, we imagine. He was always the essence of cordiality and sympathy and friendliness, and none but kindly memories will be awakened by his passing, none but regretful thoughts that we are to see him no more.

Mr. Rothschild was successful in business until the time came that his trustfulness in others was his undoing. But it was not in his nature to repine. People meant much more to him than things. He had family left, and neighbors; there were children to love, friends to greet and exchange pleasantries with. Work was to be had; people were to be served; some could be helped, others could be cheered. No on will remember "Little Isaac" except as a helpful influence. If cheerfulness, sympathy, honesty, and optimism are essentials of character and citizenship, Isaac Rothschild was a good citizen, and such will be esteemed and missed.

Source: The Davenport Democrat and Leader, Davenport, Ia., 12 Apr 1928, p.6.

Isaac Rothschild, Pioneer Clothing Merchant Is Dead--Funeral To Be Friday.

Isaac Rothschild, pioneer clothing merchant of Davenport is dead. His death occurred at 6 o'clock this morning at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Abe Rothschild, 2109 Harrison street. He was 83 years old.

Death terminated a six months illness. He suffered a light stroke last summer and has been in failing health since. Death was in reality due to the infirmities of age.

Tke funeral will be held at 10 a.m. Friday at Temple Emanuel. Rabbit Morton M. Berman will officiate and interment will take place in Mt. Nebo cemetery.

The deceased was born in Nordstken, Germany, Dec. 6, 1844, where he grew to manhood. He went to school with the daughter of Berthold Von Auerbach of Frankfort-on-the-Main who later in this country became his wife and how preceded him in death on June 1, 1924.

Mr. Rothschild came to Davenport when a young man, and for years conducted a clothing store at Second and Brady streets. He later was connected with the J.H.C. Petersen's Sons Co., establishment.

Beloved by All.

In the past generation Mr. Rothschild was probably the best known man in Davenport. Genial, kind, and big hearted, he made friends with everybody he met. Rich and poor alike loved and admired him for his many sterling traits of character. His sunny disposition and kindly smile won him friends by the thousand.

Mr. Rothschild was a great lover of children, and took a deep interest in humanity in general. He was generous beyond measure. In the old days when he had his store on Second and Brady street, at the time the largest establishment of its kind in the city, he was considered the biggest hearted and the most generous merchant in the community.

His faith in mankind was unlimited. Honest himself, he was inclined to believe all other men the same. He trusted them without word or argument. He contributed to the poor in great measure.

Failed in Business.

One day the public was startled by the announcement that Mr. Rothschild had failed in business. His generosity and unlimited credit to all who allied, was responsible. But in the face of adversity, Mr. Rothschild maintained his usual composure and cheerfulness. He gave up every dollar he had in the world to pay off his creditors. Accounts on his books, most of which were never paid, constituted themselves a fortune of no small proportion.

Some of Mr. Rothschild's friends advised him to enter suit against the creditors on his books. But he would not listen to their urging. "If they cannot pay, or will not pay willingly, I will stand for the loss. I value their friendship far more than their money." he is quoted as saying.

It was this tenderness and sweetness in his life that endeared him so firmly in the affections of all who knew him. Friendship with him is the greatest asset in life. And as he live, so hi died, in peace and contentment.

Member of Many Lodges.

Mr. Rothschild was a member of the Odd Fellow; the Knights of Pythias; Harugarl Lodge No. 409; Trinity Lodge No. 208' A.F. & A.M.; Zaraphath Consistory; Davenport Chapter No. 16; R.A> M.; Kaaba Temple and the order of The Eastern Star.

Surviving are on son, Morton Rothschild of Kansas City, Mo; and four daughters. The latter are Mrs. Abe Rothschild, Mrs. Joseph Deutsch, Miss Hanna Rothschild, all of Davenport, and Mrs. Maurice Block of Moline.

Source: The Davenport Democrat and Leader, Davenport, Ia., 1 Apr 1928, p. 21.

I. ROTHSCHILD IS PAID FINAL TRIBUTE TODAY.

Impressive Service Marks Last Rites for Pioneer Merchant.

Men of all creeds and walks of life paid a silent, sincere, and impressive tribute to Isaac Rothschild at his funeral services held at the Temple Emanuel at 10 o'clock this morning. The church was filled by the many men and women who had learned to love and respect this man whose aim in life was service to others.

Attorney Louis Block delivered the eulogy revealing many intimate characteristics of the deceased. He recalled the pleasant cheerful disposition that had never spoken a bitter or critical word against his fellow creatures.

Mr. Block stated "He foreshadowed modern salesmanship by his ?ntiring spirit of service to every individual, whether an intimate individual or unknown. Everyone was his friend, rich or poor: high or low, creed or sects, all had a feeling of friendliness toward him"

As the body was being taken from the church Rabbi Morton I. Berrman followed reading the 23rd Psalm.

The bell of the Trinity Episcopal cathedral across the street from Temple Emanuel, tolled final tribute as the funeral cortege proceeded to Mt. Nebo cemetery where the remains were laid to rest.

The pallbearers were Melville ? and Edd's Rothschild, ? from Chicago, Phillip Adler, E.P. Adler, and Maurice ?, Davenport.

Source: The Davenport Democrat and Leader, Davenport, IA., 13 Apr 1928, p. 16.