RAPIDS PILOTS WHO HANDLED RAFTS OVER THE UPPER, OR ROCK ISAND RAPIDS,
IN THE ORDER OF THEIR SERVICE FROM 1840-1915
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Philip Suiter
John Suiter, son of Philip
William Suiter, son of Philip
Jacob Suiter, son of Philip
John Suiter, son of John
Zach Suiter, son of John
Harvey Goldsmith
Silas Lancaster
William Rambo
DeForest Dorrance
J.W. Rambo, son of William
Oliver P. White
J.N. Long
Dana Dorrance
Durbin Dorrance
Orrin Smith
All in this list have made "the last crossing" except Orrin Smith who is
still in active service as master and pilot of the towboat 'Lone Star,' owned
by the Builders Sand and Gravel Company of Davenport.
Orrin Smith is a son of John Smith who did long and excellent service
\in piloting the large and heavily loaded packet steamers during the busy
years from 1860 to 1885 when they carried full cargoes of freight and …
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passengers. John Smith had a rare combination of nerve, caution and skill,
with ambition and energy to use his gifts, and his work was high class.
masters and owners had confidence in his judgment and his skill. He was
a 'sure shot' if there ever was one and Orrin is just like him. He is the
youngest and last Rapids pilot to run rafts over the Rock Island rapids.
His work has been equal to the best done by any of those older and with more
experience.
All these rapid pilots lived in LeClaire and all of them died there except
Joseph N. Long who left his old home town many years ago, went to the
Columbia river, and died, we think, in Portland, Oregon; and Orrin smith is
living in the fine old home where he was born.
J.W. Rambo was born in Rapids City, Illinois, August 27, 1844, and was
only ten days old when the family moved over to LeClaire where he lived until
his death, January 30, 1925.
Captain Rambo was master to Snow lodge, A.F, an A.M., 1879-1883 inclusive
and was elected Mayor of LeClaire, 1886-1887-1889 and 1892. His wife and only
daughter, Mrs. B.J. Metzger (Nellie), survive him.
HISTORY