sc_leafHISTORY

A Raft Pilot's Log by Capt. Walter A. Blair
1930-Arthur H. Clark Company


Transcribed by Joan Bard Robinson

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 …

276

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.

Page updated by Lynn McCleary November 12, 2017

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