Transcribed from "An Illustrated History of The
Big Bend Country, embracing Lincoln, Douglas, Adams and Franklin counties,
State of Washington", published by Western Historical Publishing
Co., 1904.
GEORGE F. GOLDSMITH has the distinction
of being the first mayor of Wilsoncreek after the city charter was adopted.
The election occurred in 1903. The following May he took his oath
of office and is at the present time acting in this capacity. He
has proved an efficient and wise executive officer, as he has also a capable
and thrifty business man. He is now at the head of a large lumber
business which has grown under his direction until it is now one of the
best in the county. He handles a full supply of building material
and does a thriving business.
George F. Goldsmith was born in Cairo, Illinois,
on May 14, 1866, being the son of George and Ruth E. (Hewke) Goldsmith,
natives of England and emigrants to the United States in early days.
The father served in the union navy during the Rebellion. The common
schools of his native place gave the educational training to our subject
and in early manhood he learned the carpenter trade. He continued
at Cairo until twenty-three years of age, and then went to St. Louis, where
he was engaged at his trade for seven years. In 1896 he removed west,
settling just north of Wilbur, where he bought half interest in his brother's
wheat ranch. He was occupied in conducting this for one year, then
moved into Wilbur and opened a mercantile establishment. After one
year in this business, he went to Everett, Washington, and there engaged
in contract work for a short time. After that, he came back to eastern
Washington and selected Wilsoncreek as his permanent place of abode.
He opened a lumber yard in this thriving center in company with Jesse Gentry
and from that time until the present he has given his entire attention
to the upbuilding of his business, and the result is he stands now a prosperous
and respected business man of Douglas county. Mr. Goldsmith has three
brothers, Herbert H., Louis D. and Adelbert A., and three sisters, Mrs.
Edith Bradbury, Mrs. Mabel Goe and Mrs. Ruth Aldrich.
At St. Louis, Missouri, on February 26, 1902, Mr. Goldsmith married
Miss Ida Schopmier, whose parents were natives of Germany and early settlers
in St. Louis. She was born in St. Louis, on December 19, 1871, and
has two brothers, Henry and August, and one sister, Emma, all living in
St. Louis. On December 9, 1902, at Wilsoncreek, Ralph A. was born
to Mr. and Mrs. Goldsmith. Mr. Goldsmith and his wife were reared
under the influence of the Presbyterian church, but are not members of
any denomination.
BACK