The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1889-04-17
A USEFUL LIFE ENDED
DEATH OF EDWARD GOLDSMITH,
CASHIER OF THE GERMAN BANK.
Universal Expressions ,egret
Throughout the City and a Consers us
OF Opinion That His Death Is Public
Loss.
,egret

cashier OF the German Bank, was dead. A
piece OF black crepe pinned TO the door OF
the bank told the sad story, which spread
quickly and was received by all who had
known the deceased with sense OF per-
sonal loss. Men unaccustomed to express
sions OF liberal laudation OF their fellows
pd not hesitate to say "His loss is ire
parable; there is no one who can fill his |
place" These expressions were not con-
fined TO intimate friends alone, but repre-
scented the preponderant sentiment OF the |
financial world Of Memphis. Every |
body had a good word for the dead |
man, coupled with sentiment that
his demise was in the nature of public |
loss. His brother cashiers were deeply |
moved by the event, and did not hesitate
to bear tribute to his eminent merits rs a |
iinancier and bank officer and admirable
qualities as a man. Mr.. John Overton,
jr., represented the prevailing opinion on
Change when he said, memphis has lost
a very valuable man. There are many
who could have been better spared than
he"
Mr.. John Cochran, President OF the
German Bank, took the loss OF his assocl-
ate deeply to heart. The tears were in his
ewes and his voice was broken with emo
ton when he referred 10 II. The bank
employees went about their work with
heavy hearts, realizing that they had lost
kind and considerate superior and a
Trustworthy and generous friend. The
bank depositors, rs they focked in toward
the closing hour with their daily de-
posits, looked reverently in the di-
rection OF the private Office fac.
ing the street, which was his usual
workshop, and sighed regretfully as the
vacant chair reminded OF the familiar form
and agreeable presence that had 80 long
presided there.
Everywhere in business circles, on the
streets, in the counting-rooms, at the
! Cottyn Exchange and Merchants Ex-
change, nothing else was talked oil, and
upon every lip were expressions ol regret
and praise, varied occasionally by some
such expression as There died one oil the
best friends ever had, / don't know
where I'll find another like him."
Mr.. Goldsmith's popularity was due to
his personal magnetism, TO his readiness
at an times TO lend helping hand TO de-
serving business men. To Young men he
was particularly kind, backing them mp
with credit and words OF encouragement
ana advice. There Is no counting the
number OF business men to whom Edward
Goldsmith stood in the relation OF trusted
counsellor and s,eadiast friend. lie did
not measure men by the tape line OF dol
lars and cents although no man IN Mem
phis was better posted as 10 the sovency
OF those who applied to the bank for loans.
lie sometimes trusted 10 mems honor
and rendered them financial assistance
without security other than pledges oil
Good faith, and 30 keen was his insight
into human nature and no true his judg-
ment of men, that he was rarely, II ever,
deceived. In such cases he took the risk
on his own shoulders and Protected the
bank against any danger OF loss. A re-
mark made by gentleman passenger in a
street car to a friend will illustrate how
numerous were the recipients OF his favor.
Said he. II am running two stores, and
very much fear that Goldsmith's death
will compel me 10 let one OF them go.
There were 30 many commendable traits
In Mr.. GOldsmith's character that II u
, next 10 impossible to do them justice
, within the brief limits OF newspaper arti
Gle. Ills judgment rs 10 the value oil IN
yestments was next TO inialible, and capt
; talists were quite content 10 follow his lea,
~
, proyal. More than that, so implicitly die
= well known investors rely upon the sound
/ ness OF his financial judgment that abou
/ twelve months ago an investment com
4 pany was organized with capital OF 300,
D 600. and the entire sum placed at his dis
posil TO invest as his best Judgment nigh
dictate. A few days before his death h
called the stockholders together and glad
g doncd their hearts by announcing a II pc
= cont. dividend.
b. Tho Jewish community OF Memphis
have lost in Mr.. Goldsmith friend VIII
!. cannot be replaced. A member OF tina
d race himself lao enjoyed their conlidcnc
n In the highest degree and was always con
o suited by those OF them who needed wis
J, counsel and generous sympathy. No ma
u ever applied for either 10 Edward Gold
!, smith without receiving 1t In the iullc'
u measure.
Mr.. Goldsmith WIS a seli-made man !
the highest sense OF the torn. When bu
ten years OF age he came from German
70 10 Philadelphia, where he attended IA
o. public schools aud acquired q fair commo
Is school education, but even nj that earl
a. age lac was a seli-rellanl bread winner an
:, sold papers 10 enable him TO contribute
~ the family treasury. lie was about THU
m teen years VI Nso Nh.h hN N""H'
:, Memphis, and found cmploymeI
!, dispensing soda water at Rocco
~ confectionery. While there employe
a he managed 10 acquire know
edge OF bookkeeping and was 500
promoted 10 the position Of bookkcep'
and confidential clerk. When Roc
;. failed and left Memphis, young Goldsmith
then about sixteen, secured position wit
W Levy q Borg, private bankers aud broker
~ and thus established a business connc'
:, ton which lasted through life. Step !
la siop he advanced In the confidence an
!, esteem Of his employers and rapidly We
promotion. From bookkeeper TO asslstal
y. y cashier, and from assistant cashier
~ cashier were landmarks In his progre
which lac easily left behind him.
'e When tho old Manhattan Bank VI
merged with the German In June. lSs
and absorbed by that popular financial u
4, stitution. Mr. Goldsmith was chose
u cashier, q position which bc occupied .
X, TO the hour Of his death with emin cntsa
~ isiaction TO all concerned. =.
". In 1872, nj the age Of 'vcnty-hye, NJ
ut Goldsmith was married In this cityto Nj
m Mcndel, a most ostimablo lady, by who
"a Inc had three children who survi'
no him and share their mothers p
M rcayement. The deceased was a MOI
husband and father and knew no great
pleasure than 10 retire 10 his home at
surrounded by his household gods deyo
" himaolf 10 pleasant converse or sic
n. study. lie was am indclatigable studio
n. and had supplemented the defects OF i