Alfred G. Goldschmidt Biography >From "History of Davenport and Scott County" Vol. II by Harry E. Downer-S. J. Clarke Publishing Co. 1910 Chicago. Surnames: Goldschmidt, Henrechsen, Bremer. Alfred G. Goldschmidt, city electrician, belongs doubly to Davenport, by birth as well as by choice, since it was this place which witnessed his nativity March 30, 1868. His parents, Peter and Eliza (Henrechsen) Goldschmidt, were natives of Germany. The father early in his career followed the trade of cabinetmaker, which upon the widening of his business horizon he changed to that of furniture dealer and undertaker. He and his wife landed in New York in 1852, on the Fourth of July, which proved to be happily significant for he was to become an enthusiastic American. Ten children were born to these good people, of whom Alfred G. is the ninth in order of birth. Five of these are deceased. Mr. Goldschmidt's paternal grandmother joined her relatives here after the death of her husband in the old country, and here lived until her demise. The father located in Davenport almost immediately and this city has ever since been the family home. For four years Alfred G. Goldschmidt attended the old German school of davenport and after this primary preparation he entered the public schools, attending Nos. 8 and 3. He was graduated in 1882 and later attended the high school for one year. He then matriculated in the University of Illinois, where he qualified in that line to which his natural talents inclined him-mechanical engineering, receiving at the end of his course the degree of Bachelor of Science. His first practical experience was gained experience was gained in the employ of the Davenport Foundry Machine Company, where he served for a year as a draughtsman. Then going to Chicago, he entered the offices of the United States Electrical Company and work of this nature exerted upon him such a fascination that he has ever since associated himself with electrical concerns. He has divided his time and energies between Chicago and Davenport. For two and a half years he was in the service of the Bettendorf Company of ! Davenport. On August 1, 1895, he was appointed city electrician by the city council, who created the office at this time, Mr. Goldschmidt being the first incumbent. On January 1, 1901, he was succeeded by J. E. Moore. He was then frequently out of the city on general construction business for a Chicago form, at one time having charge of the Silvis plant in Rock Island. In 1903 he became the superintendent of the Davenport Gas & Electric and Street Railway Companies, which responsible positions he held for two years. He then resumed his former position as city electrician, which includes in its duties the inspection of all the wiring in the city. His offices are located on the third floor of the city building. On June 28, 1894, Mr. Goldschmidt married Miss Anna Bremer, whose parents came from Germany and were among Scott county's early settlers. Their attractive home at 2222 West Fourth street receives additional interest from the presence of two children, Erma C., who is attending the public schools; and Alfred, Jr., who is four years of age. Mr. Goldschmidt's fraternal relations extend to the Elks, the Owls and the Knights of Pythias, in all of which his membership is valued. He is a man who by sheer native brilliance ha made his mark and placed himself in one of the finest positions in the bestowal of the city. ~~~~~~*~~~~~~ Elaine Rathmann Assist. CC: Scott Co, IA USGenWeb Project List Adm. for: *IA-CIVIL-WAR *IA-DANES