Hines, H. K. "An Illustrated History of the State of Oregon." Chicago: Lewis Pub. Co. 1893. p. 1034. BERNARD GOLDSMITH a money-loaner and speculator and one of the successful business men of Portland, Oregon, was born in Bavaria, Germany, in 1832, his ancestry having long been resident of that locality. His father was a mechanic by trade, but for many years was engaged in mercantile pursuits. At the age of fourteen Bernard entered his father's store and served an apprenticeship to the mercantile business. In 1848, accompanied by his brother Solomon, he emigrated to America, and after landing in New York city was employed as clerk there until the fall of 1849. At that time, joining the tide of emigration, he started for California, via the Isthmus route, landing in San Francisco in January, 1850. He then went to Sacramento and Marysville, where he clerked for a time. We next find him on the north fork of the Feather river, where he opened a trading post and remained one year, at the end of which time he sold out, went to Sonoma, and there conducted a similar store until the spring of 1852. From that time until 1854 he had a jewelry store in San Francisco. In 1854 he opened a general merchandise store at Crescent City, northern California, and in 1855 a branch store in Rogue river valley, both of which he continued until 1858, when he centered his interests in the valley and there remained until 1860. In 1860 he came to Portland and opened a jewelry store and assay office and traded in gold dust. This business he carried on until 1867, when, in partnership with his brothers, Louis and Max, he became interested in an extensive wholesale dry-goods establishment in Portland. This business was conducted chiefly by his brothers, while he gave his attention to the stock business, owning 7,000 acres of land in Linn county and 3,000 acres in Benton county, which was well-stocked with cattle. He also owned a large band of cattle in eastern Oregon, about 8,000 head in all. He was engaged in the stock business seven years. In 1871-72 Mr. Goldsmith was one of the syndicate to organize the Willamette Falls, Canal & Lock Company, of which he was president. He directed the building of the locks at Oregon City. He was also president of the Willamette Falls, Canal, Lock & Transportation Company, which was incorporated in 1872, and which operated a line of steamers from the head of navigation on the Willamette river to Astoria. They built the steamers, Governor Grover, Willamette Chief, Champion, Beaver, and barge Columbia Chief. This was the first large freight bare used for river traffic, it having a carrying capacity of 800 tons of wheat. Mr. Goldsmith retired from this company in 1876, and in 1878 from the mercantile business. In 1880 he engaged in speculation and money-loaning, which he has continued to the present time. He was married in San Francisco, in 1863, to Miss Emma Frohman, a native of Europe, and to their Union has been added six children, whose names are as follows: James S., Louis J., Milton M., Alice H., May E. and Alfred S. Mr. Goldsmith was elected Mayor of Portland in 1870 and served one term. He was elected Chairman of the Democratic State Central Committee in 1886, and again in 1890, being the present incumbent. He was caucus nominee for United States Senator at the session held in January, 1892. Mr. Goldsmith owns valuable property in Portland. As a business man and citizen he is held in high esteem by all who know him. ******************* Submitted to the Oregon Bios. Project in January 2007 by Diana Smith. Submitter has no additional information about the person(s) or family mentioned above.