[Taken from Manx Wesleyan Church Record 1893]

CHARACTER SKETCH: MR. WILLLIAM GOLDSMITH.

WE have pleasure in presenting our readers with the portrait of the " Mayor of Douglas;' otherwise Chairman of the Town Commissioners. WILLIAM GOLDSMITH was born at Douglas, Isle of Man, December 8th. 1851. The subject of our sketch had godly ancestry and Christian training ; his mother's example especially, having much to do in forming his character. Young Goldsmith was apprenticed to a watchmaking firm in Liverpool, and in that city identified himself with the Wesleyan Methodist Church by joining a Society Class in connection with old Mount Pleasant Chapel. Here he gave himself earnestly to Sunday School work, and to other Christian enterprises. His apprenticeship was interrupted by sickness, and he returned to his old home, when, after a few months of enforced leisure, he entered his father's employ at a branch establishment at Laxey.

In 1873 he felt called by the Spirit of God to preach, and the same year his name appeared on the Douglas Wesleyan Circuit plan. About the same time he was appointed to conduct a Society Class; and in these two important capacities-Local preacher, and. Leader - he still acts with effficiency and acceptance. Mr William Goldsmith also filled the highest office any Methodist Layman can aspire to, viz. that of Circuit Steward, the duties of which he discharges with marked ability.

Nor have his aspirations and labours been confined to Christian work in connection with the Methodist Church. True to the "high calling" of good citizenship, he has sought to express his influence in other ways, and in 1887 he was elected member of the Douglas Town Improvement Committee. Twice he has been re-appointed to this important post, and in the spring of this year was unanimously chosen Chairman of the Board.

It may be said of Mr Goldsmith that be ecclesiastically and politically of progressive tendencies He is a man of the people, and has faith in the Democracy. He is intensely earnest, and unselfishly gives the best of his time and service for the good of the community. Especially has the cause of Temperance a place in his warmest affections. He may be always relied upon to "show his colours" in the crusade against Liquordom.

His public addresses give proof of careful preparation, are well delivered and effective. Such a man we are glad to recognise, and it rejoices us to think there is every prospect that Mr Goldsmith's influence for good will grow and intensify with advancing years.

[died June 1923 - though appointed Alderman never did become Mayor of Douglas]