276 A RAFT PILOT'S LOG 



passengers. John Smith had a rare combination of 

 nerve, caution and skill, with ambition and energy to 

 use his gifts, and his work was high class. Masters and 

 owners had confidence in his judgment and his skill. 

 He was a "sure shot" if there ever was one and Orrin is 

 just like him. He is the youngest and last Rapids pilot 

 to run rafts over the Rock Island rapids. His work has 

 been equal to the best done by any of those older and 

 with more experience. 



All these Rapids pilots lived in LeClaire and all of 

 them died there except Joseph N. Long who left his old 

 home town many years ago, went to the Columbia river, 

 and died, we think, in Portland, Oregon; and Orrin 

 Smith is living in the fine old home where he was born. 



J. W. Rambo was born in Rapids City, Illinois, Au- 

 gust 27, 1844, and was only ten days old when the fam- 

 ily moved over to LeClaire where he lived until his 

 death, January 30, 1925. 



Captain Rambo was Master of Snow Lodge, A. F. and 

 A. M., 1 879- 1 883 inclusive and was elected Mayor of 

 LeClaire, 1886- 1887- 1890 and 1892. His wife and only 

 daughter, Mrs. B. J. Metzgar (Nellie), survive him. 



