Jonathan Goldsmith was a master builder and early architectural pioneer in Cleveland and Painesville history. Born in Connecticut, he first apprenticed as a cobbler, then as a carpenter-joiner. Arriving in Ohio in 1811, he fought in the War of 1812 before embarking on an architectural career that has been well documented in the Western Reserve annals of early American history. His legacy includes more than 30 homes or commercial buildings in Painesville (1819-1843), a handful of others in Lake/Geauga Counties, and ten more in Cleveland ( circa 1830-1837). His late Federal and early Greek Revival style, influenced by the late 1700's thoughts of Thomas Jefferson, are easily seen in the structures still standing. Goldsmith was also an inventor and patent holder. His creation of the multiple plow was a boon to the farming industry in his time. Goldsmith endured some financial hardships later in life. Ingleside, his last home was located on the present site of the Lake County Fairgrounds. The Fairgrounds purchased the home in 1911. A fire destroyed the home in 1929. Goldsmith was buried in Painesville Twp. Cemetery. His tombstone is clearly marked and his many dwellings dot Lake County's landscape as a tribute to his pioneering past.
A Listing of Goldsmith Structures still standing-
- Dr. Everett Denton Residence 1816 55 Mentor Ave. Painesville
- Uri Seeley Residence 1819 969 Riverside Dr. Painesville
- Eber D. Howe Residence 1822 215 Mentor Ave. Painesville
- Judge Aaron Wilcox Residence 1827 Painesville
- Dr. John Matthews Residence 1829 309 W. Washington St. - first Painesville Hospital, home was relocated to Lake Erie College campus and is now the Alumni Center
- Lewis Morley House 1836 Painesville
- Joseph Sawyer Residence c 1820 9364 Forsythe Rd. Mentor
- Dr. Charles Livingston Residence c 1827 Painesville
- Isaac Gilbert Residence c 1827 Painesville
- Nathan Corning Residence c 1830 8353 Mentor Ave. Mentor
- Robinson Elwell Residence 1833 3742 Erie St. Willoughby
Other Notable Buildings-
- First Presbyterian Church c 1830 Painesville
- Painesville National Bank 1834 Painesville
- Bank of Geauga c 1830
- Goldsmith House at Hale Farm c 1830 Bath
- Fairport Harbor Lighthouse 1825-71 129 Second St. Fairport Harbor
- Fairport, Painesville, Warren Railroad 1836 First Railroad in Ohio
- Judge Samuel Cowles Mansion 1834 Euclid Ave. Cleveland
- Truman Handy Mansion 1837 Euclid Ave. Cleveland
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