Alden Goldsmith, the proprietor of Walnut Grove Farm, was born December 4, 1820 in Blooming Grove , NY . He is best known for his development of the famous Immortal Volunteer (Hambletonian 10 – Lady Patriot – Young Patriot) and Immortal Goldsmith Maid (Abdallah 15 – Old Ab – Abdallah 1). Goldsmith purchased Volunteer as an eight-year-old from R.C. Underhill of Brooklyn , NY , in 1862. In the nineteen years that the stallion stood at Walnut Grove, he sired more than thirty 2:30 performers, including Immortal St. Julien 2:11¼, Gloster 2:17, Alley 2:19 and Bodine 2:19¼.  

Goldsmith’s skill as a breeder greatly improved this great trotting bloodline by more than tripling its production of 2:30 performers when comparing Hambletonian (2%) to Volunteer (6.2%). He passed these skills on to his sons, James and John A., which eventually brought John A. the honor of being inducted as an Immortal in 1959.

In 1865 Goldsmith purchased his next great horse from John B. Decker of Deckertown , NJ , for $650. He named the eight-year-old, unbroken mare Goldsmith Maid. Goldsmith trained her and brought her to her first race in Goshen , NY , on September 7, 1865 which she won easily. Three years later he sold her for $20,000 to a syndicate which included famous driver Budd Doble. Goldsmith Maid went on to become a sensation on the track, winning over 90 of her 123 starts and lowering the world trotting mile seven times before attaining her record of 2:14 in 1874.

Goldsmith took an active role in the early administration of the sport, serving as a prominent figure within the Turf Congress and the National Association of Trotting Horse Breeders and assisting with the organization of The National Trotting Association. He passed away at his home in Washingtonville , NY , on December 20, 1886 at the age of sixty-six. In his obituary, the New York Times referred to him as “one of the most prominent trotting horse breeders of this country.”

For information on The Harness Racing Museum's Hall of Fame Induction Ceremonies, including ticketing and hotel information, click here or call the museum at 845.294.6330.  Attendance at the event is open to the public and encouraged.