Biography of William Goodwin

William Goodwin, a prominent farmer and honored citizen of Brandywine Township, was born in Hendricks Township, this county, July 31, 1829.  He was the eldest of nine children, three sons and six daughters, born to James and Patsy (Landingham) Goodwin, the former a native of Butler County, Ohio, of English and Irish descent, and the latter a native of NorthCarolina, of English descent. His father, James Goodwin, came to this county with his father, mother and one sister, in 1822, and settled in Hendricks Township. His paternal grandparents were John and Martha Goodwin.  His two brothers are John and Martin, both of who are living. His six sisters were: Elizabeth, Amanda, Eliza, Mary, Maria and Celia, all of who are deceased, except Maria, who is the wife of Lewis Ray, of Shelby Township. The subject of this sketch was reared upon his father's farm, and at twelve years of age he accompanied his parents to Addison Township, where he continued with them until his marriage, which occurred December 21, 1854. His wife was Sarah, daughter of Zebedee and Martha (Pierce) Ray, both natives of North Carolina. Mrs. Goodwin was born in Addison Township, this county, January 19, 1839. She had seven brothers as follows: Reuben, William, Simeon, Alfred, Hudson, Martin M. and Edward, all of who are living except Reuben. She had three sisters: Jincey, Elizabeth and Eliza, of who Elizabeth only is living. The paternal grandparents of Mrs. Goodwin were Hudson and Margaret (Byerly) Ray, both natives of North Carolina. Her maternal grandparents were John and Clarissa Pierce, both of who were also natives of North Carolina. Immediately after their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Goodwin located upon a farm in Hendricks Township. Two years later they removed to Brandywine Township, where they have ever since resided. The life occupation of Mr. Goodwin has been that of a farmer, and as such he has been very successful. He and wife are the parents of six children, as follows: James A, born March 23, 1856; Alice A, born April 26, 1858, died December 15, 1875; Maggie A, born March 28, 1861; Louie A. born May 3, 1866; Ora E, born May 19, 1870; and Carrie C, born February 20, 1876. Mr. and Mrs. Goodwin are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. The former is a member of the F. & A.M. Lodge, and a democrat in politics. He was elected Trustee of Brandywine Township in 1867, and served one year. In 1870, he was again elected, and was re-elected in 1872, and again in 1874, and in 1876. In 1882, he was again re-elected and served two years. In all he served his township in that capacity eleven years. He made a reliable and trustworthy official, and discharged his duties to the entire satisfaction of his constituents, evidence of which they gave by prolonging his term of office. Mr. Goodwin is an enterprising, industrious and successful farmer, and he and wife are among the worthy and esteemed citizens of the county.

"Shelby County, Indiana History", p. 614-615. Publ. 1887 by Brant & Fuller

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