Willam Ward Goodykoontz

GOODYKOONTZ

Posted By: County Coordinator (email)
Date: 4/12/2010 at 12:26:17

Boone county numbers William Ward Goodykoontz among its native sons, his birth having occurred within its borders of August 18, 1872 his parents being Daniel F And Mary Elizabeth (Moore) Goodykoontz, the former a native of Indiana and the latter of Pennsylvania. The father came to Iowa about the year 1855, settling in Allamakee county when it was largely an undeveloped district. In 1886 he removed to Boone and became one of the pioneer merchants of the city, opening a durg store. He built the first brick block in Boone and has contiburted to the improvement and progress of this section in many ways. At the time of the Civil war he responded to the county's call for aid, enlisting as a member of Company B, Twelth Iowa Infantry, with which he was on active duty thoroughout the period of hostilites, participating in many engagements which led up to the final vicotry that crowned the Union arms. In 1906 he was called upon to mourn the loss of his wife, who died on Janauary 6, of that year. In their family were two children, but they lost their second child in infancy.
William Ward Goodykoontz attended the public schools and passed through consecutive grades until graudated for the high school on May 28, 1890. He afterward went to Ann Arbor, Michigan, where he entered the State University, there pursuing a collegiate course, where, in 1895, he was graduated on the completion of the law course. He afterward returned to Boone, where he opened an office and has since practiced.
On December 31, 1900, Mr Goodykoontz was united in marriage to Miss Florence S Streeter, a native of Black Hawk county, Iowa, who formerly engaged in teaching in the schools of Boone. In their family are three children: Elizabeth G ho was born October 4, 1902, Mary W, October 24, 1905, and Daniel Edward, October 31, 1907. The family attend the Presbyterian church. The parents are well knonw socially, and the hospitality of their home is greatly enjoyed by their many friends. Mr Goodykoontz is a member of the Knights of Pythias, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks. His politial allegiance has been given to the republican party since age conferred upon him the right of franchise, and his fellow townsmen have several times called him to public office, and his record as mayor of the city, as city attorney and as legislator is a most commendable one. He serves as member of the city council before being made chief executive of Boone and his understanding of the needs of the city made him a splendid municipal officer in 1908 he was called to represent his district in the state legislature, of which he was a member of four years. He proved an able working member on the floor of the house, connected with much important constructive legislation and serving on a number of the leading committees. He is a member of the Commercial Association and in this connection works effectively and earnestly for the advancement of the interests of Boone.

1914 Boone County History Book