Goodwin, Francis Ford 1835 - 1907

GOODWIN, CHESLEY, DOTY, HOWE, PALMER, MCGREGOR, YEAROUS

Posted By: Reid R. Johnson (email)
Date: 5/4/2019 at 10:26:28

Elkader Register, Thur., 25 July 1907. Volga City Views column.

It has become our sad duty to chronicle the death of our friend, Francis Ford Goodwin, who left life's fitful scenes forever and went to join those whom he loved and who had preceded him to the mysteries of the great beyond., from whence no traveler returneth. Frances Ford Goodwin was born in Grand Isle Co., Vermont. May 31, 1835, and died at his home in Volga, July 21, 1907. Francis F. was the third son of Caroline and Jonathan Goodwin. Mr. Goodwin has been here in our midst for a great many years and has proved himself an honest, upright citizen. He has been in Sperry township since 1852. He was married to Mrs. Lucy Chesley, Dec. 3, 1866, and to this union were born five children: Mrs. Grace Doty, who preceded him eleven years ago; Mrs. E. E. Howe, of Knoxville, Ill.; Miss Hattie Goodwin and Ernest, of this place, and Louie Goodwin, of Newton, Montana. He leaves these children, a wife, three step-daughters: Mrs. H. R. Palmer, of Hawkeye; Mrs. J. W. McGregor, of Brighton, Col.; and Mrs. Wm. Yearous, of Highland, two brothers, Seymour, of Montana, Lewis M., of this place, and a sister, Miss Laura Goodwin, of Solomon, Kans., and fifteen grandchildren to mourn his loss.

Mr. Goodwin was a member of the Methodist church at this place and has been a faithful one. He was one of the first trustees of that church. Such, in brief, is the life of this good man whom all honored and respected and whose many virtues will be as a shining light beneath a dark cloud to those who are left to mourn his loss. Kind and loving hands were ever ready to assist, council sought and everything that mortal mind could conceive of was done. Such is life, we are born to die. We wish we might paint in a more befitting manner the nobleness of the life of Mr. Goodwin. The sincere sympathy of the entire community goes out to the bereaved family. The funeral took place at the M.E. church Tuesday afternoon.

(Note: The given name Francis/Frances was spelled both ways in the article, as shown.)