John D. Goff 1824-1906

GOFF, STREETER, RHODES, GODFREY

Posted By: Merllene Andre Bendixen (email)
Date: 10/3/2010 at 00:44:42

Pioneer Is Called
John D. Goff Died in This City on Monday Evening
Came to Emmet County in 1861
One of the First Permanent Settlers of the County

John D. Goff, an honored pioneer of Emmet county, died last Monday [April 23, 1906] evening at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Cora Rhodes, corner of Eighth and Maple streets. His last illness was of but a week’s duration, though he had been an invalid for years.

Mr. Goff was born at New South Berlin, New York, July 3, 1824, and was thus in his eighty-second years. He was married at Clayville, New York, July 12, 1850, to Miss Miranda M. Streeter and eight years later the couple came west, settling at Freeport. In 1861 they emigrated to Emmet county, settling on a homestead in Ellsworth township, the farm now owned by Supervisor David Fitzgerald. The family were among those who took refuge in Fort Defiance, erected in this city by the Northern Border Brigade at the time of the Indian massacres in 1862.

In 1870 the family moved to Estherville and for several years Mr. Goff followed contracting and building. Many of the landmarks of the city were erected by this pioneer builder. For several years he has been unable to follow any line of work owing to ill health, but though his body was frail he took a live interest in passing events and was a wide reader.

His wife died in this city January 11, 1903, an excellent woman beloved by the entire community. The surviving children are Mrs. Cora Rhodes and Mrs. F. L. Godfrey of this city and E. E. Goff of Dalles, Wisconsin. There are ten surviving grand children and eight great grandchildren.

The funeral services will be held at home of Mrs. Cora Rhodes at 3 o’clock this afternoon conducted by Rev. Edward Campbell of the First Presbyterian church.

The death of Mrs. Goff marks the passing of another of the pioneers of Emmet county, that sturdy band who blazed the way of civilization and development. The decedent was an honest, upright citizen and leaves many friends. (Estherville Enterprise, Estherville, IA, April 25, 1906)

The funeral services for the late John D. Goff were held Wednesday afternoon at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Cora Rhodes, Rev. Edward Campbell officiating. The remains were interred in Oak Hill cemetery. The pall bearers were R. E. Ridley, Isaac Skinner, H. C. Coon, J. H. Barnhart, C. S. Barber and Geo. E. Patterson. (Estherville Enterprise, Estherville, IA, May 2, 1906)