William N. Goodson

CLAYTON, GOODSON

Posted By: Judy Wight Branson (email)
Date: 10/3/2004 at 22:44:58

W. N. Goodson, Jefferson twp.,farmer, Sec. 2; P.O. Van Meter; born in Washington county, Indiana in 1836, where his early boyhood was spent; early in 1847 his father, M. J. C. Goodson, came to Boone township, Dallas county, Iowa, where he still resides, a respected citizen; Mr. Goodson spent his youth and early manhood with his father, and was married in that county December 24, 1859, to Miss Martha A. Clayton, a native of Indiana; by this union they have two children living: Era F. and William E.; have lost four: Elmer, died March 6, 1878, Ezra F., Sarah P., died December 28, 1878; Thomas J., their eldest son, was drowned in 'Coon river, July 21, 1879, while bathing in company with two uncles and others, he undertook to swim across the river and when about midway became frightened and sank; every effort possible was made to rescue him, but without avail.

Mr. Goodson located where he now resides in 1861, cultivating a fine farm of 250 acres, well adapted for grain and stock-raising; has good improvements and owns a fine timber lot and stone quarry.

Taken from the book, "The History of Madison County, 1879" page 652