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1907 Past and Present Biographies
Monroe GoodyearThe parents of our subject were married in Ohio and lived in that state until 1847, when they removed to De Kalb county, Illinois, and bought land there. Henry Goodyear started for California in 1849 during the gold fever but went only as far as Omaha, when he returned home. The following year he made another start, this time reaching his destination and remaining in California until 1852, when he returned to Illinois. where he engaged in farming until 1876. and then carried on merchandising in Paw Paw Grove, Illinois. Disposing of his property in that state, he removed to Greene county, Iowa, in November, 1880. At this time he established a general store in Scranton but sold it to a good advantage in 1882 and with the money purchased eighty acres of land. For three years he was engaged in adding many improvements to this farm and in cultivating the land, but he had a natural liking and adaptability for mercantile business and, realizing that along this line lay the greatest measure of success for him, he made a change of occupation as soon as the opportunity presented itself and returned to Scranton, where he established a grocery store, which he conducted until his death. He was an influential man in his community. Monroe Goodyear received his education in the common schools, but from a lad was interested in his father’s deals, assisting in his hours outside of school at any enterprise in which his father was engaged. At an early age he became a partner with his father and was always very closely associated with him. At present he owns a half interest in the store in Scranton, in connection with his mother, under the firm name of C. E. Goodyear & Company. Mr. Goodyear was married, July 4, 1880, to Mary Aird, a native of Bureau county, Illinois, where she was born September 17, 1859. She is a daughter of Francis and Nancy (Lamb) Aird, her father being a native of New York and her mother of Illinois. Mr. Aird was an old soldier, who passed away in 1876, at the age of forty-eight years, but his wife still lives at Mendota, Illinois. They were the parents of five children, three of whom are still living: Lewis. of Nebraska; Charles, of Mendota, Illinois; and Mrs. Goodyear. To Mr. and Mrs. Goodvear have been born four children, three of whom are now living, Eva, Charles and Floyd, who are all at home. Wilbur died at the age of seven. Mr. Goodyear has met with an unusual degree of success and is at present the owner of a store building and of his fine residence in the town, besides a half interest in the business formerly conducted by his father and himself. He is a member of the Woodmen lodge. In political afliliation he has always been associated with the republican party and in religion is a warm advocate of the principles of the Methodist Episcopal church. He has been fortunate in having so close an association with a father of push and enterprise, and the father was more than fortunate in having a son of so sterling a character, who was ready at all times to assist him. Their business was always a pleasure to them, as well as bringing them more than a good living. Mr. Goodyear is ever anxious to please his customers and to accommodate them in every way. |
Transcribed from "Past and Present of Greene County, Iowa Together With Biographical Sketches of Many of Its Prominent and Leading Citizens and Illustrious Dead," by E. B. Stillman assisted by an Advisory Board consisting of Paul E. Stillman, Gillum S. Toliver, Benjamin F. Osborn, Mahlon Head, P. A. Smith and Lee B. Kinsey, Chicago: The S. J. Clarke Publishing Company, 1907.  Site Terms, Conditions & Disclaimer |