Portrait and Biographical Record, Pgs. 196

ISAIAH GOODENOW. For more than a quarter of a century this gentleman has made his home upon the farm in Tallmadge Township where he still resides, and to the cultivation of which he devotes his attention. Upon coming to Ottawa County in 1866, he purchased one hundred and twenty acres, which he cleared and improved. As time passed by he added to his property until he became the owner of three hundred and ninety-three acres of fine land. He engages extensively in raising grain and also cultivates small fruits with considerable success.

Born in Sandy Creek, N.Y., on the 1^st of May, 1832, our subject is the son of Edward and Mary (James) Goodenow, natives respectively of New York and Wales. When Isaiah was six months old, his parents removed to Erie County, Pa., where the father followed agricultural operations until his demise, in 1852. Our subject was the third youngest child born to his parents, and in his boyhood was the recipient of such educational advantages as were afforded by the common schools of Erie County. He was an observing lad, thoughtful and studious by nature, and availed himself to the utmost of every opportunity of increasing his fund of information. Much of his time in youth was spent upon his father’s farm, where he assisted in tilling the soil and garnering the grain.

At the age of twenty years, bereaved by the death of his father, our subject started out upon his own responsibility. He proceeded to Illinois, and for eleven years followed farming pursuits in Will County, whence he returned to Pennsylvania and sojourned there for one year. Not finding things there as he had expected, he again sought a home in the West, and came to Michigan, making the overland journey with a team. Arriving in Ottawa County in 1866, he settled upon one hundred and twenty acres where he now resides, and where, as above stated, he engages extensively in raising fruit and grain.

A very important event in the life of Mr. Goodenow was his marriage, which occurred in 1858, uniting him with Miss Gertrude Niskern. Mr. and Mrs. Goodenow were the parents of the following-named children: Cora, who is at home; Warren E., who conducts farming pursuits in South Dakota; Frank, May, Florence, Walter and Charles, who reside with their parents. They occupy positions of prominence in social circles, but are not identified with any religious organization, although Mrs. Goodenow was inclined toward the doctrines of the Lutheran Church during her life. She died March 7, 1892. As every public-spirited citizen should, our subject takes an active interest in the welfare of his community and contributes to its material progress. In politics, he is a Democrat, and always gives his support to the candidates of that party. Socially, he affiliates with Berlin Lodge No. 248, A. F. & A. M.