OHIO GENEALOGY EXPRESS - Seneca Co., Ohio

JOSIAH GOODING. The annals of Seneca county give evidence that the Gooding family has been identified with its history from the early pioneer epoch, and thus added interest attaches to the consideration of the career of the honored subject of this sketch, who is one of the prominent citizens and successful farmers of the county, in which he has passed his entire life, commanding the same confidence and esteem as did his venerated father, who located here when this section of the state was essentially an unbroken wilderness, the virgin forests standing where now are valuable and finely improved and thriving cities and villages. The strenuous life of the pioneer has been the theme of many a writer, and yet never can too much be written concerning those who have blazed the way for progress and prosperity in the various sovereign states of our great republic and have been the founders of our enlightened commonwealths.
     Josiah Gooding was born in Adams township, Seneca county, on the 16th of October, 1835, being the son of Josiah and Amelia (Cooper) Gooding, the former of whom was born in England, on the 12th of January, 1803, and the latter in Dutchess county, New York, on October 10th of the same year. In 1821, when eighteen years of age, the father of our subject emigrated from his native land to America, locating in New York city, where his marriage was solemnized. Of this union ten children were born, namely: Mary, born Nov. 10, 1828, became the wife of John Beigh and is now deceased; George, born Dec. 2, 1827, resides in Hillsdale county, Michigan; William H. died in infancy; Sarah J., born Feb. 17, 1831, died on the 13th of January, 1865, having been the wife of Michael Bowerman; Catherine, born Aug. 27, 1833, is the wife of Daniel Wyant, of Seneca county; Josiah is the immediate subject of this sketch; Amelia, born Apr. 26, 1837, became the wife of Hiram George and resides in Idaho; Lydia, born July 23, 1838, is the wife of Augustus Hoppes, of Henry county, Ohio; Elizabeth, born Nov. 25, 1840, died on Aug. 16th of the following year; and John C., born July 9, 1842, is a carpet weaver and resides on the old homestead where he was born. Josiah Gooding, Sr., came from New York to Seneca county about the year 1830, locating in Adams township, where he took up one hundred and sixty acres of governmental land, upon which he built a log cabin of the primitive type, with puncheon floor and wide fireplace. The land was heavily timbered, but he set himself vigorously to the task of reclaiming his farm from the wilderness, and had accomplished this at the time of his death, which occurred on the 6th of December, 1841, when he met with an accident that terminated his life being thrown from a horse in such a way as to break his neck. His widow survived him many years, passing away on teh7th of November, 1875.
     Josiah Gooding, Jr., the subject of this sketch, remained on the old homestead farm until he had attained the age of sixteen years, early beginning to contribute his quota to its work and securing such educational advantages as were afforded in the district schools of the pioneer days. When he had reached the age noted, the homestead was sold, and he then began working by the month as a farm hand, continuing to make his home with his mother until his marriage, in 1859. He then engaged in agricultural operations on his own responsibility, renting a farm for two years and then purchasing eighty acres in Adams township, which tract is a portion of his present valuable estate. A log cabin had been erected on the place and this continued to be his abiding place for a number of years, the primitive domicile being far different in order from his present commodious and attractive arm residence. He now has a well improved and highly productive farm of one hundred and seventy acres, and gives his attention to diversified agriculture and to the raising of high grade live stock. Reverting to his youthful days, it should be stated that Mr. Gooding supplemented his common school education by a course of study in the academy at Republic, and when nineteen years of age he put his scholastic acquirements to practical test by engaging in pedagogic work, receiving seventy-five cents per day and continuing to teach, at varying intervals, for ten terms. In politics he has ever given a stanch allegiance to the Republican party, and his religious faith is that of the Lutheran church. He has never sought official preferment, but served for three years as justice of the peace in his township. His life has been ordered upon a high plane of integrity and usefulness, and to him is accorded the unequivocal confidence and esteem of the people of the community.
     Mr. Gooding has been twice married. On the 21st of April, 1859, he wedded Miss Mary A. Petticord, who was born on a farm now owned by her husband, the daughter of Daniel and Sarah (Rule) Petticord. She was summoned to eternal rest on the 26th of March, 1896. Of this union six children were born, namely: Elvira J., the wife of Benjamin F. Swander, of Adams township; Harry M., a farmer of Pleasant township; William, who died in infancy; Emma, the wife of J. E. Shellhammer, of Scipio township; George E., who is a farmer of that township; and Herbert A., of Adams township, who is engaged in teaching school, being also incumbent of the office of justice of the peace. On the 23d of April, 1898, Mr. Gooding was united in marriage to Mrs. Nancy M. Pontius, who was born in Adams township, the daughter of James Paine. She became the wife of William Pontius, who died in 1888, leaving four children, Schuyler, Hubbard A., Estella and Homer, the last two being now deceased. Mr. Gooding also made a home for Edith Fifer, of Indiana, who remained in his home from the age of eight years until the death of Mrs. Mary A Gooding, the first wife of our subject.
Source: A Centennial Biographical History of Seneca County, Ohio - Publ. by Lewis Publishing Company - 1902 - Page 90

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