123. Documentation for Hester Witt
(circa 1769 to 19 January 1834)
mother of Mary Goodner
(10 March 1802 to 08 September 1868)
Hester Witt, Fourth Great-Grandmother of Curtis Lynn Older:
1) Hester Witt, wife of Jacob Goodner, parents of Mary Goodner
2) Mary Goodner, wife of John Ricketts, parents of Jacob Ricketts
3) Jacob Ricketts, husband of Melissa Jane Barnard, parents of Elizabeth Jane Ricketts
4) Elizabeth Jane Ricketts, wife of Daniel Alexander Fox, parents of Ethel Belle Fox
5) Ethel Belle Fox, wife of Robert William Gouty, parents of Mavis Lorene Gouty
6) Mavis Lorene Gouty, wife of Truxton James Older, parents of Curtis Lynn Older
Download Adobe Acrobat File - 123. Hester Witt - (The file has the following text plus images.)
[Note: Witt is German and pronounced Vit, similar to hit or pit.]
Hester Witt was born about 1769.(1) She probably was the first daughter of Michael Witt Senior and his wife. His wife’s name was Mary at the time he made his will in 1790 in Guilford County, North Carolina.(2) We cannot be sure Mary was his first wife. Mary Witt was born about 1748 and died in 1800 in Guilford County, NC.(3)
Michael Witt Senior was born about 1744.(4) His family was of German origin.(5) Michael probably was married by 1769 when his first child, Esther, was born.(6) Michael Witt Senior was living in Guilford County, North Carolina, in 1790.(7) The Witt family probably lived within a few miles of the Friedens Lutheran Church which stands approximately two miles northwest of Gibsonville, North Carolina, not far from the Reedy Fork branch of the Haw River.(8) This church was also known as Schumaker’s.(9)
Hester Witt married Jacob Goodner in November 1798 in Guilford Co., North Carolina.(10) Jacob Goodner was the son of Peter Goodner and his wife, Mary (Unknown - possibly Stark).(11) He was born about 1774 in Orange or Guilford Co., North Carolina.(12)
Hester (White) Goodner died 19 January 1834.(13) Jacob then married Mary Ann Harwood on 30 August 1835 in Dearborn Co., IN.(14) His second wife apparently died within the next year or two as Jacob then married Zilpah Laforce, a widow, on 01 July 1838.(15) Jacob Goodner died 26 July 1839, a short time after his third marriage.(16) Zilpah (Laforce) Goodner then married a Dana Jacobs before May 1844.(17)
According to The Goodner Family by Hubert Wesley Lacey, Jacob Goodner and Hester White were the parents of:
i. John Goodner was born in 1800 in North Carolina and died on 14 October 1852. He married Jane Latta on 09 November 1826 in Dearborn Co., IN.(18) The 1850 Indiana Federal Census shows John Goodner as age 50 and born in North Carolina.(19) Jane Goodner, perhaps the widow of John Goodner, quitclaimed a deed to Daniel Conner on 28 January 1853.(20)
ii. Catherine Goodner was born 13 November 1804, possibly in Kentucky, and she died 11 December 1841 in Illinois. She was buried at the Oakwood Cemetery, Oakwood, Vermilion Co., IL.(21) She married William Simpson Pate on 18 January 1827 in Vermilion Co., IL.(22)
iii. Michael Goodner was born 4 March 1807 in Kentucky and died 29 September 1889 in Stearns Co., Minnesota.(23) He married Catharine Conner on 19 December 1828 in Indiana.(24) The 1850 Illinois Federal Census shows that he was born in Kentucky and was age 44; his wife was named Katharine and she was age 42 and born in Ohio.(25) See APPENDIX F – Jacob Goodner, a Son of Michael Goodner.
iv. Daniel Goodner was born 29 March 1810 in Kentucky and died 08 February 1892 in Georgetown, Floyd Co., IN.(26) He was buried at Chapel Ridge Cemetery in Switzerland Co., IN.(27). He married Charlotte Smith in 1834.(28) The 1850 Indiana Federal Census shows his age as 38 and his birthplace as Kentucky; Charlotte Goodner is shown as age 30 and born in Kentucky.(29) A death certificate for Emeline Smoot, who died 28 June 1932 in Pleasant Township, Switzerland Co., IN, shows her parents were Daniel Goodner who was born in Kentucky and Charlotte Smith who was born in Kentucky.(30)
v. Sarah Ann Goodner was born 01 September 1812 in Kentucky and died 29 March 1902 in Illinois.(31) She married John Conner on 23 December 1828 in Dearborn Co., IN.(32) The 1850 Illinois Federal Census lists a John Conner age 44 and born in Ohio; a Sarah Conner age 37 and born in Kentucky. She could not read or write.(33)
vi. James Jackson Goodner was born 19 March 1815 in Kentucky and died 18 November 1887 in Ohio Co., IN.(34) He married Sarah Myers on 03 August 1837 in Dearborn Co., Indiana.(35) Jacob Goodner granted to Jackson Goodner 80 acres in Switzerland Co., IN, on 18 April 1838.(36) The 1850 Indiana Federal Census shows Jackson Goodner age 35 and born in Indiana and Sarah Goodner age 31 and born in Indiana.(37)
vii. Rachael Goodner was born 1 August 1817 and died 20 December 1858.(38) She married Jacob Conner on 20 October 1836 in Dearborn Co., Indiana.(39) The 1850 Indiana Federal Census shows Jacob Connor, age 36, born in Ohio, and Rachal Connor, age 32, born in Indiana.(40)
viii. Margaret Goodner was born 29 June 1819 and died 22 October 1845.(41) She married Moses Conner on 27 February 1839 in Illinois.(42) The 1850 Illinois Federal Census shows Moses Conner, age 35, born in Ohio. No Margaret Conner is shown.(43)
ix. William Dearborn Goodner was born 24 October 1824 and died 31 July 1898.(44) He married Edith J. Griswold on 2 December 1847 in Ohio Co., IN.(45) The 1850 Indiana Federal Census lists William Goodner as age 25 and born in Indiana. Edith Goodner is listed as age 23 and born in Ohio.(46)
Unfortunately, Hubert W. Lacey, the author of The Goodner Family, failed to identify Mary Goodner, who also was a child of Jacob and Hester (White) Goodner.
x. Mary Goodner probably was the second child of Jacob and Hester (White) Goodner.(47) She was born 10 March 1802 in Guilford Co., NC.(48) She died 08 September 1868 in Vermillion Co., IN.(49) Mary Goodner married John Ricketts about 1817 or 1818.(50)
Hubert W. Lacey, author of The Goodner Family, does include a land transaction, however, between John Ricketts, Mary Goodner's husband, and Michael Goodner, Mary Goodner's brother, dated 08 December 1838.(51) This land was in Vermilion Co., Illinois. Lacey does not indicate any knowledge that the wife of John Ricketts was Mary Goodner.
John Ricketts was the son of Robert Ricketts Senior and Susannah (Unknown- NOT Wilson).(52) It is likely John was born 01 February 1787 since his tombstone indicates he died 23 February 1843 and lived 56 years and 22 days.(53)
Land Transactions
Jacob Goodner first acquired land in Indiana on 14 August 1816 in Ohio County.(54) The land record indicates "Jacob Goodner of Kentucky."
John Ricketts and his brother, Robert Ricketts Junior, assignees of Robert Ricketts Senior, acquired land jointly on 27 April 1819 near the land of Jacob Goodner.(55) This land would be a short distance from the land of Jacob Goodner. John Ricketts and Mary Goodner probably were married by this time.
Nathan Ricketts, probably a brother of Robert Ricketts Senior, acquired land in Ohio County, Indiana, near the land of Jacob Goodner.(56) The Nathan Ricketts and Jacob Goodner lands both were in Section 19 of township 3 North, Range 1 West, and were adjacent.
Jacob Goodner may have had plans to move with some of his family to Vermilion County, Illinois in the 1830. Apparently, he never moved to Illinois before he died. Perhaps some of the land he purchased in Vermilion Co., Illinois was to assist several of his sons in becoming farmers there.
Jacob Goodner of Dearborn County, Indiana, purchased 72 acres and 49/100s of an acre on 23 May 1831 in Vermilion Co., Illinois.(57) He also bought 80 acres on 30 March 1837 in Township 21 North, Range 12 West, the East Half of the SouthWest Quarter of Section 35 in Vermilion Co., Illinois.(58)
John Ricketts of Vermillion Co., Indiana, acquired 40 acres in Vermilion Co., Illinois, on 20 March 1837.(59) Another Vermilion County, Illinois, deed is to Jacob Goodner from an Evert Vanvickle on 26 September 1834.(60)
In Vermillion County, Indiana, a deed dated 13 August 1830 from Aaron Purcell and Moria his wife of Vermillion Co., Indiana, to John Ricketts, also of Vermillion County, Indiana, for $425.00 transferred the West Half and the South East Quarter of Section 8 in Township 19 of Range 9 West containing 80 acres. Also the West Half of the South West Quarter of Section 4 in Township 19 North of Range 9 West containing 80 acres. Also 79 acres off of the North End of the East Half of the South West Quarter of Section 8 in Township 19 North of Range 9 West. Also 40 acres off of the South End of the East Half of the North West Quarter of Section 17 North in Township 19 North of Range 9 West. Also 40 acres off of the North End of the East Half of the South East Quarter of Section 5 in Township 19 North of Range 9 West in the Crawfordsville Land District.(61)
Census Records
Both the 1820 and 1830 US Federal Census for Dearborn County, Indiana, list John Ricketts.(62) A John Rickett also is listed in the 1830 Vermillion County, Indiana, census.(63) Apparently the John Ricketts family moved from Dearborn Co., IN, to Vermillion Co., IN in 1830. The 1840 Federal Census for Indiana also lists John Ricketts.(64)
1850 U. S. Federal Census for Indiana, Vermillion County, Highland Township, enumerated 25 October 1850 shows: Mary Ricketts, age 47, female, value of real estate $1,390, born in North Carolina. There were seven younger males and females living in the household of which she appears to have been the head.(65)
The 1860 U. S. Federal Census for Indiana indicates Mary Ricketts was born in Indiana.(66) It seems likely that information was given by someone in the household who did not know she was born in North Carolina, since evidence clearly indicates she was born in North Carolina to parents who were married in North Carolina. She was listed as the head of household and she was literate.
Jacob Goodner Siblings
Walter Goodner, a brother of Jacob, died 10 September 1864 in Vermilion Co., Illinois.(67) Walter Goodner acquired land in Vermilion Co., Illinois, on 08 December 1830 and again on 16 May 1831.(68) He was listed in the 1850 U.S. Census for Vermilion Co., IL.(69) His spouse was Mary Polly Stark.(70) The 1850 census indicated he was born in 1775 in North Carolina. A Mary Goodner, age 55 was living in the same household in 1850. She was born in Kentucky.(71)
The 1860 U.S. Census lists Walter Goodner as age 85, born about 1775 in North Carolina.(72) A Polley Goodner, age 65, born in Kentucky, is living in the same household.
Mary Goodner Siblings
Michael Goodner, a brother of Mary Goodner was born 04 March 1807 in Kentucky.(73) He died 29 September 1889 in Stearns Co., Minnesota.(74) He is buried in the Maine Prairie Cemetery. He married Catharine Conner on 19 December 1828 in Indiana.(75) He married Rachel Clarke on 2 April 1858 in Edgar Co., IL.(76) See APPENDIX F – Jacob Goodner, a Son of Michael Goodner.
John Goodner, a brother of Mary Goodner, purchased land in Vermilion Co., Illinois, as early as 01 July 1826.(77)
Several Children of John Ricketts and Mary Goodner
Several of the children of John Ricketts and Mary Goodner were Susannah, Esther, Jacob, and William. We focus on these four because information exists which easily enables us to identify their parents as John Ricketts and Mary Goodner.
Susannah Ricketts was born about 1818 in Dearborn Co., IN. She undoubtedly was named after the mother of John Ricketts, Susannah (Unknown - NOT Wilson). She married Thomas J. Mitchell on 31 March 1832 in Vermillion Co., IN.(78) Thomas was born 26 October 1808 in Vermillion Co., IN. Thomas and Susannah are buried in the Ricketts and/or Mitchell Cemetery, Highland Township, Vermillion Co., IN, as well as her parents, John Ricketts and Mary Goodner.(79)
Esther Ann Ricketts was born 20 September 1819 in Dearborn Co., IN. She undoubtedly was named after the mother of Mary Goodner, Hester White. She married Aaron Betzer on 22 February 1843 in Vermillion Co., IN.(80) She died 04 February 1911 in Cherokee Co., Kansas. She is buried in Star Cemetery, Cherokee Co., Kansas.(81)
Jacob Ricketts was born 22 February 1826 in Dearborn Co., IN.(82) He died 03 May 1910 in Vermillion Co., IN.(83) His death certificate clearly indicates his parents were John Ricketts and Mary Goodner.(84)
William Ricketts was born 26 February 1833 in Vermillion Co., IN. He died 27 August 1907 at Perrysville, Highland Township, Vermillion Co., IN. His death certificate clearly shows his parents were John Ricketts and Mary Goodner.(85)
Children (Goodner)
i. John
ii. Catherine
iii. Michael
iv. Daniel
v. Sarah Ann
vi. James Jackson
vii. Rachael
viii. Margaret
ix. William Dearborn
x. Mary
ORIGINAL SOURCE MATERIAL to support the RELATIONSHIP between
HESTER WITT and her daughter MARY GOODNER
1) North Carolina Marriage Bonds, 1741-1868:
Groom: Jacob Goodnor
Bride: Ester Wite
Bond Date: 25 Nov 1798
Bond #: 000055683
Level Info: North Carolina Marriage Bonds, 1741-1868
Image Num: 008841
County: Guilford
Record #: 01 168
Bondsman: George Swisher
Witness: Alex Gray
2) The Goodner family : a genealogical history : with a brief history of the family of Jacob Daniel Scherrer and notes on other Allied Families by Hubert Wesley Lacey, Dayton, Ohio, 1960, page 56.
3) 1820 United States Census, Randolph Township, Dearborn County, Indiana, John Rickets Family:
Males of age 26 and under 45 - 1
Females under 10 - 2
Females of age 16 and under 26 - 1
Number of persons engaged in agriculture – 1
4) Garrett Larew Civil War Soldier, With an Account of His Ancestors and of His Descendants, by Karl G. Larew, Gateway Press, Inc. Baltimore, 1975, page 60 and 62.
5) Switzerland Co., Indiana, Final Settlement Page – "John Goodner administrator of Jacob Goodner deceased would respectfully represent to the Court of Probate of said County, that the heirs of Jacob Goodner deceased are as follows: John Goodner your petitioner, Mary Ricketts, Catharine Pate, Michael Goodner, Daniel Goodner, Jackson Goodner, Rachael Conner, Margaret Conner, William Goodner, and Elizabeth Sprague and Sarah Conner and Zilpha Jacobs, widow of Jacob Goodner deceased."
6) Switzerland County, Indiana Probate Order Book C May 1844 Term, page 34. "Estate of Jacob Goodner, deceased. John Goodner, administrator de bonis non. Dana Jacobs and Zilpa Jacobs, his wife, late Zilpa Goodner, widow. Mary Rickets late Mary Goodner, daughter. Citation.”
7) Indiana State Board of Health, Certificate of Death, Jacob Ricketts, 03 May 1910. This document lists the place of death as Mound Township in Warren County, Indiana. The document lists his father as John Ricketts and his mother as Mary Goodner. The informant was Melissa Ricketts, Jacob's wife. His date of birth was given as 22 February 1826 and his occupation was that of a farmer.
8) Index to Death Records, Warren County, Indiana, 1882-1920, book C-13, page 17, Jacob Ricketts, age 84, May 3, 1910, Mound Township. The back side of the death certificate names Jacob's parents as John Ricketts and Mary Goodin (i.e., Goodner). It states his wife's name was Malissa and gives his date of birth as 22 February 1826. The local record of death document heading is "Fountain – Warren County Health Department, Attica, Indiana."
9) History of Vermillion County, Indiana, Lewis Publishing Company, Chicago, Illinois, Biographical Sketches, Thomas J. Mitchell, "His wife was formerly Miss Susannah Ricketts, a daughter of John and Mary Ricketts, who settled in Highland Township as early as 1830, where both died many years ago, on the farm now owned and occupied by Mr. Mitchell. Mr. and Mrs. Ricketts are buried on this farm, where they settled so many years ago."
10) 1850 U. S. Federal Census for Indiana, Vermillion Co., Highland Township, enumerated 25 October 1850. Mary Ricketts, age 47, female, value of real estate $1,390, born in North Carolina.
11) Tombstone of Mary Goodner at the Ricketts and/or Mitchell Cemetery, Vermillion Co., Indiana, gives a date of death as 08 September 1866. The tombstone inscription indicates, "aged 64 y, (?)m, 12 d", so she was born about 1802; Ricketts Cemetery, PAM 977.201 v uncat. No 8 1. The Stone/Ricketts Cemetery, also called the Mitchell/Ricketts Cemetery, where John Ricketts and Mary Goodner are buried is is Highland Township, Vermillion County, Indiana. From the intersection of Interstate 74 and Indiana State Road 63 go south on 63 a distance of 1.7 miles. Turn west on 1050N, a county blacktop road, and then proceed west for .7 mile. On the north side of the road, in the corner of a field, but directly adjacent to the road, sets a tiny mowed plot shaded by six large trees, and containing twelve stones in October 1993.
12) See APPENDIX E - Jacob Goodner, a Son of Michael Goodner, for confirmation the family originally came from Germany through North Carolina and Kentucky. Jacob Goodner, a son of Michael Goodner, was born in Switzerland Co., Indiana on 30 August 1832.
13) Conner Family Bible, Clark County Genealogical Society, Marshall, Illinois.
REFERENCES
1) Conner Family Bible, Clark County Genealogical Society, Marshall, Illinois. Jacob Goodner died July 26, 1839, age 65 years. Hester Witt Goodner died Jan. 19th, 1834, age 65 years.
2) November 1795. The will names his children as daughters Mary, Elizabeth, Esther, Jean, Margaret, Rosannah, and Rachel and he names one son, John. He also indicates that his wife, Mary, is pregnant.
3) No documentation available for either her birth or death date. Her first child that we know of was born in 1769 so she may have been in her late teens or early twenties at that time. The 1800 U. S. Census for Salisbury, Guilford County, North Carolina, lists a Mary Whitt age 26 thru 44. The family has 1 male age 10 thru 15, 2 females under 10, 3 females age 10 thru 15. Michael Witt Junior would have been about five years old in 1800. Two girls under age 10 in 1800 would not seem to match the Michael Witt Senior girls. Therefore, it seems doubtful this census record is for the widow and children of Michael Witt Senior. Mary Witt may have been dead by the time of the 1800 census. Michael Witt Junior was living in Guilford County, NC, at the time of the 1820 census and it would make sense if his mother, Mary, was living in Guilford County in 1800 and later if she was still alive.
4) According to some undocumented sources on Ancestry.com.
5) Some Ancestry.com family trees have indicated his place of birth may have been Schleswig-Holstein, Germany; Fahl – Fall and Allied Families, by Grace Fall Curtis (Mrs. Glenn Curtis), printed by The Mercer Co., Ottumwa, Iowa, 1961, pages 9, 13, 33, and 298, https://archive.org/details/fahlfallalliedfa00curt
6) Some Ancestry.com family trees have indicated his place of birth may have been Schleswig-Holstein, Germany; Fahl – Fall and Allied Families, by Grace Fall Curtis (Mrs. Glenn Curtis), printed by The Mercer Co., Ottumwa, Iowa, 1961, pages 9, 13, 33, and 298, https://archive.org/details/fahlfallalliedfa00curt
7) 1790 U. S. census for Guilford County, North Carolina, Michal Witt, 10 males under age 16, 1 male 16 and over, 1 female, total in household 12. Certainly the 10 males under age 16 was incorrect. According to his will, made in 1790, he was the father of 6 girls and 1 boy.
8) Michael Witt Senior sold 28 acres of land to Reuben Climer in 1826, on the Long Branch of Reedy Fork Creek adjoining Frumbanks and Mary Cunningham's land, Guilford Co., NC, land records, Book 18, Page 433, consideration 157, see Guilford County, NC, Register of Deeds – Online Records System, Old Index Books, 1771-1921, Witt Grantors,
http://rdlxweb.co.guilford.nc.us/oldIndexes/oldindexsearch.php?datekey=1771-1921
9) Historic Sketch of the Reformed Church in North Carolina, by a Board of Editors Under the Classis of North Carolina, Reformed Church in the United States. Classes. North Carolina, Clapp, J.C. (Jacob Crawford), 1832-ED, Wentworth Press (August 26, 2016), page 145.
10) North Carolina Marriage Bonds, 1741-1868:
Groom: Jacob Goodnor
Bride: Ester Wite
Bond Date: 25 Nov 1798
Bond #: 000055683
Level Info: North Carolina Marriage Bonds, 1741-1868
Image Num: 008841
County: Guilford
Record #: 01 168
Bondsman: George Swisher
Witness: Alex Gray
11) The Goodner family: a genealogical history: with a brief history of the family of Jacob Daniel Scherrer and notes on other Allied Families by Hubert Wesley Lacey, Dayton, Ohio, 1960, page 56; see APPENDIX F - Jacob Goodner, a Son of Michael Goodner, for confirmation the family originally came from Germany through North Carolina and Kentucky.
12) The Goodner family, Lacey, page 56; Daughters of the American Revolution, National Number 647927, Aldine White Inman, Ancestor #A046499, Peter Goodner, through his son Jacob Goodner and Hester White, wife of Jacob; see APPENDIX F - Jacob Goodner, a Son of Michael Goodner, for confirmation the family originally came from Germany through North Carolina and Kentucky; Conner Family Bible, Clark County Genealogical Society, Marshall, Illinois.
13) Conner Family Bible, Clark County Genealogical Society, Marshall, Illinois.
14) Indiana Marriages 1810-2001, Jacob Goodner, Mary Ann Harwood, 29 Aug 1835, Marriage Registration, Indiana, page 48, FHL Film #001313295; Indiana State Library, Indiana Marriages through 1850, Jacob Goodner, Mary Ann Harwood, Dearborn County, no date given.
15) The Switzerland Co., IN, Final Settlement Page lists "Zilpha Jacobs, widow of Jacob Goodner deceased"; Switzerland Co., IN, Probate Order Book May 1844 Term, page 149, "Dana Jacobs and Zilpa Jacobs, his wife, late Zilpa Goodner, widow"; Indiana State Library, Indiana Marriages through 1850, Zilpha Goodner, Dana Jacobs, 30 April 1840, Switzerland County.
16) Conner Family Bible, Clark County Genealogical Society, Marshall, Illinois.
17) Switzerland County, Indiana Probate Order Book Abstracts 1837-1849, Jacob Goodner Estate. “Estate of Jacob Goodner, deceased. John Goodner, administrator de bonis non. Dana Jacobs and Zilpa Jacobs, his wife, late Zilpa Goodner, widow. Mary Rickets late Mary Goodner, daughter. Citation.” Page 34, Switzerland County, Indiana Probate Order Book C May 1844 Term.
18) The Goodner Family page 58; Switzerland Co., IN, Final Settlement Page – "John Goodner your petitioner"; Switzerland Co., IN, Probate Order Book May 1839 Term, page 191; Indiana Marriages 1810-2001, John Goodner, Jane Latta, Marriage Registration, 7 November 1826, Dearborn Co., Indiana, page 22, FHL Film Number 000209855.
19) 1850 Indiana Federal Census, Division 2, Ohio County, John Goodner age 50 and born in North Carolina, Family #432.
20) The Goodner Family, page 358, Real Estate Transfers, Switzerland Co., IN, Jane Goodner - Grantor, Daniel Conner - Grantee, date – 28 January 1853, Quit Claim.
21) The Goodner Family page 65; Switzerland Co., IN, Final Settlement Page – "Catharine Pate"; Switzerland Co., IN, Probate Order Book August 1839 Term, page 192, Simpson Pate was an administrator of the Jacob Goodner estate.
22) Indiana Marriages 1806-1861, Catharine Goodner, William Simpson Pate, 18 January 1827, Dearborn Co., Indiana.
23) The Goodner Family page 68; Switzerland Co., IN, Final Settlement Page – "Michael Goodner"; See APPENDIX F – Jacob Goodner, a Son of Michael Goodner.
24) Indiana Marriages 1810-2001, Michael Goodner, Marriage Registration, Catharine Conner, 19 December 1828, Indiana, page 12; Indiana Compiled Marriages 1802-1850, Michael Goodner, Catherine Conner, 24 December 1828, Dearborn County.
25) 1850 Illinois Federal Census, District 21, Vermilion County, Michael Goodner age 44, born in Kentucky, Family #184.
26) The Goodner Family page 72; Final Settlement Page – "Daniel Goodner"; also see U.S. Indexed County Land Ownership Maps 1860-1918, Daniel Goodner, Switzerland and Ohio Counties, Indiana; Conner Family Bible, Clark County Genealogical Society, Marshall, Illinois.
27) Find-A-Grave, Daniel Goodner, birth March 1810 Kentucky, death 8 February 1892 Georgetown Floyd County Indiana, burial Chapel Ridge Cemetery Switzerland Co., IN.
28) Ancestory.com, Heiderman Family Tree, Daniel Goodner and Charlotte Smith married in 1834 in Indiana; Death Certificate, Indiana State Board of Health, Ohio County, Union Township, Elizabeth A. Turner, date of death – 1 September 1928, birthplace – Indiana, father – Daniel Goodner, father's birthplace – Indiana; mother – Sherlottie Smith, mother's birthplace – Kentucky; Conner Family Bible, Clark County Genealogical Society, Marshall, Illinois.
29) 1850 Indiana Federal Census, Pleasant Township, Switzerland Co., Daniel Goodner age 38 born in Kentucky, Charlotte Goodner age 30 born in Kentucky. There is an Hester A. Goodner age 5 listed as a daughter; a Jacob Goodner age 11 listed as a son; as well as 3 other Goodner children.
30) Death Certificate for Emeline Smoot, 28 June 1932, Pleasant Township, Switzerland Co., Indiana, father – Daniel Goodner born in Kentucky, mother – Charlotte Smith born in Kentucky.
31) The Goodner Family page 73; Switzerland Co., IN, Final Settlement Page – "Sarah Conner."
32) Indiana Compiled Marriages 1802-1892, Sarah Goodner, John Conner, 23 December 1828, Dearborn Co., IN.
33) 1850 Illinois Federal Census, District 19, Edgar Co., John Conner age 44 born in Ohio, Sarah Conner age 37 born in Kentucky, 5 Conner children also are listed.
34) The Goodner Family page 74; Switzerland Co., IN, Final Settlement Page – "Jackson Goodner"; Conner Family Bible, Clark County Genealogical Society, Marshall, Illinois.
35) Indiana State Library Genealogy Database: Marriages through 1850, Jackson Goodner, Sarah Myers, Dearborn County, 03 August 1837.
36) The Goodner Family, page 358, Real Estate Transfers, Switzerland Co., IN.
37) 1850 Indiana Federal Census, Division 2, Ohio Co., Jackson Goodner age 35 born in Indiana; Sarah Goodner age 31 born in Indiana; also listed are 7 Goodner children.
38) The Goodner Family page 77; Switzerland Co., IN, Final Settlement Page – "Rachael Conner".
39) Indiana State Library Genealogy Database: Marriages through 1850, Jacob Conner, Rachel Goodner, 20 October 1836, Dearborn Co., IN; Conner Family Bible, Clark County Genealogical Society, Marshall, Illinois.
40) 1850 Indiana Federal Census, Cotton Township, Switzerland Co., Jacob Connor age 36 born in Ohio, Rachal Connor age 32 born in Indiana, Family #322. Three Connor children also are listed.
41) The Goodner Family page 78; Switzerland Co., IN, Final Settlement Page – "Margaret Conner".
42) Illinois Compiled Marriages 1791-1850, Moses Conner, Margaret Goodman, 27 February 1839, Edgar County.
43) 1850 Illinois Federal Census, District 19, Edgar Co., Moses Conner age 35, born in Ohio. No Margaret Conner is shown.
44) The Goodner Family page 78; Switzerland Co., IN, Final Settlement Page – "William Goodner"; Iowa Select Deaths and Burials 1850-1990, William Dearborn Goodner, age 73, birth 1825, birth place Indiana, date of death 30 July 1898, death place Harlan, Iowa.
45) Indiana State Library Genealogy Database: Marriages through 1850, William Goodner, Edith J. Griswold, 01 December 1847, Ohio Co., IN.
46) 1850 Indiana Federal Census, Cotton Township, Switzerland Co., William Goodner age 25 born in Indiana, Edith Goodner age 23 born in Ohio.
47) Switzerland Co., IN, Final Settlement Page – "Mary Ricketts"; Switzerland Co., IN, Probate Order Book May 1844 Term, page 149, "Mary Rickets late Mary Goodner, daughter"; Garrett Larew Civil War Soldier, With an Account of His Ancestors and of His Descendants, by Karl G. Larew, Gateway Press, Inc. Baltimore, 1975, page 60.
48) Garrett Larew Civil War Soldier, With an Account of His Ancestors and of His Descendants, by Karl G. Larew, Gateway Press, Inc. Baltimore, 1975, page 60.
49) Tombstone of Mary (Goodner) Ricketts at the Ricketts and/or Mitchell Cemetery, Vermillion Co., IN, gives a date of death as 08 September 1866. The tombstone inscription indicates, "aged 64 y, (?)m, 12 d", so she was born about 1802. History of Vermillion County, Indiana, Lewis Publishing Company, Chicago, Illinois, Biographical Sketches, Thomas J. Mitchell, "His wife was formerly Miss Susannah Ricketts, a daughter of John and Mary Ricketts, who settled in Highland Township as early as 1830, where both died many years ago, on the farm now owned and occupied by Mr. Mitchell. Mr. and Mrs. Ricketts are buried on this farm, where they settled so many years ago"; Ricketts Cemetery, PAM 977.201 v uncat. No 8 1. The Stone/Ricketts Cemetery, also called the Mitchell/Ricketts Cemetery, where John Ricketts and Mary Goodner are buried is is Highland Township, Vermillion County, Indiana. From the intersection of Interstate 74 and Indiana State Road 63 go south on 63 a distance of 1.7 miles. Turn west on 1050N, a county blacktop road, and then proceed west for .7 mile. On the north side of the road, in the corner of a field, but directly adjacent to the road, sets a tiny mowed plot shaded by six large trees, and containing twelve stones in October 1993.
50) Garrett Larew Civil War Soldier, With an Account of His Ancestors and of His Descendants, by Karl G. Larew, Gateway Press, Inc. Baltimore, 1975, page 60: "On p. 120 of GL (Garret Larew), we saw that a son of Robert Senior was John Ricketts. He was born on February 1, 1787, and died on February 23, 1843, in Vermillion County, Indiana. He married Mary Goodner, born March 10, 1802, died September 8, 1868. She was the daughter of Jacob and Hester (White) Goodner"; Indiana State Board of Health, Certificate of Death, Jacob Ricketts, 03 May 1910. This document lists the place of death as Mound Township in Warren County, Indiana. The document lists his father as John Ricketts and his mother as Mary Goodner. The informant was Melissa Ricketts, Jacob's wife. His date of birth was given as 22 February 1826 and his occupation was that of a farmer; Index to Death Records, Warren County, Indiana, 1882-1920, book C-13, page 17, Jacob Ricketts, age 84, May 3, 1910, Mound Township. The back side of the death certificate names Jacob's parents as John Ricketts and Mary Goodin (i.e., Goodner). It states his wife's name was Malissa and gives his date of birth as 22 February 1826. The local record of death document heading is "Fountain – Warren County Health Department, Attica, Indiana."
51) The Goodner Family, page 358, Vermilion Co., IL, Grantor – John Ricketts, Grantee – Michael Goodner, date – 08 December 1838.
52) Estate Papers of Robert Ricketts Senior, Rising Sun, Ohio Co., Indianam Court of Common Pleas, January Term 1856. The Estate Papers indicate John Ricketts, son of Robert Ricketts Senior, was dead at the time the Estate Papers were brought before the court.
53) Ricketts Cemetery, PAM 977.201 v uncat. No 8 1. The Stone/Ricketts Cemetery, also called the Mitchell/Ricketts Cemetery, where John Ricketts and Mary Goodner are buried is is Highland Township, Vermillion County, Indiana. From the intersection of Interstate 74 and Indiana State Road 63 go south on 63 a distance of 1.7 miles. Turn west on 1050N, a county blacktop road, and then proceed west for .7 mile. On the north side of the road, in the corner of a field, but directly adjacent to the road, sets a tiny mowed plot shaded by six large trees, and containing twelve stones in October 1993.
54) Bureau of Land Management, General Land Office Records, Jacob Goodner (of Kentucky), 14 August 1816, Ohio County, Indiana, 1st Prime Meridian, Township 3 North, Range 1 West, SouthWest Quarter, Section 19, 160 acres.
55) Bureau of Land Management, General Land Office Records, John Ricketts, Robert Ricketts, 27 April 1819, Township 3 North, Range 2 West, SouthEast Quarter of Section 24. Section 24 of Township 3 North, Range 2 West, would be adjacent the land of Jacob Goodner in Section 19 of Township 3 North, Range 1 West.
56) Bureau of Land Management, General Land Office Records, Nathan Ricketts, 24 February 1820, Township 3 North, Range 1 West, NorthEast Quarter of Section 19.
57) Jacob Goodner (of Dearborn County, Indiana), 23 May 1831, Township 20 North, Range 11 West, West Half of NorthWest Quarter, Section 19, Vermilion Co., Illinois.
58) Jacob Goodner, 30 March 1837, Township 21 North, Range 12 West, East Half of the SouthWest Quarter, Section 35, Vermilion Co., Illinois.
59) John Ricketts, 20 Mary 1837, Township Twenty North, of Range Eleven West, South West quarter of the South East Quarter of Section 7, Vermilion County, Illinois, in the District of lands subject to sale at Danville, Illinois, containing forty acres.
60) The Goodner Family, page 358, Vermilion Co., Illinois, Real Estate Transfers.
61) John Ricketts: Vermillion County, Indiana, Book 2, page 548. This indenture, the thirteenth day of August in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty between Aaron Purcell and Moria his wife of the County of Vermillion and State of Indiana of the one part and John Ricketts of the county and state aforesaid of the other part witnesseth that the said Aaron Purcell and Moria his wife for and in consideration of the sum of four hundred and twenty five dollars to them in hand paid the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged have granted bargained sold aliened released enfeoffed conveyed and conferred and by these presents do grant bargain sell alien release enfeoff convey and confirm unto the said John Ricketts his heirs and assigns the following tracts or parcels of land with all the priviliges and appurtenances lying and being in the count of Vermillion and state of Indiana to wit: the west half of the south east quarter of section no. eight in township No. nineteen of Range No. nine west containing eighty acres. Also the west half of the south west quarter of section no. four in township no nineteen north of range no nine west containing eighty acres. Also seventy nine acres off of the north end of the east half of the south west quarter of section no eight in township no nineteen north of range no nine west. Also forty acres off of the south end of the east half of the north west quarter of section no seventeen north in township no nineteen north of range no nine west. Also forty acres off of the north end of the east half of the south east quarter of section no five in township no nineteen north of range no nine? West in the Crawfordsville Land District, and all the estate right title interest claim and demand in fee of them the said Aaron Purcell and Moria his wife etc.
62) 1820 Federal Census for Indiana, John Rickets, Randolph Township, Dearborn Co., enumeration date 07 August 1820, 1 male age 26 thru 44, 2 females under age 10, 1 female age 16 thru 25. 1830 Federal Census for Indiana, John Ricketts, Randolph Township, Dearborn Co., 1 male under age 5, 2 males age 5 thru 9, 1 male age 30 thru 39, 3 females under age 5, 1 female age 5 thru 9, 2 females age 10 thru 14, 1 female age 20 thru 29.
63) 1830 Federal Census for Indiana, John Rickett, Vermillion County, 1 male under age 5, 2 males age 5 thru 9, 1 male age 30 thru 39, 2 females under age 5, 1 female age 5 thru 9, 2 females age 10 thru 14, 1 female age 20 thru 29.
64) 1840 Federal Census for Indiana, Vermillion Co., Highland Township, Post Office Perrysville, John Ricketts.
65) 1850 U. S. Federal Census for Indiana, Vermillion Co., Highland Township, enumerated 25 October 1850. Mary Ricketts, age 47, female, value of real estate $1,390, born in North Carolina. There were seven younger males and females living in the household of which she appears to have been the head.
66) 1860 U. S. Federal Census for Indiana, Vermillion Co., Highland Township, enumerated 01 July 1860. Mary Ricketts, age 59, female, value of real estate $960, value of personal estate $250, born in Indiana. A Nancy G. Cheezem, age 10, and William Ricketts, age 26, also were living in the household.
67) The Goodner Family, page 29.
68) Bureau of Land Management, General Land Office Records, 08 December 1830, Township 19 North, Range 11 West, East Half of the NorthWest Quarter, Section 4, Vermilion Co., Illinois; also 08 December 1830, Township 19 North, Range 11 West, East Half of the NorthWest Quarter, Section 4, Vermilion Co., Illinois.
69) 1850 Illinois Federal Census, District 21, Vermilion Co., Walter Goodner, age 75, born in North Carolina.
70) Illinois Compiled Marriages 1791-1850, Walter Goodner, Polly Starks, 15 September 1842, Vermilion County.
71) 1850 Illinois Federal Census, District 21, Vermilion Co., Mary Goodner, age 55, born in Kentucky.
72) 1860 Illinois Federal Census, Elwood Township, Vermilion Co., Walter Goodner age 85 born in North Carolina.
73) The Goodner Family, page 68.
74) The Goodner Family, page 68.
75) The Goodner Family, page 68; Indiana Marriages 1810-2001, Michael Goodner, Marriage Registration, 19 December 1828, Indiana, Catharine Connner, page 12; Indiana State Library, Indiana Marriages Through 1850, Michael Goodner, Catharine Conner, 24 December 1828, Dearborn County, Bk. 1 p. 239, Indiana State Library.
76) Illinois Marriage Index 1860-1920, Michael Goodner, 2 April 1858, Edgar Co., Illinois, Rachel Clarke; U.S. Indexed County Land Ownership Maps 1860-1918, Michael Goodner, Vermilion Co., Illinois, 1875.
77) Bureau of Land Management, General Land Office Records, John Goodner, 01 July 1826, Township 20 North, Range 11 West, East half of the NorthEast Quarter, Section 4, Vermilion Co., Illinois.
78) Indiana Compiled Marriages 1802-1850, Thomas J. Mitchell, Susanna Ricketts, 31 March 1832, Vermillion County.
79) History of Vermillion County, Indiana, Lewis Publishing Company, Chicago, Illinois, Biographical Sketches, Thomas J. Mitchell, "His wife was formerly Miss Susannah Ricketts, a daughter of John and Mary Ricketts, who settled in Highland Township as early as 1830, where both died many years ago, on the farm now owned and occupied by Mr. Mitchell. Mr. and Mrs. Ricketts are buried on this farm, where they settled so many years ago."
80) State of Indiana Marriages, County Court Records at Newport, Indiana, for Vermillion County. Easter Ricketts and Aaron Betzer, 22 February 1838; Garrett Larew Civil War Soldier, With an Account of His Ancestors and of His Descendants, by Karl G. Larew, Gateway Press, Inc. Baltimore, 1975, page 62 - " Garret moved to Montgomery County in 1838--perhaps because his brother-in-law, John Ricketts, was in nearby Vermillion County, Indiana (see above section for a discussion of the family of this John Ricketts)"; Also see, "The Ricketts Family" by Charles D. Ricketts, Morton, IL, 1979; and also Mildred Evaline Betzer Heuston, The Descendants of Conrad Betzer in America, Tishimongo, OK,1972; also see, Maurine Collins Schmitz and Glendola Amos Peck, The Amos Family, Ancestors and Descendants of Perry Amos (1857 - 1933) and Mollie Leota Dickerson Amos (1862 - 1947) of Shelby County, Indiana, Dubuque, Iowa, 1964, page 50. “History mentions Phoebe and deeds of 1819 and 1822 in Dearborn County names his sons Robert and John and their wives.” The authors then list Ann LaRue as the wife of Robert Ricketts Junior and Mary as the wife of John Ricketts.
81) Finda-A-Grave.com, Star Cemetery, Cherokee Co., Kansas, tombstone, Aaron Betzer, 4 October 1815, 16 September 1888, Esther, his wife, 20 September 1819, 04 February 1911.
82) Indiana State Board of Health, Certificate of Death, Jacob Ricketts, 03 May 1910. This document lists the place of death as Mound Township in Warren County, Indiana. The document lists his father as John Ricketts and his mother as Mary Goodner. The informant was Melissa Ricketts, Jacob's wife. His date of birth was given as 22 February 1826 and his occupation was that of a farmer.
83) Indiana State Board of Health, Certificate of Death, Jacob Ricketts, 03 May 1910. This document lists the place of death as Mound Township in Warren County, Indiana. The document lists his father as John Ricketts and his mother as Mary Goodner. The informant was Melissa Ricketts, Jacob's wife. His date of birth was given as 22 February 1826 and his occupation was that of a farmer; Index to Death Records, Warren County, Indiana, 1882-1920, book C-13, page 17, Jacob Ricketts, age 84, May 3, 1910, Mound Township. The back side of the death certificate names Jacob's parents as John Ricketts and Mary Goodin (i.e., Goodner). It states his wife's name was Malissa and gives his date of birth as 22 February 1826. The local record of death document heading is "Fountain – Warren County Health Department, Attica, Indiana."
84) Indiana State Board of Health, Certificate of Death, Jacob Ricketts, 03 May 1910. This document lists the place of death as Mound Township in Warren County, Indiana. The document lists his father as John Ricketts and his mother as Mary Goodner. The informant was Melissa Ricketts, Jacob's wife. His date of birth was given as 22 February 1826 and his occupation was that of a farmer; Index to Death Records, Warren County, Indiana, 1882-1920, book C-13, page 17, Jacob Ricketts, age 84, May 3, 1910, Mound Township. The back side of the death certificate names Jacob's parents as John Ricketts and Mary Goodin (i.e., Goodner). It states his wife's name was Malissa and gives his date of birth as 22 February 1826. The local record of death document heading is "Fountain – Warren County Health Department, Attica, Indiana."
85) Indiana Death Certificates 1899-2011, William Ricketts, birth date 26 February 1833, birth place Vermillion Co., Indiana, death date 27 August 1907, death place Perrysville, Vermillion, Indiana, father – John Ricketts, mother – Mary Goodner.
APPENDIX A
JACOB GOODNER PROBATE PAPERS
State of Indiana
Switzerland County
John Goodner administrator of Jacob Goodner deceased would respectfully ?represent? to the Court of Probate of said county, that the heirs of Jacob Goodner deceased are as follows John Goodner your petitioner Mary Ricketts, Catharine Pate, Michael Goodner, Daniel Goodner, Jackson Goodner, Rachael Conner, Margaret Conner, William Goodner and Elizabeth ?Lisiagre and Sarah Conner and Zilpha Jacobs widow of Jacob Goodner deceased that he is not advised of the exact amount by him re'd or paid out for said estate, but exhibits receipts from No. 1 to 5 amounting to $38.50 that he has heretofore exhibited to this court two reports in which he claimed credits & was allowed the sum of $16.00 & $50.53, being in all the sum of $99.03 – Said ?? would show that he has made settlement with all the heirs & auditing? Of said estate & has ?heirs receipts in full which he now deposits in court for all of said estate except the notes ?given? by James Pollock & James Murray all dated March 24, 1837 one for $600 one for $700 & one for $800, which notes cannot be collected as the makers thereof are insolvent & which he now returns to this court for the ?benefit of future heirs – He now says the costs of ?? ?$8144? & ?prays to be allowed for thirty days by him ? as ? ?? (over)
APPENDIX B
Switzerland County, Indiana Probate Order Book Abstracts 1837-1849
Jacob Goodner Estate
“Estate of Jacob Goodner, deceased. John Goodner, administrator de bonis non. Dana Jacobs and Zilpa Jacobs, his wife, late Zilpa Goodner, widow. Mary Rickets late Mary Goodner, daughter. Citation.” Page 34, Switzerland County, Indiana Probate Order Book C May 1844 Term.
E-mail received from Tina Lyons, author of Switzerland County, Indiana Probate Order Book Abstracts 1837-1849, Fort Wayne, Indiana 2017:
"The page that you attached does not appear to come from the official probate books. It looks like it may be a report made by the administrator to the court and filed with other loose papers in the probate packet. The top part of the page “State of Indiana, Switzerland County, SS” states where the paper was written. The official books tend to start with “Estate of so and so.” The packets are stored in the basement of the Switzerland County Courthouse and are organized by the first letter of the surname. Multiple drawers may need to be searched to locate the correct packet.
I unfortunately live too far away from Vevay to make regular research trips. You may contact the Switzerland County Historical Society (http://www.switzcomuseums.org) to see if they can recommend a local researcher."
Switzerland County, Indiana Probate Order Book Abstracts 1837-1849, compiled by Tina Lyons, Fort Wayne, Indiana 2017 lists the following pages that mention Jacob Goodner: POB B 1837-1841, Jacob Goodner Estate, Page 191, 192, 221, 243, 276, 286, 293, 351, 377, 396, 418, 475, 496, and 542. Also, POB B 1841-1849 Jacob Goodner Estate, pages 14, 24, 43, 191, 338, 356, and 397.
APPENDIX C
JACOB GOODNER CENSUS RECORDS
Jacob Goodner first appears in the 1801 Franklin Co., Kentucky early census index. He would have been about 25 years old at the time and married to Hester White.
The 1810 U.S. Census for Gallatin Township, Gallatin County, Kentucky lists the Jacob Goodner family as follows:
2 males under 10 - this should be John, age 10; Michael, age 3
1 male 26 thru 44 - this should be Jacob, age 34
3 females under 10 - this should be Mary, age 9; Catherine, age 6; and one female name unknown
1 female 26 thru 44 - this should Hester, age 41
The 1820 U.S. Census for Randolph Township, Dearborn County, Indiana lists the Jacob Goodner family as follows:
1 male under 10 - this should be
2 males 10 thru 15 - this should be
1 male 16 thru 25 -
1 male 26 thru 44 -
3 females under 10 - this should be
1 female 10 thru 15 -
1 female 26 thru 44 -
The 1830 U.S. Census for Randolph Township, Dearborn County, Indiana lists the Jacob Goodner family as follows:
1 male under 10 - this should be
2 males 10 thru 15 - this should be
1 male 16 thru 25 -
1 male 26 thru 44 -
3 females under 10 - this should be
1 female 10 thru 15 -
1 female 26 thru 44 -
APPENDIX D
MICHAEL GOODNER CENSUS RECORDS
Michael Goodner first appears in census records in 1830. Michael Goodner had married Catharine Conner on 19 December 1828 in Indiana.
The 1830 U.S. Census for Switzerland Co., Indiana, lists the Michael Goodner family as follows:
1 male under 5 - this should be
1 male 20 thru 29 - Michael
1 female 20 thru 29 - Catherine
Total All Persons - 3
The 1840 U.S. Census for Vermilion Co., Illinois lists the Michael Goodner family as follows:
2 males under 5 - this should be
1 male 5 thru 9 - this should be Jacob who was 19 in 1850
1 male 10 thru 14 -
1 male 30 thru 39 - Michael
1 females under 5 - this should be
1 female 5 thru 9 -
1 female 30 thru 39 - Catherine
Total All Persons - 8
The 1850 U.S. Census for District 21, Vermilion Co., Illinois lists the Michael Goodner family as follows:
Michael Goodner - age 44, born in Kentucky
Katharine Goodner - age 42
Jacob Goodner - age 19
Jackson Goodner - age 12
Margaret A. Goodner - age 10
David Goodner - age 6
Henry Goodner - age 3
Nancy Goodner - age 1
Also:
Henry Goodner - age 28
Susan Goodner - age 23
John Goodner - age 3
Amos Goodner - age 1
Elizth Goodner - age 1
The 1860 U.S. Census for Blount Township, Vermilion Co., Illinois lists the Michael Goodner family as follows:
Michael Goodner - age 53, born in Kentucky
Rachael Goodner - age 49
Jackson Goodner - age 22
Daniel Goodner - age 16
J. Henry Goodner - age 4
Nancy Goodner - age 10
The 1870 U.S. Census for Maine Prairie Township, Stearns Co., Minnesota lists the Michael Goodner family as follows:
Michael Goodner - age 63, born in Kentucky
Rachael Goodner - age 54
APPENDIX E
Jacob Goodner, a Son of Michael Goodner
from History of Allen and Woodson Counties, Kansas
Edited and Compiled by L. Wallace Duncan and Chas. F. Scott
Iola, Kansas, Iola Register, Printers and Binders, 1901
Pages 569 and 570 – Jacob Goodner
JACOB GOODNER whose residence in Allen county has been productive of much material prosperity to himself and whose location upon the old Perkins tract in Iola is a matter of general information to the old settlers of the city dates his residence in the county from the year 1880. He succeeded W. J. Ihrig in the ownership of his farm on Elm creek and has continued the occupation of his fathers to this day. Mr. Goodner emigrated from Saint Cloud, Minnesota, to Kansas but settled in the north in 1861 as an emigrant from Vermillion County, Illinois.
He was born in Switzerland County, Indiana, August 30, 1832. His father, Michael Goodner, was a farmer and one of the pioneers to that wonderful foreign community in southern Indiana. The latter was born in Kentucky in 1808 and died in Stearns County, Minnesota, September 29, 1889. He settled in Minnesota in 1862 and was a quiet and unobtrusive farmer whose ambition was to do right and rear his family to respectability. His wife, nee Catherine Connor, died in Vermillion County, Illinois. Their children were: Daniel, deceased; Jackson, of Stearns County, Minnesota, and David Goodner, of the same point; Margaret, wife of Eli Hoskins, of Stearns County; Henry Goodner, of Edgar County, Illinois; Nancy, wife of Henry Casert, of Oregon, and Jacob Goodner.
Jacob Goodner went into Vermillion County, Illinois, in infancy with his parents. He learned to do the work of the farm effectually and successfully. Although his family is one of the ancient ones in the United States it came out of Germany and settled along the Atlantic coast and came to Kentucky through North Carolina. This fact of sturdy origin gives our subject a title to special traits of industry and it is these qualities which have in a measure marked him through life.
Mr. Goodner was married in Vermillion County, Illinois, to Maria Clark. She died in Iola in 1885, without issue. In 1887 Mr. Goodner married Catherine, a daughter of Samuel Bloom. The children of this marriage are: Clarence, Fern, Fayette, Elmer and Lillie Goodner.
Mr. Goodner became a Republican in 1856 and a Populist in 1892. He sold the site of the Michigan Portland Cement Company to that company in 1899 and has been benefitted in other ways by the discovery of gas at Iola.
