Eugene Goodrich Biography, Genesee County, Michigan

This Biography extracted from “Portrait and Biographical Record of 
Genesee, Lapeer and Tuscola Counties, Michigan…”, published be Chapman 
Bros., Chicago (1892), p. 1032-1033

This copy contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives.


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EUGENE GOODRICH. We have here one the representative citizens belonging 
to one of the enterprising pioneer families of Goodrich. His native 
home was in Atlas Township, Genesee County, and he was born January 26, 
1842. His parents, Moses and Hannah (Anderson) Goodrich, were natives 
of New York, and of English origin. The Goodrich family can be traced 
back to the "Mayflower" and Plymouth Rock. The father of our subject 
was born in 1802 and in the fall of 1835, left his native State, New 
York, and accompanied by his brother, the Hon. Enos Goodrich, came to 
Genesee County, Mich., and became purchasers of one thousand acres of 
land which they obtained of the Government and which they subsequently 
apportioned among the members of the family.

   Moses Goodrich had lost his first wife before coming West and in the 
spring of 1836 he sent for his son and daughter to join him in the new 
home. He settled on section 29, Atlas Township, and having cleared up 
the farm went to work to develop and cultivate it. He cheerfully under-
went the usual hardships of pioneer life. The following winter he 
returned East, and on his journey back to Michigan, which took thirteen 
days in a sleigh drawn by oxen, he was accompanied by his brother Levi 
Goodrich.

   The father of our subject was twice married and three of his 
children now survive, namely: George, Eugene and Nelson. He was one of 
the first to serve as Highway Commissioner of Atlas Township, and was a 
sturdy pioneer and a great worker. In his political views he was a 
Democrat and was active in promoting the best interests of the county. 
In his death which took place, September 10, 1887 this section of 
Michigan sustained a real loss.

   Eugene Goodrich had his early training in Atlas Township and from 
early youth has been engaged in farming. He did much severe pioneer 
work. He received a common-school education which prepared him for the 
thorough course of reading which he has kept up all through his career. 
He was married September 22, 1865 to Rosa Mills, who became the mother 
of five children, namely: Edward, Florence E., Rosa (deceased), Archie 
and Frederick. The mother of these children was called from earth's 
activities in 1874.

   The present Mrs. Goodrich who became the wife of our subject, 
December 22, 1875, bore the maiden name of Julia Maish. She was born in 
Lexington, Ky., October 12, 1841, and is a daughter of Frederick and 
Sarah D. (Dedrick) Maish. Her father was a native of Tuscarawas County, 
Ohio, and the mother was born in Utica, N. Y. When in her second year 
she lost her father by death and when nine years old she came with her 
mother and other members of the family to Michigan and for a number of 
years resided in Oakland County.

   The Democratic party has in its principles and policy always 
commanded the respect and adherance of Mr. Goodrich. He owns a fine 
farm of two hundred and forty-three acres of land which is among the 
best in Atlas Township. His thorough integrity and ability have secured 
for him the esteem and confidence of the business community, and in 
social life he and his good wife are active and honored. In seeking for 
a name for the now thriving and busy village of Goodrich, the family of 
our subject was not overlooked, and indeed it may be truly said that 
its members were the founders of that place.




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