OBITUARY: Dr. Samuel A. Goodman, 1902 - Smith County, TX Submitted by Mary Love Berryman 3 August 2002 Copyright. All rights reserved. http://usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm ***************************************************************** Newspaper Article (source unknown) found in the Goodman file at the Smith County Historical Society Archives, Carnegie History Center Tyler, TX Copied by Mary Love Berryman, July 31, 2002 April 25, 1902 (Handwritten) OBITUARY Dr. Samuel A. Goodman, one of the most distinguished citizens or Smith County and who was well-known throughout this section of the State, died at the family home, on North Broadway, in this city, on the evening of April 23, 1902. Dr. Goodman's death was an easy one, and life passed out like a peaceful, tranquil river. He was surrounded by his son, Dr. Good­man, aud other relatives. He was born Oct. 22, 1805, near Nashville, Tenn., within a few miles of Gen. Andrew Jackson's old home, now known as "The Hermitage." When about 20 years or age he went to South Carolina, where he studied Medicine and practiced his profession in Union District, S. C. thirty- five years, owning at the same time farming interest. In 1857 he retired from the practice of medicine and moved to Smith Coun­ty, Texas, where he devoted his entire time to farming and in which he made a success. He was systematic in every thing he undertook. He was a strong advocate of the Southern Confederacy and while then advanced in years, and not in field ser­vice himself, he made a faithful home soldier in helping provide for those in the front and the loved ones they left at home. Both his sons were in the Confederate Army. He remained on his farm until 1874, when he sold his entire farm interest, and moved to Tyler, investing his means in property here, where he resided until his death. He had a clear and systematic mind and very fond of reading and had an unusual memory. It was remarkable how he recollected the dates and inventors of the many different inventions and discoveries that have been made during the period of his life, and which period covers more inventions and improvements than any one thou­sand years of the world's history before. He was always kind and thoughtful of those in his service: and when his slaves were freed, although he had quite a large number of them, they all except two, remained with him as long as his farm, covering a period of nine years after they were liberated. Among those surrounding his open grave was the faithful old colored woman Celia Lipscomb, who has been in his service and employ, as house girl and their cook, about 73 years. His first vote was cast for Andrew Jackson for President of the United States, who was his father's (Claibourne Goodman) neighbor and personal friend. Since that time he has kept fully posted in the political events of his country, though never aspiring to any office himself. He married Miss P. C. Jefferies of Union District, S. C., Feb. 11, 1830. They had five children: the first two died in infancy, the others were William J., Samuel A., Jr., and Sara R. P. The latter died in South Carolina at the age of 14 years. His wife died Sept. 21, 1899. One son, Dr. William J. Goodman, survives him. He is well-known and prominent citizen of Tyler. He lived a consistent Christian life.