Jasper County >> 1894 Index
Grundy County
Marshall County

Portrait and Biographical Records of Jasper, Marshall and Grundy Counties, Iowa
Chicago: Biographical Pub. Co., 1894.

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Unless noted, biographies submitted by Dick Barton.

David Dexter Goodhue

With the progress of Jasper County, and more especially with the history of Malaka Township, the subject of this sketch has been intimately associated for many years, having contributed materially to the development of its resources and the growth of its industries. His life occupation has been that of farming, in which, through industry and perseverance, he has met with success and gained prosperity. The farm which he owns and operates consists of one hundred and sixty acres, embellished with suitable and substantial buildings and bearing first- class improvements.

The father of our subject, David Goodhue, was a native of New Hampshire, and in that state followed the trade of a cooper in connection with general farming pursuits. Coming to Iowa in 1854, he located in Jasper County two years afterward and bought two hundred acres of wild land, for which he paid $12 per acre. At an advanced age he passed away in 1885. He was for years one of Malaka Township's most energetic and progressive citizens, and it was through his efforts that the postoffice was established at Horn, he serving as Postmaster there for many years. In politics he was an old-line Whig, and after the organization of the Republican party adopted its principles as his own. In religious connections he was a member of the Christian Church.

Unto David and Betsy (McGouch) Goodhue there were born three children, George C., David D. and Edward Payson. The second of these, our subject, was born in New Hampshire April 13, 1837. In his youth he was employed in farm work and also learned the trade of a cooper, spending the intervals of work in the log schoolhouse, where he acquired the rudiments of his education. Since then, by extensive reading, he has become well posted upon general topics and is a man of broad information. Upon coming to Jasper County he settled upon eighty acres of partially improved land, to which he has from time to time added as enabled to do so.

January 15, 1869, Mr. Goodhue was united in marriage with Miss Amelia T. Clark, who died October 27, 1867, leaving five children, Hattie F., Thomas W., Sarah J., Theodore P. and Daisy M. The second marriage of Mr. Goodhue was to Miss Maggie Clements, of Metz, Jasper County. He is a stanch supporter of the principles of the Democratic party and has been elected upon the ticket of his chosen party to occupy various positions of trust. At the present time he is serving as Treasurer of the School Board, and being interested in educational affairs he has been enabled to promote the standard of study in the public schools.