Goff, John

JOHN GOFF.

The ancestors of the Goff family in America were early emigrants from Ireland, and probably first settled on Long Island, whence the progenitors of John Goff came to Orange County. Mr. Goff was born in Monroe township, Oct. 19, 1800, and passed the early portion of his life at the home of his parents, Michael and Elizabeth Goff. He continued farming occupations until the age of manhood; was united in marriage, April 5, 1821, to Miss Phebe, daughter of Gilbert and Hannah Turner, and then, desiring a more extended field of labor, removed to New York City, where he was for fourteen years engaged in the milk business. He returned again to Monroe, and resided for four years upon the Turner homestead, after which he removed to the village of Monroe, and purchased what is known as the McGarrah property. Mr. Goff then became a landlord, and continued to be for a period of twenty-eight years one of the most popular hosts in the county. He then retired to private life, but retained his former residence. In all the relations of life Mr. Goff was an esteemed and influential citizen. Though not immediately connected with either of the religious denominations, he was a cheerful supporter of all churches, and contributed willingly to their advancement. He manifested much public spirit, and established a reputation for soundness of judgment, both in matters of business and in the larger sphere of public life. Mr. Goff was a Democrat in his political views, and keenly alive to the success of his party, though never himself ambitious for office. The death of Mr. Goff occurred in Monroe, Feb. 13, 1881, in his eighty- first year; that of Mrs. Goff having taken place on Dec. 24, 1878.