Biographies
from
The History of Otsego County, New York
1740-1878
D. Hamilton Hurd
Published by Everts & Fariss, Philadelphia
GOODRICH, Charles F. - Edmeston
Among the early pioneers of this county may be mentioned
the GOODRICH family. The grandfather of the subject of
this sketch, Hubbard Goodrich, was a native of Pittsfield, Mass.,
and married Miss Susan Graves, a native of the same State.
They had eight children,- six sons and two daughters,- and
Alpheus, one of their sons, was the father of Chas. F. Mr.
Hubbard Goodrich and family emigrated to Otsego County and
settled in the town of Pittsfield about 1793. He was one of
the very earliest settlers of that town, and, with Dr. Cone
and others of his native place, named and organized it.
He was a farmer by occupation, and reared his family to
industry and frugality. Later in life he removed to Otselic,
Chenango Co., where he continued to reside until his death.
Alpheus was born in Pittsfield, Mass., Nov. 29, 1789, and
consequently was about four years of age when his parents
removed to this county. His advantages for education were
very limited, as in those early days every one had to do what
he could to aid in supporting the family. He was reared a
farmer, and at one time was the owner of some 371 acres
of good land. He married Miss Ruey FAIRCHILD, a
native of Fairfield Co., Conn., about 1810. She was born
about 1794, and they had four children,- three sons and
one daughter. The daughter died while yet an infant, but
the sons are still living, namely, Alpheus D., David F., and
Chas. F. In politics Mr. Alpheus Goodrich was a Whig
and Republican. He died Jan. 28, 1852, and Mrs.
Goodrich died Feb. 23, 1858. Chas. F. is of English
origin, his ancestors having emigrated from England
previous to the Revolution and settled in Connecticut.
They espoused the cause of the colonists, and were strong
advocates of the independence of the colonies. It is
related that three brothers came over, and one of them
returned for their property, but never was heard from.
Chas. F. was born Feb. 23, 1818, in Pittsfield, Otsego Co.,
N.Y., and settled on his present farm, with his parents,
in 1822. He has continued to reside here every since.
He was married to Miss Martha P. WINN, a daughter of
Eliphalet and Lydia WINN, Aug. 22, 1847. She was born
in Lee, Oneida Co., N.Y., Aug. 4, 1830. Her father was
a native of Connecticut, and her mother of Schenectady.
By this happy union of Mr. and Mrs. Goodrich six children
were born,- one son and five daughters,- namely, Mary I.,
Josephine C., Emogene, Ella A., Chas. A., and Mattie W.
Emogene died at the age of nine.
Mr. Goodrich is the owner of the "old homestead" of 371
acres, a fine view of which may be seen elsewhere, and
portraits of himself and wife above. In politics he has
always been identified with the interests of the Republican
party, and is a life-reader of Mr. Greeley's New York
Tribune.
Mr. and Mrs. Goodrich are members of the Universalist
society of Edmeston Centre.--
Excerpt from History of Otsego Co., NY, page 149