Page:The Granite Monthly Volume 6.djvu/304

 274

��THE GRANITE MONTHLY.

��next year, which rose to five thousand dozen. In 1.870 another calamity overtook the enterprise. The firm of Goodell & Co. owed at that time seven hundred and sixty-one dollars, but it had indorsed, to accommodate one of the partners, the notes of Treadwell & Co.. to the amount of fifty thousand dollars, and the failure of this firm sent both into bankruptcy. The result of this trouble was that Mr. Goodell bought the property himself, borrowed money and paid its debts ; paid for it out of his first year's profits, and has since been able to greatly en- large the business without signing a note for himself or any body else, or accepting any of the pecuniary help which has been freely offered him.

Up to 1872 he directed his ener- gies mainly to the manufacture and sale of parers ; but in that year he helped organize the Wood Cutlery Company, at Bennington, and in 1875 united it with his private business, and transferred the whole to the Goodell Company, of which he owns a large share of the stock and is the manager and controlling spirit. The business of this company has steadily increased until it employs one hundred and fifty hands, and pays more than fifty thou- sand dollars annually for labor. It manufactures all kinds of table cutlery, Cahoon seed-sowers, apple and potato- parers, and cherry-stoners.

While giving his closest attention to these manufacturing enterprises, Mr. Goodell has taken a warm interest in agriculture, and for many years has managed the large farm that formerly belonged to his father, which came in- to his possession some time since, and upon which he resides. Here he demonstrates the principles of pro- gressive and profitable husbandry and stock-raising, extends a hearty welcome to his friends, and enjoys the peace and plenty which are reserved for the gentleman farmer. He has been one of the trustees of the New England Agricultural Society for several years, and organized and was for a time president of the Oak Park Association,

��and is an active member of the New Hampshire board of agriculture.

Mr. Goodell has always been an ar- dent, wide-awake, and working Repub- lican, and when the party, under his leadership, wrested the town from the opposition in 1S76, he became its representative in the legislature, to which position he was re-elected in 1877-78. In the house he established and maintained a reputation as one of the most judicious counselors and most effective speakers in the state, and commanded the confidence of his colleagues to such an extent that no measure which he advocated was de- feated, and none that he opposed was successful. Among the important bills which were carried through largely by his judicious and earnest support was that for the erection of a new state prison.

In the election of November, 1882, Mr. Goodell received the nomination of his party as candidate for council- or and was elected.

Mr. Goodell's wife was Hannah Jane Plumer, a daughter of Jesse T. Plumer, of Goffstown. He has two children, — -Dura Dana Goodell, born September 6, 1858, and Richard C. Goodell, born August 10, 1868. The family are members of the Baptist church of Antrim, as were the father and mother of Mr. Goodell.

These facts justify the claim of a wide circle of friends and acquaint- ances who look upon him as one of the strongest men of the state. Though still in his prime, he has won a position of which any man should be proud. His large manu- facturing business, which has given the town new life and prosperity, is of his own creation ; his farm is a model which invites healthy progress ; his private character is without a blemish ; his business credit above suspicion ; his reputation as a citizen, neighbor, and friend is of the best ; and his abil- ity to fill any public position credita- bly and well is universally acknowl- edged. — From Successful N. H. Men.

�� �