J. D. Goodyear

        J. D. Goodyear was born in Tiffin, Seneca County, Ohio, October 23, 1825. His father, Merritt Goodyear, and his grandfather, Joseph Goodyear, were both natives of Connecticut. His great-grandfather, Stephen Goodyear, came from England in an early day and settled in Connecticut, and was the ancestor of the Goodyear family in America. Charles Goodyear, the man of such notoriety as a rubber inventor, and whose name is stamped on nearly all the genuine rubber boots and shoes in the civilized world, was a cousin of Mr. Goodyear's father. The mother of the subject of this sketch, nee Fanny Smith, was born in the State of New York. She was the daughter of Zenas Smith, who married a Marvin, niece of Marvin the great safe manufacturer of New York. Mr. Goodyear spent his early childhood in Ohio, and, at the age of seven years, went to New York State, where he remained until he reached his majority. He has been an industrious man all his life, began work when he was quite small, and has been engaged in many different kinds of employment, and among other things, has worked in the redwoods of California. He has been the owner of several pieces of property that have become very valuable since he parted with them. He thinks the mistake of his life has been that he did not hold on long enough. Mr. Goodyear has learned wisdom through the years that are past, and it is his intention to keep the beautiful ranch which he now owns. In 1887 he bought 120 acres of land. This property had been improved to some extent, and Mr. Goodyear has continued the work of tree-planting and improving and remodeling until the place is now a delightful and attractive home. There is a fine artesian well on the ranch. Mr. Goodyear's principal crop is corn. He also has a fine variety of fruit, and has given some attention to the raising of horses.

    The subject of this sketch was married in 1851, to Miss Sophina Wright, a native of Illinois, and daughter of Peter Wright, who was a Kentuckian by birth. They have had ten children, six of whom are now living, viz.: Harriet, wife of Henry Root, resides in Oregon; Eugene, who married Miss Lizzie Paulson; Willie, who is at home with his father; Everett, now attending college at Berkeley; and Edward and Fanny, at home. Emma married Albert Coyle, and died in 1883, leaving one child, Emma.

    Mr. Goodyear was a Democrat until the organization of the Republican party, and has been a Republican since that time. The Goodyear family is one that has seen much of pioneer life, and can fully appreciate their comfortable home, which is situated in the beautiful Santa Clara Valley, only three miles from Hueneme. Mr. Goodyear was a pioneer in the Territories of Wisconsin and Minnesota, and voted for the admission of both into the Union. Himself, wife and children represent five States, by birth.

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