EDWARD E. GOFF. This young man is quietly pursuing his calling as a practical farmer, in township 16, where he possesses a good farm, which he is constantly improving, and he has excellent prospects of attaining an honorable success in his chosen vocation. He is a native of Illinois, born July 25, 1857, in Menard County, where he was reared and educated, with the exception of three years spent in Jacksonville, where he attended school. He is a son of Murray E. and Lina (Greenwood) Goff, natives of Green County, Ky., the father born in 1818, and who came to Menard County, this State, with their respective parents when they were children. They were there married, and in their pleasant home the following children were born to them: John, a soldier in the late war, died in the service at Paducah, Ky.; Mary married Thomas Dowell, and died in Nodaway County, Mo., leaving a family; Jennie, now Mrs. F. J. Ship, lives in Petersburg, Ill.; Harney W. lives in Menard County; William A. lives in Montana; Mathew L. is a Baptist minister, in Plano, Ill.; Augustus R. is practicing dentistry in Washington, Washington Co., Kan.; Edward is our subject; Ida F. is the wife of Dr. Hall, of Chicago; David A. lives in Petersburg, Ill.; Vickey died at the age of seven years. The beloved wife and mother departed this life July 4, 1879. The father later married Miss Lizzie Inven, and they have one son, Harry. They now make their home in Petersburg.

Edward Goff, of this brief life sketch, early entered upon his career as a farmer, and his farm of eighty acres compares favorably with others in the neighborhood in all points. IN the establishment of a pleasant home that is a cozy, comfortable retreat after a hard day's labor, and an attraction to numerous friends, he has had the cheerful co-operation of one who is the best of wives, and the most tender of mothers to the children that have blessed their union. Her maiden name was Mary E. Owens, a daughter of William C. Owens, of whom see sketch, and their marriage was solemnized in the spring fo 1879. They have had three children - William M., Rolla J., and an infant, of whom two survive.

Mr. Goff is well educated, and possesses sufficient force of character and steadiness of purpose to make him a reliable, trustworthy citizen and neighbor, and he is so regarded by his fellow-citizens.