Goetschius Family History & Genealogy

This is an old photo found in my grandmothers photo collection. She was the grandchild of Sarah Catherine and Ira Goetschius

James McMaster Goetschius was born in Duchess county, N. Y., July 4, 1812, departed this life April 25, 1890, aged 77 years, 9 months and 21 days. He was a son of Lewis and Helen (McMaster) Goetschius. When three years old, his parents moved to Tioga county, N. Y. and he there grew to manhood. In 1833 he married Miss Elizabeth Waterman also of New York. In the spring of 1834 he moved to Huron county, Ohio, where the same year his wife died, leaving a daughter,*Catherine Elizabeth now the wife of Daniel Z. Hoffman, of Auburn, Ind. He came to Dekalb county, Ind., in the spring of 1836, and entered several tracts of land. On the tract in Butler township, he cleared some and built a log cabin. He took jobs of clearing in this and Allen counties, and was one of a number who got out timber for the old Wabash canal, then building through Ft. Wayne. In 1839 he visited his old home in New York and in May of that year married his second wife, Miss Abigail Barnes, who survives him. The same year they moved to their new home among the wilds of a new country. In 1850 he crossed the plains to the gold fields of California, and remained there about 2 ½ years engaged in mining. He returned home through Central America by the way of isthmus. In the spring of 1856 he sold his farm in Butler township and moved to Auburn, where he resided during the summer. And in the fall of the same year bought the farm in Richland township where he lived until his death. To the latter union were born ten children but six of whom are now living, Helen A. married to Stephen Masters, and lives in Sebastian county, Arkansas; Elizabeth, married Jesse Thomas and lives near the home of the deceased; Emily, married Thomas Lipsett, and lives in Goshen, Ind.; James Philander, lives in North Dakota; Abram Dewitt, lives in Hay's City, Kansas; Ira Barnes, lives at the old home in Richland township. The deceased was an active Man and held different offices of trust and responsibility, in his township and served three terms as county commissioner. He was very prominent in shaping the interest of the county, living for the best interest of his family, and always ready to lend a helping hand to any one in need. He was never without a kind word, a bright smile, or an act of charity to cheer some fellow creature. About five year ago, he was stricken with softening to the brain and gradually grew worse until death came and released him from his sufferings. Thus has passed away another pioneer. And many, if not all of the pioneers of the few that are left will remember with pleasure, the name of James M. Goetschius and recall many jovial and happy moments when in his society. (Re: Auburn Courier - May 1, 1890)