Near Farina, Ill., Sept. 1st, 1866, after an illness of about three weeks, Wm. A. Goodrich, Esq., in the 65th year of his age. The last of June, Mr. Goodrich, while driving his stock, fell from his horse. The horse on full speed, turned short, and the stirrup gave way, which threw him to the high and sharp brass-mounted saddle in front; then he struck heavily on the ground, breaking one bone of the arm just above the wrist.
After the fall, he tried to attend to his business, carrying his arm in a sling, but seemed much debilitated, and easily wearied, until he found himself suffering with a slight fever, which he thought would soon be subdued. It assumed a typhoid phase. The doctor was called, he grew weaker, and talked very little; but his friends did not feel alarmed about his case, until thirty-six hours before he died. He said very little about the injury caused by the saddle, but when they came to lay him out, the cause of his death was obvious to all present. Having enjoyed remarkably good health since he came to Farina, he would not probably have had the fever if he had not fallen from his horse.
Five years next month, Mr. Goodrich, with three other families, settled upon this prairie. He has not only been a pioneer in the settlement of this country, but a pioneer in every noble enterprise. His house has been a home for strangers. His counsel has been sought by those who were looking for new homes. His judgment in the business matters of the town has been generally commended. The church (though he was not a member) will feel his loss very deeply.
His interest in social worship and in the building up of society was manifest by inviting the first meetings of the society to his own house, and by his liberal encouragement in the building of the anticipated house of worship.
He was loved for the simplicity of his manners, and for his cheerful, buoyant spirit. But his loss will be most keenly felt in his family. He was arranging everything around him for a pleasant home. Then his presence inspired confidence and love; so that it was like striking the sunlight from their hearts to suffer such a sad bereavement. May the Lord smile upon them, and give them consolation in this time of affliction.
L. M. C.
