Elisha Groves Goff History

HISTORY OF ELISHA GROVES GOFF

Text submitted by: Judy Goff Cook, descendant

Elisha Groves Goff photo courtesy of Judy Goff Cook and H Dale Goodwin
Elisha Groves Goff
Photo courtesy of
J Goff Cook & H D Goodwin

On July 9, 1836 at Jackson County, Missouri, Elisha Groves Goff was born. He was one of ten children born to James Goff and Mary Elizabeth Kimbrough. He was eight years old when the Prophet Joseph and Brother Hyrum Smith were killed. He remembered the terible sorrow among the Saints over their leaders' death and recalled passing the casketes and reviewing the remains many times.

When he was 14 years old he came to Utah with his parents in the year of 1850 with the Milo Andrus Company, and moved to Provo where in their distress of so long a journey, and getting settled in a new home, his mother passed away December 25, 1851. The death of his mother was a great shock to a boy of 15 years old.

During the winter of 1864 and 1865 war broke out between the white settlers and the Indians. Various bands took up the war cry and began their work of destruction. Sanpete and Sevier Counties were like a hive of angry bees. No large parties were organized, but small bands of Indians from 25 to 100 ranged the valley and vied with each other in their killing and stealing cattle and horses. The Indians were treacherous. Fred J. Keisel was Indian Agent in Sanpete, and had he worked unitedly with Brigham Young during the Black Hawk War might have been averted, but Elisha Goff was called and followed the Indians into Wayne County and went as far as Fruita, Wayne County. This was the first view of the county which was later to be his new home. When released from the Black Hawk War he returned home.

Then Elisha answered the call to go to Minersville, Beaver County, Utah and then called on to Wayne County. Elisha endured all the hardships of early pioneer life, making his home with his sister, Sarah Jane Goff and brother-in-law, Elias Blackburn.

On December 21, 1878 he married Mary Elizabeth Blackburn in Glenwood, Sevier County, Utah, a daughter of Jehu Blackburn and Mary A. Hymes. To them were born 10 children and they were reared in Loa, Wayne County, Utah where he and his wife resided until death. Mary Elizabeth Blackburn died on December 26, 1919, and Elisha Groves Goff died on July 16, 1924. They are both buried in the Loa City Cemetery.

Mary E Blackburn Goff & daughter Nora<br>photo courtesy of J Goff & H D Goodwin

During his life he was industrious and helped build the roads, canals and irrigation ditches. He helped build the first schools and the first store (Loa Co-Op), and all that required his help in establishing the small community. He gave freely of his time and finances in helping the distressed and needy. Many travelers found lodging at his home, and he was kind to all that came his way. He was kind to the Indians that roamed Wayne County. He gave food and clothing and helped in sickness, and they had great respect for him, and they followed his advice to them.


Prepared for website:
Gwen Goff Hobbs
15 Jun 2000

Goff & Hobbs Family Connections

Goffe-Goff-Gough Family Pages

Elisha Groves Goff