Daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, Va. [W. Va.]) 1859-1865, 1863-08-21
The First West va. Legislature.
HOUSE OF DELEGATES.
Sketches Personal. Political and Bi
. ographical. 7

i : r
NATHAN GOFF, from Harrison.
Nathan Goff, one of the delegates from
Harrison, was born in 0tsego county, New
York, in 1898. He is of English descent
on his fathers side, being descended from
William Goff, one of the regicides of
Charles I, of England, who, along with
Whalley and Dixwell, fed to this scountry
to escape the consequences of that act to-
wards the close of the sixteenth century.
His father removed to Western Virginia
and settled on Booths Greek in Harrison
county in 1901, at which period that region
was in a very primitive state of civiliza.
tion. The same farm thus redeemed from
the woods, is still in possession of the
family, and is one of the most valuable in
the county. From the time he was old
enough till he was twenty years of age, Ma
than worked on his fathers farm, obtaining
meanwhile such education as could be
had by attendance during the winter sea-
sons upon the log cabin schools the coun-
try then afforded. ~"
I About the time of attaining his msjori-
ty, he went to Clarksburg and was made
sheriff, which position he filled for three
years. He then removed to Morgantown
and there engaged in the business of mer-
chant. Four years afterwards he had the
misfortune to be burned out root and
branch; but in no wise daunted or dis
couraged he began again, and to use his
favorite phrase, ntook it ranging and went
ahead" He had established a'reputation
for probity and business habits that ena-
bled him to make fresh purchases without
embarrasspaent. He accordingly pushed
on energetically, and at the eud of five
years more had made good deal Of money
despite his losses. About this time his
health failed and he was obliged to quit
business. After six months travel and
recreation he settled in Clarksburg and
again engaged in merchandising, and was
getting along even more successfully than
before, when in 1874 he was again obliged
by i'll health to discontinue the business.
He then turned his attention TO banking,
and did business as private banker until
some three years ago, about which time,
almost entirely through his aid and exer-
tions, the branch of the Merchants and
Mechanics Bank of Wheeling was estab.
lished at Clarksburg. Mr.. Golf was made,
and is yet, its President.
Mr.. Golf has been nearly all his life the
holder of some responsible official position
having been three years sheriff, nine
years magistrate, twenty-four years act
ing marshal, and during thirty years of his
life, superintendent, treasurer and commits
sioner of schools for Harrison county.
Heis now and has been for years presi-
dent of the corporation of Olarksburg, and
1t may be added, as worthy of mention,
that he is also president of Bible Society
in his native town. -1E
. Mr.Goff is one of fthe,Wealthiest men ofhis
county, and acquiredhis wealth by his own
energy aud diligence. He has lost heavily
by the war, partly by the general depres-
sion it had occasioned in stocks, aud part
~ by debtors running away TO rebeldom.
In politics he has always been whig,
and voted for Bell and Everett in go. AS
an abstract question he has always believ-
ed slavery wrong, but as practical ques-
tion has opposed its abolishment. Owns
two house servants himself Thinks how
ever that the Government is worth much
more than slavery, and II necessary to save
the Union is willing every slave in It shall
be emaucipated. He has been from the
beginning firm and consistent in his oppos
sition TO the schemes of the rebels, and so
great and general was the confidence of
his constituency in him that he was
brought out against his will aud elected
without opposition, by a numerically larger
vote than was received by any other mem-
Der of the House.
He has been for 30 years member OF
the Methodist Episcopal Church, and has
been twice married. As member Of the
House no one is more respected or wields
more silent influence. He is an efficient
member Of several Committees and Chair
man of the Committee on Printing and
Contingent expenses. Is "no orator as
Brutus isl but speaks occasionally, Is
brief and direct. with no attempt at ora
tory. Is for business rather than bum
combe. In person is above the medium
height, and fnclining to be portly. Looks
quite fresh and vigorous for man OF bis
age which is at least partially due, sup
pose, to. his well known habits of temper
ance and regularity. Wears dark wig, no
beard, eyes dark hazel, and has an intelligent
good humored English type of face, Dress
3es during the hot weather in suit OF
white linen, always serupulously neat and
clean, but with no pretension to style
Wears silk: hat, respectable on account
of age5if nothing else. AT home wears q
white fur, with low crown and rim like
q somhrero. ,5ld
Socially is q very agreeable gentleman.
Believes that the way to restore peace to
the country is 70 whip the rebels, and that
the only way to do that Is to give the ex-
listing administration hearty support,
morally and materially in all necessary
measures.
Mas. HARROW, OF Upper King street, HOl-
burn, was lately. taken before q magistrate
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