John B. Goss

On this day, 16 April, in the year 1877, John B. Goss died. He was my spouse’s 4th great-grandfather.

John B. Goss was born circa 1797, in Osceola Mills, Clearfield County, Pennsylvania. He was the son of Abraham Goss and Elizabeth Emenheiser, who were married in 1791 at Lock Haven, Clinton County, Pennsylvania.

In 1797, Abraham Goss, his wife Elizabeth, and his mother Elizabeth made their way to Stumptown (outside of Osceola Mills). The family cleared many acres and turned the wilds into one of the finest farms in the county.

Together, Abraham and Elizabeth had 13 children. Sadly, when John was only 20 years old, both his mother and his youngest sibling died during childbirth.

Three years later, in 1824, John B. Goss married Rachel Smith at Osceola, Clearfield County, Pennsylvania. Together, they had 12 children, including William L. Goss (my spouse’s 3rd great-grandfather).

In 1830, the household of John B. Goss had one male age 70-80 (possibly his father-in-law), one male under 30 (John), one female under 20 (Rachel), two males under 20, one female under 15, and two males under 5. They were residing in Decatur Township, Clearfield County, Pennsylvania.

In 1840, the household of John B. Goss consisted of one male age 30-40 (John), one female age 30-40 (Rachel), one female age 15-20, two males ages 10-15, one female age 5-10, and two males under 5. They were residing in Decatur Township, Clearfield County, Pennsylvania.

In 1850, John and his wife Rachel were still residing in Decatur Township, Clearfield, Pennsylvania. Two children are living with them, William, age 11, and Sophia, age 6. Also residing there are Rachel Smith, age 17, and Luisa Smith, age 10. Perhaps these are Rachel’s nieces or other kin?  All four children were attending school. John’s occupation is listed as farmer. The value of his owned real estate was $4,500.

In 1860, John and his wife Rachel were still residing in Decatur Township, Clearfield, Pennsylvania. His daughter Sophia and her husband Daniel Kline resided with them. Also listed in residence are Rebecca Yarnel, age 8, and John Emenheiser, age 72. Since Emenheiser was John’s mother’s maiden name, perhaps John Emenheiser is related? Maybe he’s an uncle?  Maybe Rebecca is a granddaughter or niece? At this time, John’s profession is listed as lawyer. The value of his real estate is estimated at $4,000, and the estimated value of his personal property is $491.

Six years later, on 19 November 1866, John’s wife of 42 years, Rachel (Smith) Goss, died in Clearfield County, Pennsylvania. She was buried in Sanborn Cemetery in Clearfield County, Pennsylvania.

On 2 September 1870, John Goss sold three tracts of land located in Decatur Township, Clearfield County, Pennsylvania to his son, William.

Then, on 16 April 1877, John B. Goss died in Woodward Township, Clearfield County, Pennsylvania. He was buried beside his wife in Sanborn Cemetery in Clearfield County, Pennsylvania.

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