Will County ILGenWeb Biographies..... 
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File contributed for use by:
Dori Leekly & Margie Glenn

Author: History of Will County, Illinois; Chicago: Wm LeBaron Jr & Co, 186 Dearborn Street, 1878.

L. H. GOODRICH, merchant, Braidwood; the subject of this sketch is probably one of the beat 
known and highly regarded businessmen of Will Co.; was born in Chenango Co., N. Y., July 26, 
1834, and is the son of Elozur GOODRICH, of Connecticut, and Hannah (WAY) GOODRICH, of New York; 
his father was a carpenter and joiner by trade, living on a farm; here Mr. GOODRICH spent his 
childhood and early youth, working on the farm from the time he was able to handle the plow, 
and in winter gathering instruction from the district schools; at 17, he commenced teaching 
school and has taught twenty-one terms in New York and Illinois. In the fall of 1855, he came 
West and made his home in Grundy Co., IL; here and in other parts of the State he was engaged 
in teaching school; also in the fruit business. In 1860, he married Miss Annie J. WHEELER, of 
Pennsylvania. After marrying, he taught school about one year; he then purchased a farm in 
Grundy Co. and commenced farming, and continued in this business for eight years; then to 
Gardner, IL, and was Superintendent of a coal shaft for six years. While Mr. GOODRICH was in 
Grundy Co., he held several offices of public trust; was Justice of the Peace eight years, and 
Supervisor six years. In 18__, he came to Braidwood and entered the mercantile business, which 
business he has followed ever since. Mr. GOODRICH took a very active part in getting the city of 
Braidwood incorporated, and was elected the first Mayor of the city in 1873, and re-elected to 
same office. In 1875, he was nominated by the Republican party for Representative of the 15th 
District, and was elected to same office, and in 1876, was re-elected; during his time in public 
office, from his office as Justice of the Peace in Grundy Co., to a Representative of the 15th 
District, he has given entire satisfaction, having proven himself a gentleman of acknowledged 
ability, whose duties have been performed in a faithful manner. Mr. GOODRICH is a Republican 
in politics and a member of the M. E. Church, which Church he has been a prominent member for 
the past fifteen years; is Superintendent of the Sunday school. Mr. GOODRICH ranks as one of 
the successful businessmen of Will Co.