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Note: John F. GOFF was born in Sempronious, New York, June 26, 1823 and died at the home of Mel DePuy, near Wakelee, February 18, 1904 in the 81st year of his age. The deceased was one of the early pioneers of this section and later was one of the successful ones who crossed the plains in search of California's gold. Well supplied with this world's goods he knew how to use his money to good advantage, and many are the cases of want which he has alleviated. His gifts were not frivolous, but always substantial and practical. At Christmas time flour, groceries, clothing, etc., went to the homes of the worthy and needy andin such a quiet way that the recipients might not know who was the giver. His sense of justice was such that he was ready to take the part of the weak against aggression and helped many to gain comfortable homes. He was a Spiritualist for 45 years and through his instumentality the GOFF Medium's house was established in Lansing, he having paid nearly $4,000 of the $4,750 put into the property. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge of Volinia, by which the burial service was conducted. The lodge has been the gainer by his beneficence and it is said that a handsome sum has been left for its future needs. The funeral was conducted by Herman L. Chapman at the M. P. Church in Wakelee Sunday. from The Marcellus News 80 Years Ago Column February 23, 1984 Portrait appeared in the News of Leslie GOFF, of Lawton, Oklahoma, who is here to contest the Will made by John F. GOFF, in which he is named as the "reputed son." He has had a large array of witnesses and apparently a strong case to establish his legal status as the son of John F. GOFF and a long drawn out legal fight for his reputation and the estate has been commenced. There is no intention on the part of the relatives of John F. GOFF, who by is will are beneficiaries, to oppose the son's effort to break the Will. He is fighting to uphold the honor of his mother's name and his own legal status as the son of John F. GOFF. To this end he has the support of all the relatives named in the Will, or at least will not be opposed by any of them we are informed. The Spiritualist, who will get the bulk of the property if the Will stands, will thus be alone in defending it, and as they have more than $40,000 at stake, the case will no doubt go to the supreme court before it is finally settled. Lyle and Eby and attorneys for Leslie GOFF and M.H. Howell and Attorney Moulton, a prominent Spiritualist lecturer, will represent the state Spiritualists' Society. from The Marcellus News 80 Years Ago Column April 5, 1984
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