My Genealogy Hound

REUBEN GOENS, farmer; P. O. German; was born in South Carolina Sept. 1, 1830, and is one of the early settlers of this section of the country; his father, Henry G., was born in North Carolina and emigrated to Ohio with his family in 1833, locating in German Township, near Palestine; he is the father of nine children, and has been married three times; he is still living, at the age of 72 years, hale and hearty. Our subject lived with his parents till he was 8 or 9 years of age, when he went to live with Benj. Stanton, a Quaker, of Newport, Ind., now known as Fountain City; with this man and in this vicinity he spent his boyhood days. While here he became an enthusiastic co-worker with the Friends— who were as a class severely opposed to the system of slavery—in assisting fugitive slaves to escape into Canada; he entered heartily and earnestly into the work while yet a boy, and many slaves owed their freedom to his assistance. The Friends had formed a secret society, the object of which was to aid the refugees to escape. They established a “Court of Inquiry” to avoid being deceived by impostors, their purpose being to assist only those who were fleeing from bondage. In this court, our subject often sat and listened to the sad tales of the fugitives, till he formed an intense hatred against the “cursed institution of slavery,” and determined to render, with any and all sacrifices, whatever assistance he could to the “runaways.” As they would find their way to Newport, he would drive them over to what was known as the “Greenville Settlement,” making the trip after night to avoid detection; from this latter place, they were helped into Canada. After he had grown up to majority, he had a strong desire to visit Canada, and see how those whom he had aided in their “flight for freedom” were prospering under their new surroundings. To this place he found his way, and here met many whom he had helped in their escape. He remained here for a year or more and then returned home. In the meantime, he was engaged on the lakes as a laborer on a boat, and also on the Canada Southern R. R. At this time, there were no educational opportunities provided the colored race in Indiana. Recognizing the necessity of educating the slaves who found their way here, the Friends, assisted by other charitable persons, erected a Manual Labor Institute in Randolph Co., Ind., just across the line from the Greenville settlement. Into this enterprise our subject entered with enthusiasm and assisted in clearing the ground and erecting the building, and has since rendered what aid he could to the institution. Prof. Tucker was employed as teacher for about twenty years, during which time the school prospered greatly, and the good which has flowed from it to the colored race can never be estimated. Those have been educated here who have since occupied seats in Congress, and hundreds are scattered over the South and elsewhere today, giving to others the knowledge which they acquired at this institution. Mr. Goens is now filling the position of Trustee for this university, which is still accomplishing much good. Mr. G. has been married twice; his first marriage was with Miss Mary Clemens, who deceased in 1852; she was the granddaughter of James Clemens, the first settler in this part of the county; his second marriage was consummated with Miss Emily A. Smith, also a granddaughter of James Clemens; Mr. G. has since been chiefly engaged in farming, though he has dealt to some extent in stock. In 1864, he gave his services for the defense of his country, being placed in the 45th Penn. V. I.; they were located at Washington City near Gen. Lee’s farm till April 15, 1865, when they were ordered to the front; he participated in the battles around Petersburg and Richmond, and was present at Lee’s surrender; they were then sent into Texas, where they remained till they were honorably discharged, the last of September, 1865, at Brownsville, Tex.; he then returned home by way of the Gulf and Mississippi River to Cairo, Ill., and from there by railroad. Mr. and Mrs. Goens are the parents of five children, two of whom are dead; the living are Robert C., Rufus W. C. and Russell V. Mr. G. may be regarded as one of the self-made men of this township; beginning with no capital, he has struggled up with the assistance of his wife against misfortune and adversity to take a place among the thrifty and enterprising farmers of the township.