Born: Ohio, 1807.
Died: Ohio, 1889.
Elijah Goodwin belonged to Indiana, as that was his home most of his life. But since no man did more to plant the Restoration movement in Edwards, Wabash and White Counties than he, these lines are due here. At the age of fourteen he became a member of the Christian Denomination. Four years later he was licensed by their conference to preach. In a few years his preaching began to distress their older ministers. He soon identified himself with the Disciples. His ministerial labors in the counties above named, as well as southern Indiana and northern Kentucky, were incessant. Besides, he did considerable editorial work. His book of sermons entitled "The Family Companion" was published in 1873. If any one thinks he was only a common backwoods preacher, let him learn his mistake by reading it. At the time of his decease his talented and accomplished wife was the editor of the Christian Monitor. The closing words of the last of three poems she wrote on the death of her husband follow:
"His glorious crown of silver hair!
His face like marble, pure and fair;
His folded hands, in holy calm,
Worthy to bear the martyr's palm.
I'll lay white flowers upon his breast,
Emblem of his peaceful rest;
Never more for him shall be
The pain of death's Gethsemane."