Biographical Sketch of

Frank Goss

Transcribed by Sandra Boudrou for the Marquette Co WI Pages


Source: Portrait and Biographical Album of Green Lake, Marquette and Waushara Counties, Wisconsin, 
published 1890 by Acme Publishing Co., Chicago, Pages 677 - 678 - 679


Frank Goss, a pioneer blacksmith of Kingston, Wis., is a native of the Empire State, having been born in 
Erie County, Sept. 18, 1827.  His father, Foster T. Goss, when a child, removed with his parents to Erie 
County, and there became acquainted with and married Susan Marsh, who had also removed to the county with 
her family when a child.  They became parents of four children:  Frank of this sketch; Emily who died at 
Fox Lake while engaged in teaching school; Charles J., a traveling salesman in the employ of Crombie, Smith 
& Co., of Milwaukee, now living in Portage, Wis.; and Jane, wife of Capt. Edwin R. Stevens, commander of 
a company of the 3d Wisconsin Cavalry, now living in Southern California.
 
In 1845, Mr. Goss, accompanied by his family, started for Wisconsin.  He spent his first year in the West 
in Fox Lake, Dodge County, and in 1847, came to Kingston, where he opened the second blacksmith shop in 
Marquette County.  He first did business under an old oak tree but after a few months built a frame shop 
on the bank of the Grand River.  As his business increased and he found his quarters too small, he erected 
a stone and brick building and Goss' blacksmith shop was known far and wide.  He received the greater of 
the patronage within a radius of twenty miles and for eighteen years he engaged in business, his trade 
constantly increasing until he was numbered among the substantial citizens of the county.  He also made 
some of the first plows used in breaking prairie by the pioneers.  Mr. Goss was a public spirited citizen 
and took an active part in the upbuilding of the county.  He cast a ballot for the State Constitution and 
supported the Whig party, including William Henry Harrison, of whom he was a great admirer.  Both he and 
his wife were members of the Baptist Church, and at their death the county lost two of its best citizens.  
Mr. Goss was called home in 1859, his wife surviving him ten years.
 
The subject of this sketch was liberally educated, supplementing the knowledge acquired in the district 
schools by a collegiate course.  Accompanying his parents to the West, he became a resident of Green Lake 
County in 1846, and for forty-three years has now made his home in this community.  He learned the blacksmith's 
trade with his father and assisted him with his business until 1856, when he turned his attention to 
agricultural pursuits and engaged in farming for three years.  At the expiration of that time, he again 
changed his occupation and embarked in the mercantile business which he followed for two years.  Previous 
to that time, in 1848, he united his destiny with that of Miss Mary E. Beers, daughter of George W. and Maria 
Beers, who were natives of Washington County, N. Y.  Their family numbered seven children and from Washington 
County they removed to Monroe County, where the husband and father died in 1840.  Seven years afterward, Mrs. 
Beers came to the West and locating in Wisconsin, made Green Lake County her home until her death in 1872.
 
To Mr. and Mrs. Goss have been born five children, two of whom are now living:  Eugene married Harriet Bailey 
and is now living near Ft. Scott, Kan.; Grace, an artist by profession, was graduated from the Massachusetts 
Art School of Boston, from which she received a diploma and is now superintendent of the art department of the 
schools of Marshalltown, Iowa.
 
Mr. Goss is one of the prominent citizens of this community and is held in high regard by all who know him.  
He did effective service for the union cause by procuring recruits, he having raised a company which was assigned 
to the 32d Regiment and placed under the command of Capt. Carleton.  He also procured enlistment for a cavalry 
company and of the first was offered a commission as lieutenant and of the second was tendered the rank of Captain 
of Company C.  He would not accept, however, as he believed he could do more good in enlisting others than if he 
should enter the ranks.  He cast his first Presidential vote for Zachary Taylor, but at the organization of the 
Republican party, became one of its able advocates and has remained a faithful supporter to this day.  For 
twenty-seven years he held the office of Justice of the Peace of Kingston, and would have been again elected 
had he not refused to accept.  He also served as constable of the Territory and it is needless to say discharged 
his duties with fidelity, as those who know him are acquainted with the prompt and faithful manner in which he 
ever fulfills a trust.  Socially, he is a Master Mason, holding membership in Kingston Lodge, No. A. F. & A. M. 
and in Fort Winnebago Chapter, 14, R. A. M.  He was Master of the Lodge for many years and was twice its 
representative in the Grand Lodge.  When Mr. Goss first came to this county, all the land west of Fox River 
belonged to the Indian Reservation and the red men were still numerous in the neighborhood.  Very few facts 
of violence were committed by them, but it was unsafe to leave the provisions within their reach.  The homes 
of the white settlers were widely scattered, much of the land was in its primitive condition and the work of 
improvement had scarcely begun.  It is a marvel that the pioneers accomplished so much in so short a time and 
we owe them a debt of gratitude which can never be repaid for their untiring labors in behalf of the county.  
Mr. Goss belonged to that honored band and it is with great pleasure that we record his sketch in this volume, 
knowing that it will be received with pleasure by his many friends.






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