William Owen Goodman

Background

Goodman, William Owen was born on September 24, 1848 in Wellsboro, Pennsylvania, United States. Son of Owen Bruner and Susan (Barber) Goodman.

Education

1st maternal ancestor Barber came to Pennsylvania with William Penn, 1682. Parents died when he was very young, and was put under care of grandparents and aunts at Columbia, Pennsylvania. Educated Columbian Institute and later at Athens, Pennsylvania.

Career

1 son, Kenneth Sawyer (died 1918). In 1866 entered employ of uncle, General Williston, lumber dealer at Athens, Pennsylvania. Removed to Chicago, 1868, and became bookkeeper, and, in 1869, salesman for Spalding & Porter, lumber.

Soon after represented interests of Honorary Philetus Sawyer and also began investing in lumber business on own account at various points in Illinois, Iowa and Nebraska. With others organized firm of Sawyer, Goodman & Company, 1878, incorporated, 1880, as Sawyer-Goodman Company, of which was president. Vice president Goodman (Wisconsin) Lumber Company Founder Goodman Theatre (Chicago)—in memory of son Kenneth Sawyer Goodman.

President Friends of America Art, Art Association of Old Lyme, Connecticut. Vice president American Federation of Art (honorary). Trustee and governing life member and honorary vice president The Art Institute of Chicago Chicago.

Trustee Chicago Orchestra Association Republican.

Membership

Member and honorary.

Connections

Married Erna M. Sawyer, October 31, 1878.

Father:

Owen Bruner Goodman

Mother:

Susan (Barber) Goodman

Spouse:

Erna M. Sawyer