Goforth, William

21 Apr. 1795–Aug. 1847. Postmaster, physician, politician. Born in Washington, Mason Co., Kentucky. Son of William Goforth and Elizabeth Wood. Moved to Columbia, Hamilton Co., Ohio, 1799; to Cincinnati, 1800; to Lafourche Co., Louisiana, 1807; and to New Orleans, ca. 1807. Served in War of 1812. Moved to Cahokia, St. Clair Co., Illinois, 1815. Moved to Belleville, St. Clair Co., ca. 1817. Married first Sarah Beggs, 14 Feb. 1819, in Clark Co., Indiana. Wife died, 19 Oct. 1819, at Columbia, St. Clair Co. Resident of Belleville, in 1820. Married second Eulalie Hay, 17 Apr. 1820, in St. Clair Co. Resident of Cahokia, in 1823. Divorced from wife, 10 Feb. 1823. Postmaster at Columbia, 1825. Represented St. Clair Co. in Illinois state legislature, 1830. Clerk of Belleville Baptist Church, 1835. Served as St. Clair Co. commissioner, 1836–1838. Married third Martha Nelson, 3 May 1837, in St. Clair Co. Elected marshal of Belleville Masonic Lodge, 13 Dec. 1842. Nominated as administrator of St. Clair Co. by Governor Thomas Ford, 23 Jan. 1843. Served as state senator from St. Clair Co., 1844. Represented St. Clair Co. at Illinois state convention that supported JS as candidate for U.S. president, 17 May 1844, in Nauvoo. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by Brigham Young and ordained a high priest, 8 Apr. 1845. Served as physician of poor house for St. Clair Co. for two years, beginning 6 June 1845. Died in Belleville.