Nathan Goff Jr. facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Nathan Goff Jr.
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| United States Senator from West Virginia |
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| In office April 1, 1913 – March 3, 1919 |
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| Preceded by | Clarence Wayland Watson |
| Succeeded by | Davis Elkins |
| Judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit | |
| In office March 17, 1892 – March 31, 1913 |
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| Appointed by | Benjamin Harrison |
| Preceded by | Seat established by 26 Stat. 826 |
| Succeeded by | Charles Albert Woods |
| Judge of the United States Circuit Courts for the Fourth Circuit | |
| In office March 17, 1892 – December 31, 1911 |
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| Appointed by | Benjamin Harrison |
| Preceded by | Seat established by 26 Stat. 826 |
| Succeeded by | Seat abolished |
| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from West Virginia's 1st district |
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| In office March 4, 1883 – March 3, 1889 |
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| Preceded by | Benjamin Wilson |
| Succeeded by | John O. Pendleton |
| 28th United States Secretary of the Navy | |
| In office January 7, 1881 – March 4, 1881 |
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| President | Rutherford B. Hayes |
| Preceded by | Richard W. Thompson |
| Succeeded by | William H. Hunt |
| Personal details | |
| Born | February 9, 1843 Clarksburg, Virginia (now West Virginia) |
| Died | April 24, 1920 (aged 77) Clarksburg, West Virginia |
| Resting place | Odd Fellows Cemetery Clarksburg, West Virginia |
| Political party | Republican |
| Children | Guy D. Goff |
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| Relatives | Louise Goff Reece |
| Residences | Clarksburg, West Virginia |
| Alma mater | New York University School of Law (LLB) |
| Military service | |
| Branch/service |  Union Army |
| Years of service | 1861–around 1864 |
| Rank |  Major |
| Unit | 3rd West Virginia Infantry Regiment 4th West Virginia Cavalry Regiment |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
Nathan Goff Jr. (born February 9, 1843 – died April 23, 1920) was an important figure in American history. He served as a United States Representative for West Virginia and was an officer in the Union Army during the Civil War. He also held a top government job as the 28th United States Secretary of the Navy. Later, he became a United States federal judge and a United States Senator for West Virginia.
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Early Life and Education
Nathan Goff Jr. was born on February 9, 1843, in Clarksburg, which was then part of Virginia. His father, Waldo Goff, was a local politician who served in the Virginia House of Delegates many times.
Nathan went to school at the Northwestern Academy in Clarksburg. He also studied at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. He later earned a law degree in 1866 from New York University School of Law.
Service During the American Civil War
Even though his family owned some slaves, they supported the Union during the American Civil War. In 1861, Nathan Goff Jr. joined the Union Army. He first served in the 3rd West Virginia Volunteer Infantry Regiment. Later, he became a major in the 4th Regiment West Virginia Cavalry.
Career After the War
After the war, Goff became the editor of a newspaper called the Clarksburg Telegraph in 1866. He also started his own law practice in Clarksburg, working as a lawyer from 1866 to 1867.
From 1867 to 1868, he was elected to the West Virginia House of Delegates, which is like a state legislature. He then served as the top lawyer for the District of West Virginia, called the United States Attorney, from 1868 to 1881 and again from 1881 to 1882.
In 1881, he was chosen to be the 28th United States Secretary of the Navy. This meant he was in charge of the U.S. Navy for a short time under President Rutherford B. Hayes.
Goff tried to get elected to Congress in 1870 and 1874, but he didn't win. He also ran for Governor of West Virginia in 1876 and 1888, but he lost both times.
Serving in the U.S. House of Representatives
Nathan Goff Jr. was elected as a Republican to the United States House of Representatives. He represented West Virginia's 1st congressional district. He served three terms, from March 4, 1883, to March 3, 1889. After his time in Congress, he went back to being a private lawyer in Clarksburg.
Becoming a Federal Judge
In 1891, President Benjamin Harrison chose Nathan Goff Jr. to become a federal judge. He was confirmed by the United States Senate in 1892. He served as a judge on the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit. This court hears appeals from lower courts in several states. He also served on the United States Circuit Courts for the Fourth Circuit, which were later closed in 1911. He continued to serve on the Court of Appeals until he resigned in 1913.
Serving in the U.S. Senate
After leaving his judge position, Goff was elected as a Republican to the United States Senate. He started his term on April 1, 1913, and served until March 3, 1919. In the Senate, he led committees focused on natural resources and industrial exhibitions. He did not run for reelection in 1918.
Death and Legacy
Nathan Goff Jr. passed away on April 23, 1920, in Clarksburg, West Virginia. He was buried in the Odd Fellows Cemetery in Clarksburg.
His son, Guy D. Goff, also became a United States Senator for West Virginia. His granddaughter, Louise Goff Reece, served as a United States Representative for Tennessee.
Goff's home in Clarksburg, known as the Nathan Goff Jr. House, was once listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It was later taken off the list after it was torn down in 1993.
A World War II destroyer ship, the USS Goff, was named in his honor.
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Nathan Goff Jr.
