Gooch Home before 1910
This home was located at the northwest corner of High and West Cedar Streets. The palatial home was equipped with running water and electric lights and the third floor was a ballroom for social gatherings. It included a cottage and stable on High Street where the Franklin-Favorite was later built.
William Janius Gooch was born in Farmington Missouri 1857 and moved with his family to Simpson County in 1866. He served as Simpson Counties' representative to the State Legislature for two terms and was elected Speaker of the House in 1908.
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Mr. Gooch died suddenly on January 12, 1917 from pneumonia and gallstones at his apartment in the Seelbach Hotel in Louisville, KY. He was the son of prominent businessman Patrick Henry Gooch. He was survived by his daughter Nell Gooch Travelstead.
After his death, his home was purchased by James M. Crocker and after his death was purchased by Mrs. W.R. Bryan. In 1943 the home was leased by Mrs. Neely Gossett for use as a boarding house when a fire broke out on the third floor and the house was destroyed.
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Later Houchens Markets built a store on the sight