P. J. Goodrich has the reputation of being the most efficient officer that has ever held the position of city clerk. He is also journal clerk of the common pleas and circuit courts of Miami county and is one of the leaders of the Republican party, unswerving in his support of its principles. However, be places the county's good before partisan prejudice and labors rather for the faithful discharge of duty than for self aggrandizement. Mr. Goodrich was born on the 22d of December, 1851, in Beverly, Washington county, which was the first county created in Ohio. He is a son of H. B. and Rebecca (Nickerson) Goodrich, both of whom are descendants of the Mayflower Pilgrims. The father was born in the Empire state, in 1821, and died in Sharon, Ohio, in 1873. The mother's birth occurred in Hoskinsville, Noble county, Ohio, in 1820, and her last days were spent in Caldwell, Ohio, where her death occurred on the 1st of June, 1896.

Mr. Goodrich, of this review, was reared in Sharon, Noble county, and acquired a common school education. For fourteen years he successfully engaged in teaching school in Noble and Washington counties, entering upon his work as an educator when sixteen years of age. His father served as postmaster at Sharon during Lincoln's and Johnson's administrations, and after his death, which occurred in 1873, his son, P. J. Goodrich, filled out the unexpired term, a period of eighteen months. In 1883 Mr. Goodrich came to Troy and for a year and a half filled the position of foreman in the Chronicle office. He then spent two years as a teacher in the schools of this city, so that his connection with educational work will cover a period of sixteen years. In October, 1887, he was appointed court bailiff, which position he filled until November 1, 1896, at which time he was appointed journal clerk in the common pleas and circuit courts. In politics he has always been a stanch Republican, unswerving in his support of the principles of the party and taking an active interest in its affairs, its growth and its success. On the 4th of October, 1892, he was elected city clerk of Troy and is now serving his fourth term in that capacity. As journal clerk of the courts he has given general satisfaction and the records show that accuracy and neatness characterized the prosecution of his labors. His long continuance in these two positions indicate in an unmistakable manner his fidelity to duty.

In June, 187I, Mr. Goodrich married Miss Lucy L. Smoot, of Noble county, Ohio, and to them have been born two children, Harry E. and Frank C. Socially, Mr. Goodrich is a member of the Knights of the Golden Eagle, taking a leading part in the work of the order. He and his wife are consistent and faithful members of the Methodist Episcopal church, and for twelve years he has been a member of its official board, while in the Sunday school he has served as superintendent.