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The following is taken from the book,
BIOGRAPHICAL & GENEALOGICAL HISTORY
OF SOUTHEASTERN NEBRASKA
published in 1904

JAMES KNOX POLK GOIN

"For more than a third of a century, James K. Goin has made his home in Gage County, NE, and he has aided materially in the growth and development of Island Grove Township, which is his place of residence.

He was born in Claiborne Co, TN, on the tenth day of April, 1845, and belongs to an old Southern family of English and Scotch extraction that was founded in TN in an early day in its history. His grandfather, Levi Goin was a native of Virginia, but the greater part of his life was passed in TN where our subject's father, Sterling Goin was born in 1818.

James K. Goin was reared in much the usual manner of farm boys of his day, and early became familiar with all the duties which fall to the lot of the agriculturist. His education was acquired in the common schools of his native state.

When the country became involved in the Civil War, he resolved to strike a blow in the defense of the Union cause and on the first of May, 1863, at Crab Orchard, KY, he enlisted in the First Tennessee Light Artillery under the command of Capt. Beebe and Col Crawford. He took part in the Battle of Russellville, KY, Loudon, TN, and Cumberland Gap, TN, being stationed at the latter place for some time. He was promoted to Corporal, May 1, 1865. When hostilities had ceased, he was honorably discharged at Nashville on the 20th of July, 1865.

At the age of 21 years Mr. Goin led to the marriage altar Miss Elizabeth Ann McVey who was also born, reared and educated in Claiborne Co, TN, and their union has been blessed by 11 children, those still living being Josephine, Lewis, Philip, Margaret A, Eli, Della, Nellie, Lulu and Ethel. Levi and Maud are deceased.

In 1869 Mr. Goin brought his little family to Nebraska and settled on a farm west of Liberty in Gage County. In 1882 he purchased one hundred and sixty acres of rich bottom land which he has converted into a fine farm having erected thereon a good comfortable residence at a cost of $1400 and a barn at a cost of $800. He has an orchard and a grove upon his place and a stream of running water adds to its beauty. Like his father, Mr. Goin is unswerving in his allegiance to the Republican Party and its principles, and he is an active church worker, serving as deacon of the Goodhope Baptist Church to which he belongs.

His support is never withheld from any enterprise which he believes calculated to promote the moral, educational or social welfare of the community in which he lives, and he is recognized as a valued and useful citizen."

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