GOOKINS-Malo - Fountain County INGenWeb Project

Malo Gookins, merchant and miller, Veedersburg, was a native of Vermont. He first emigrated from his native state to Vigo county, Indiana. His early education was but little, but being of a literary turn of mind he indulged his natural fondness so far as he was able, and in early life entered the profession of teaching, which he followed for several years. Ho began the business of selling goods in Clinton, Indiana, where he remained for a considerable time, when he went to Perrysville, Indiana, engaging in the same business; then moved to Mansfield, Parke county, where he remained ten years in the business of merchandise. He was also engaged for a time in the business of milling. He moved to Fountain county, Mill Creek township, and shortly after, in 1863, entered the service of the government as agent from this county, in which employment he continued till 1866. Mr. Gookins was first married to Matilda Murphy, then to Mary Barnes, native of Ohio, by whom he had eleven children. Late in life he united with the Methodist church. He was a diligent worker both in the church and in the Sunday-school. No one took a more hearty interest in the cause of temperance than he. He lived the life of a christian, strictly moral and temperate in all things. He died in 1870, aged seventy years. His wife died five years later, aged sixty-five years. Mr. Gookins was a staunch republican, and a great admirer of Lincoln.