Source: 1880 Atlas of Steuben County, IN p.13 c.3

Orville Goodale was born in Steuben County, Ind., March 11, 1846 and is the son of Burdett Goodale, a native of Connecticut and Mary Ann (Macartney) Goodale, born in New York City. Burdett Goodale came to this county in 1837 or 1838, but did not settle permanently here until 1842, when he located in York Township, where he remained until his death, in June 1855. His widow still survives him, and is residing in Metz. Orville grew to manhood in his native township, attending the school of his neighborhood as much as possible. Afterward attending Hillsdale College, Michigan, two terms, Angola High School three terms and Hiram College, Ohio three terms, thereby acquiring a good English education. He then began teaching, which he followed in Indiana, Ohio and Illinois, devoting his spare time to farming. He was married in this county November 3, 1867, to Miss Mary Fast, daughter of Christian and Henrietta Fast -- he a native of Pennsylvania and she of New York. Mrs. Goodale was born in Ohio February 13, 1849 and has had three children by her marriage -- Winifred, Albert, and Mary. He and wife are members of the Christian Church and Mr. Goodale’s father was an Elder of that denomination. In the Fall of 1878, Mr. Goodale was nominated on the Republican ticket for county clerk, and elected, which position of trust and confidence he now occupies, having begun his duties November 1, 1879. His thorough education fits him for any county office, and his pleasant, courteous and affable manners having made him hosts of friends in the past, will, we have no doubt make him one of the most popular officials of Steuben County.