John V. Gossard
John V. Gossard (deceased) was born in Ross County, Ohio, September 15, 1811, and was a son of John and Elizabeth (Valentine) Gossard, who were natives of Pennsylvania. They emigrated to Ohio, and were married. He died in 1840, and his wife in 1872. Our subject was united in marriage with Phebe Cox June 9, 1841. She was born in Ross County, Ohio, in November 27, 1814. When Mr. Gossard was twenty-one years of age, he engaged in farming on his father's farm, and in 1852 he bought 260 acres of land in Madison County, Ohio, where the widow now resides. He acquired a common school education, and was Trustee of Stokes Township. He was united in marriage three times. His first wife's name was Hannah Brown; after her death, he married Nancy Ritenour, who lived only one year, and then he married Miss Cox, who survives him. He died June 4, 1880. He was the father of six children — Robert, Joseph, Arther, Marcellus, John and David. Mr. Gossard had been a member of the Methodist Church for thirty years. He was a good citizen, much respected by all who knew him.
From HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY - W. H. Beers [Chicago, 1883]