Darius L. and Lyman B. Goff

Inducted: 1997
Born: 1840
Died: 1927

Goff, Darius L. (Darius Lee) and Goff, Lyman Bullock

The Goff Brothers, formerly of Pawtucket, were the sons of the Honorable Darius Goff, and members of one of the most prominent industrialist families in New England. They were partners in D. Goff & Sons, which occupied a foremost position among regional industrial concerns. They were credited with introducing electric power to the City of Pawtucket, and deeply involved in civic and cultural affairs. They were also founders of the historic Pawtucket Boys’ Club. Lyman B Goff Jr. High School in Pawtucket is named after the younger Goff brother.

Darius (1840-1926) was the eldest son of entrepeneur Darius Goff. He graduated from Brown in 1862 and joined his father in buisness, serving as partner and agent of the American Worsted Company. He then served as president and treasurer of the family business. He was also one of the incorporators and president of the Pawtucket Electric Company, moderizing the electric industry and bringing electricity to Pawtucket. He was also president of the Bridge Mill Power Company of Pawtucket, director of Pawtucket Gas, director of Union Wadding Co., president of Royal Weaving Co., director of the American Textile Co, and held executive positions with many other businesses. Darius was active in the community, belonging to many local clubs and was also a member of the Pawtucket Congregational Church and enjoyed traveling and spending time with his family.

Lyman (1841-1927) found himself in the middle of the Sioux Uprising in South Dakota in 1862 while on a hunting trip. Upon his return to Rhode Island, he was motivated to join the Rhode Island militia, rising to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in command of the state’s artillery. Following the Civil War, Lyman Goff returned to Pawtucket to work as a clerk for his father. In 1872, the brothers were admitted as equal partners in their father’s firm, which then became known as D. Goff & sons. Lyman served as treasurer of the Union Wadding Co., vice-president of D. Goff & Sons, president of the Excelsior Quilting Co. and Pawtucket Hair Cloth Co., as well as the American Textile Co. among other executive positions.

Lyman also entered politics, serving as a Republican member of the General Assembly beginning in 1888, a presidential elector for the state in 1892 and in 1891 was, a nominee for lieutenant-governor of Rhode Island.

Lyman Goff was generous in his chartible giving, establishing the Pawtucket Boys’ Club for the advancement of working boys and news boys in 1880 and giving money to the Pawtucket Congregational Church.

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