John L. Goben is the third son and seventh child of fourteen children, five of whom are still living. At the age of nineteen he entered Wesley Academy, Montgomery County, where he remained two years, and then went to school at Thornton, where he remained for two years longer. At the age of twenty-three he was married, November 7, 1867, to Mary A. Canine, the only daughter of William Canine (see sketch). She has two brothers, Thomas and John, farmers in Browns Township, near his father, until 1883.

In 1882 Mr. Goben was elected Trustee for the township for one year. Resigning his office, in 1883 he was elected County Treasurer with a majority of seventy-six votes, he opponent being John C. Dwiggin, the incumbent. After serving two year, he went into the real-estate business for one year, and in 1886 was elected Auditor, his opponent being George R. Brown. He was elected on the Democratic ticket, with nine majority, but on a re-count, called for by Brown, he had a gain of seven, making his majority sixteen. At this time the county had a Republican majority and he was the only Democrat elected. In 1890 he was re-elected over John C. Wingate with six hundred and fifty-five majority.

In 1886 the trials on the contested election of Mr. Goben before the commissioners took place. There were two trials in the Circuit Court before juries, and these were appealed to the Superior Court, and every trial resulted in his favor. The claim was that, at the end of one year as Treasurer, his account were short $27,723.12. He resigned his office, his bondsmen were released, and new bonds were furnished. He was re-instated, as per agreement with the County Commissioners, and continued in the office, until the close of the term, refusing a second nomination. He has always been a prominent figure in politics. Mr. Goben’s real-estate business has been a success, and he still owns the farm which he first purchased. It consists of Two hundred and fifty acres in Coal Creek and Madison Townships, and he also owns a beautiful residence, No. 212 South Grant Avenue. The family born to Mr. Goben and his wife has been as follows: William J., Deputy Auditor, who took a commercial course at Notre Dame, Ind.; Robert; Frankie, who died at the age of ten years; Clifford; Earl; and Pauline, who was the wife of A. E. Davis, of Indianapolis, a member of the Art and Supply Association. Mr. and Mrs. Goben are members of the Regular Baptist Church. Mr. Goben affiliates with the Knights of Pythias; De Baird Lodge, and has passed the chairs.

Pauline, the youngest daughter and child, graduated in the Class of ‘91 at St. Mary’s of the Woods, at Terre Haute; receiving class honors and the gold medal for superior scholarship, and is a lady of literary attainments. Her husband graduated from Wabash college in the Class of ‘91.

Mr. Goben’s popularity among his fellow-citizens is undiminished, in spite of the cruel aspirations cast upon his character during his term as Treasurer. No blame was ever attached to Mr. Goben personally, and the only criticism which could be justly made was that in his official position he had permitted himself to be blinded by friendship. Mr. Goben, not withstanding his trials, has not lost faith-in human nature, but his heart is as large and his love for his fellow-men is as great as ever before. Politically, he is a stanch Democrat.