Capt. J. C. Gooch was born in Carroll County, Tenn., May 26, 1842, son of Rowland Gooch, who was born in North Carolina in 1797. After attaining his majority, the father married Hannah Cozart, also of North Carolina. In 1822 he came to Tennessee, locating in Maury County, and became the father of five sons and seven daughters, our subject being the youngest of the family. Rowland Gooch was a farmer and died at his home in Madison County (where he located in 1866) in December, 1873. His widow died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Howard, in July, 1883. J. C. Gooch attended school until nineteen years of age; then joined the Confederate Army and went out as second lieutenant of Company I, Twenty-seventh Tennessee Infantry, under Col. Kit Williams. He was elected first lieutenant after the battle of Shiloh, but in the latter part of 1862 was discharged on account of disability, and was authorized to raise a company of cavalry. He became captain of the company, and joined Forrest's command in 1863. He participated in many hotly contested battles, and was surrendered at Gainesville, Ala., in 1865. February 24, 1869, he wedded Cordelia R. White, daughter of A. M. White, a farmer and cotton merchant. To Mr. and Mrs. Gooch were born the following children: Arthur M. (deceased October 1, 1878,), Hattie L., George R. and James T., born February 8, 1870; March 17, 1872; April 18, 1874, and January 19, 1876, respectively. Mrs. Gooch was born in Maury County, Tenn., August 6, 1849. Mr. Gooch is a Democrat, and he and wife are members of the Missionary Baptist Church. He owns 546 acres of land, and gives his chief attention to cotton raising.