Short Biography of Benjamin Goodman
A History of Louisiana, (vol. 2), p. 172, by Henry E. Chambers. Published by The American
Historical Society, Inc., Chicago & New York, 1925.
"Benjamin
Joseph Goodman was born at Memphis, Tennessee, in 1856, spent his early years in New
Orleans, Louisiana, and was educated at Tulane University, moving from there in early manhood
to Baton Rouge, where practically the rest of his
life
was passed and where he gained distinction as an architect and builder.
Among the structures still standing that mutely
testify to his talent and skill may be mentioned: The Soldiers' Monument, on Boulevard Street; the high school building on Florida Street, the school building on Schwartz Hill; the school building on Dufrocq Street; many public buildings and some of the finest residences in this beautiful city. He was one of the first licensed architects in the state, and at the time of his death, in February, 1921, was still foremost in his profession, and was serving in the office of city building and plumbing inspector of Baton Rouge.
Earlier he was interested in local military affairs,
and was captain of the Ogden Light Guards, was
a member of the Order of Odd Fellows and was the organizer of Myrtle Camp No. 30, Woodmen of the World.
He was a member of the Episcopal Church from youth.
At Baton Rouge he was married to Celeste Mahier, born in Iberville Parish, who died at Baton Rouge in 1908. They had five children born to them: Joseph, who died when twelve years old; Benjamin Leon; Myrtle Louise, who was a public school teacher in the McDonnough
14, New Orleans; James Ritson, who died in 1918, at the age of twenty-seven years, who was in the United States Radio service at Camp Hancock, Georgia; and Robert Hart, an architect, who succeeded his father in the firm of Ben J. Goodman & Son. He is a veteran of the 1st World war and during his year of service in the infantry
was stationed at Camp Stafford, Alexandria."
