George Henry Goodall was born in Marion on November 5, 1860 to William P. Goodall (1827-1897) and Martha C. Herrin (1831-1915). He had two brothers Lorenz and James and a sister Ellen. His father was a prosperous farmer who by 1880 was living inside the city of Marion. The 1870 census show his father’s real estate holding valued at $4,000. In the 1880 census all the other siblings had moved on but George was still living with his parents at 19. He was listed as a livestock dealer. His schooling amounted only to local city schools, without the benefit of a college education. In the spring of 1882 he entered the mercantile ranks and followed the business for about 16 years.

On August 16, 1882, George married Althea Hundley, daughter of Robert M. Hundley and Emeranda Allen. They had three children total, Grace, Lille and William Robert who died in 1889. Both of his daughters attend the Monticello school.

In 1894 and 1895 George served as Alderman for the city of Marion. He was also active in the Williamson County Agricultural Association in which he served as secretary in 1899. He was a member of the Marion Mercantile Association, Board of Education in 1905, Williamson County Savings Bank, and operated a lumber and real estate business throughout his life. He was a Republican in politics, belonged to Knights of Pythias and were members of the Christian church. His wife was, Althea Hundley, who was the leader of the choir of the Christian church, and was as active in her sphere as her husband was in his.

In the fall of 1897 he started building the Goodall Hotel and completed it in 1899. The hotel stood prominently on the East side of the Square at the south corner of E. Main until March 4, 1941 when it burned to the ground. It would later be replaced by the W.T. Grant building and much later be occupied as City Hall.

In the 1900 census, he listed no occupation but it is known he was active in real estate and the lumber business. George 39 and his wife Althea 38 then had daughters Grace 15 and Lille 13. They also housed his sister in law, Nannie Hundley 40 and a servant Ella Hunter 33.

In the 1907 directory he is listed as having an office at 503 Public Square and home at 201 W. Union St. In the 1910 census he is also shown as living at 201 W. Union St. George 49, Althea 48, Lille 23 and Nannie Hundley, the sister in law, is 50. He is a self-employed real estate dealer. His mother Martha is residing at 202 W. Main St.

In the 1920 census George is 59 and Althea is 58, they have no child at home which is now 250 S. Market St.  In the 1922 directories, they are shown as having a business and home at 103 E. Main St. The 1927 and 1928-29 directories shows them as having a business address at 103 E. Main St., a residence at 208 S. Market St. and a building at 1105 Public Square (presumed to be the Goodall Hotel).

On March 4, 1941 one of the largest fires Marion had ever experience completely demolished the Goodall Hotel, very nearly clearing the entire block. The fear of falling walls and debris was an issue for days to follow.

On October 8^th 1945, George passed away at 84 years old. His wife Althea lived until 1972. Grace died in 1972 as well and Lille passed away in 1953. George and Althea were buried in Old Rose Hill Cemetery.

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(Data from 1905 Souvenir History; Federal Census records; Ancestry.com; city directories;Marion City cemetery records; compiled by Sam Lattuca)