In 1851 he arrived in South Australia, and in 1852 pitched his tent in Goolwa and shortly afterwards built a wooden general store and dwelling house near where the police station later stood.
The River Murray Steam Navigation Company followed, the tramway to Port Elliot was constructed, and the famous attempt at a breakwater there, later abandoned.
[2] Around 1880, with failing health, he gave up the business to his two sons, Thomas and Edward Goode, and retired to his residence "Thornbury", a short distance from the township.
The Southern Agricultural Society many times re-elected him as its President,[1] and he was frequently urged to accept nomination to the House of Assembly, but he always declined.
[8] In those days of limited populations in country villages medical attendance was a scarce article, but fortunately for Goolwa Mr. Goode had considerable skill and knowledge in surgery and pharmacy (he was a member of the Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain),[9] and his advice and medicines were greatly valued,[1] without fee or reward, as many owners of broken legs and arms could testify.
(1846 – 14 July 1921) born in Hereford, came out with his parents, was educated at St Peter's College and for a few years in England but returned to take over the business when his father took ill.
He also held interests (as Goode & Johnston) in steamers serving Lakes Albert and Alexandrina, and owned the paddle-steamer City of Oxford.
He was a Justice of the Peace and a Commissioner of Affidavits of the Supreme Court, was at one time Mayor of Goolwa, and was President of the local Agricultural Society, and also of the Regatta Club and Institute.
He was present at the opening of the bridge over the creek at Ashbourne, and at the laying of the foundation stone of the Adelaide G.P.O., which ceremonies were performed by the Duke of Edinburgh.
In 1901 he took up farming and grazing at Barooka station, Kingston where he took a keen interest in the South-Eastern drainage scheme, and many other activities in the district.