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« on: Sunday 26 June 16 10:15 BST (UK) »
I seek help tracing the ancestry of one Thomas GOODWIN because I have run out of ideas. Here is what I have...
1. Thomas GOODWIN's obituary, 4 November 4, 1904, has him 82 years, 6 months, 13 days, an age that does not tally with other, stronger evidence. This obituary mentions that he was born in Buxton and that his first wife, Mary WOODWARD (and second wife Agnes JOHNSON). Agnes wrote the obituary. Thomas' memorial stone in Wynot, Nebraska has him 1829-1904.
2. Thomas sends a letter on 25 May 25 1857 from Hyde to Daniel Vernon (aka Brassington, 1827-1878, husband of Mary Ann GOODWIN, whose parents were John GOODWIN and his wife Mary MORTEN) in Wisconsin. Thomas asks for the whereabouts Daniel's friend, Henry MORTEN (1812-1892, husband of Sarah GOODWIN, whose parents were Anthony GOODWIN and his wife Elizabeth MILNES). Thomas also mentions that he and his brother John have thoughts of emigrating. Thomas did emigrate to the US in abt 1858. He also writes that he is working at Wm Goodfellows iron works and John at Pickfords in Manchester.
3. Thomas' daughter, Mary Ann GOODWIN is christened 6 Jul 1856 at Hoviley Brow Primitive Methodist Chapel, Hyde. This christening entry has Thomas living on Hyde Lane, Hyde, a 'Labourer at Foundary' and the mother of Mary Ann being Mary Goodwin formerly WOODWARD. Mary Ann went with her parents to the US, appearing in the 1860 census.
4. Finally, the most important bit for tracing Thomas' ancestry, the marriage certificate 17 January 1853, Halifax St John the Baptist... Thomas GOODWIN labourer, bachelor aged 24 years, father George GOODWIN, farmer married Mary WOODWARD. There is no indication that his father is dead. The witnesses, John THOMAS and Leonard SHORTRIDGE do not help. I have traced his wife back to Chelmorton -christening 1 Aug 1824 at Chelmorton St John the Baptist, Mary daughter of Thomas and Mary WOODWARD .
I've done everything I can think of to trace Thomas' ancestry. Anyone got a bright idea?