First of all, I want to thank Rootschat member CathayB who has been incredibly patient and helpful with me in emails as I made mistake after mistake in my tree. She recently informed me that she didn't notice any specific indications the current iteration of my Goodman/Goodwin tree is Romany, especially noting James Goodman was a shoemaker. That being so, I remain puzzled as to their footloose habits and would GREATLY appreciate it if anybody has any info on them previous to their arrival in America and an insight into their footloose ways!
Note - Ann Nancy Watkins is the maiden name of Robert's wife Ann Goodman according to linked ancestry family tree data. So, unsure.
The 1841 England Census-
Cornwall St Kew District 7
Place: Trehill
All members of the family have "yes" under "Wether born in same County" down the line. All are covered with a crossed line through William Goodman's job of "Ag Labourer"
William Goodman Age:50 occupation "Ag Labourer"
Robert Goodman Age:20 Occupation: /
Ann Goodman Age 20 Occupation /
Jane Goodman Age 20 Occupation /
The 1851 England Census
Portobellow, Willenhall, Staffordshire
This time there are different birthplaces listed for different family members,
Robert's occupation is now listed as Coal Miner, no other indications for occupation for family members.
Robert Goodman 30 Born - Cromfordhill, Gloucestershire, England
Ann Goodman 30 Born- S Wales, Nether Rid Ash
Jaranna Goodman 7 Born - S Wales, Abersychan
George Goodman 5 S Wales, Abersychan
William Goodman 4 Willenham, Staffordshire, England
Harriott Goodman 2 Willenham, Staffordshire, England
John Goodman 6 Mo Willenham, Staffordshire, England
The 1861 Wales Census - Yet more changes!
Robert's occupation is difficult to make out 100 percent, but I believe (85 percent sure) it says Collier
Aberdare County/Island Glamorgan Country Wales
Name Age
Robert Goodman 40 Birdarrend, Glamorgan, Wale
Ann Goodman 40 - space left blank
George Goodman 16 Abersuchan, Monmouthshire, Wales
William Goodman 14 Porlabella, Staffordshire, England
Robert Goodman 11 Aberdare, Glamorgan, Wales
James Goodman 8/12 Aberdare, Glamorgan, Wales
Susan Goodman* 17 Abersachan, Monmouthshire, Wales
Harriet Goodman 12 Portabelln, Staffordshire, England
Am (ann) Goodman 6 Aberdare, Glamorgan, Wales
*My best guess is that Susan and Jaranna are one and the same
At this point, circa 1870 ? Robert, Ann, and most of the Goodman children head for america, and are next seen in Westmoreland Co., Pennsylvania. I am unsure which, if any available 1870's census data describes the family.
William does not join them, and while I've messed it up before (Thanks again to CathayB and her patience), I strongly believe he is the William Goodwin in the 1881 Wales census, now claiming to be born in Dowlais, Glamorgan, Wales (later, in the states, he will alternately claim wales and england as his country of birth on forms) -
Name Age
William Goodwin 34 Occupation: Rougher In Ironworks Where born: Dowlais, Glamorgan, Wales
Elizth. Goodwin 28 Where born:- Dowlais, Glamorgan, Wales
Elizth. Goodwin 9 Where born: Dowlais, Glamorgan, Wales
Rosannah Goodwin 7 Where born: Maesteg, Glamorgan, Wales
Amelia Goodwin 5 Where born: Maesteg, Glamorgan, Wales
William John Goodwin 2 Maesteg, Glamorgan, Wales
I greatly appreciate any help, including pointers on if they are associated with any ethnicity's travelling families in Wales, Scotland, Ireland, Etc. or no! And, of course, whether or not I've royally messed up the tree again!
