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Note: Tax records for Northumberland County first show William Goodman in the year 1808 with 10 acres 9 perches and one cow. Then a William Goodman is recorded with 20 acres in 1809, and 50 acres in the years 1810 through 1814. In 1826 there is a William Goodman with 17 acres. This microfilm was difficult to read and somewhat disorganized in arrangement. The distinction between Upper Mahanoy, Lower Mahanoy, and Mahanoy townships was not fully clear. (1)
On September 27, 1823, the court recorded the will of William Goodman, blacksmith, Lower Mahanoy Township, Northumberland County. The will was signed and sealed by the deceased August 28, 1823 in the form "Wilhelm Guthman", indicating German heritage. One of the witnesses was Daniel Hilbush. Wife Elizabeth receives all possessions as long as she remains his widow. Upon the unmarried widow's death, all is to be sold at public sale and divided in equal shares among three children. (2)
In a communion list for the year 1822 for St. Peter's Union Lutheran and Reformed Church in Jackson Township, the family names include Goodman and Hilbush. Jackson and Lower Mahanoy townships have a common border. In a history of this congregation, there is mention of "an old book kept in the church", containing "a record of eight hundred forty-three baptisms prior to the 14th of January, 1842". Lawrence Goodman has been unable to locate this book or gain access to any transcription or copy. Evidently it has been lost. (3)
Uncertainty remains that this William and Elizabeth were the parents of William Goodman who was married to Sarah Wetzel. The Daniel Hilbush connection seems strong evidence for a family relationship. The 17 acres for William Goodman in 1826 is about one-third of the 50 acres for William Goodman last listed in 1814, which might be a result of the division of property provided for in the 1823 will.
Sources:
1. LDS Film Roll #1449349
2. Northumberland County Will Book 2, Years 1805-1827, Pages 445 and 446, LDS Film Roll #0961022
3. "History of Northumberland County, Pennsylvania", edited by Herbert C. Bell, Chicago, Brown, Runk, & Co., Publishers
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