Family History 3.05

Goodwin Story

An Old Document Continued

In 1925 a member of the Goodwin family copied this family history document again and added another paragraph:

"Robert Goodwin born 1837, died 1908.

Robert Goodwin came to Auckland new Zealand 1883. He married Fanny Smith at Kettering 1864. They had three daughters. One died, two are in New Zealand.

The eldest Julia married Fred Gaze draper, the younger daughter [Kitty] married George Henry Crocombe painter.

The eldest daughter had two children, Doris and Noel.

The other daughter three children, Leonie, Dolph and Frank.

Robert Smith 4th was born as aforesaid Aug 7 1805 and married in 1822 Sarah, daughter of Joseph Matlock. They had three children: Robert Smith the 5th born May 28th 1839 and two daughters, Elizabeth and Sarah."

Before Robert and fanny left Kettering, their church leaders gave them a letter of "commendation" to give to any church they wished to join here. It reads:

 

"Kettering 26th Dec 1882

 

We heartily commend to the brotherly love of any church with whom he may desire to commune our friend Mr Robert Goodwin, who joined us in 1870, and has maintained amongst us unto this day a consistent Christian profession. We regret to lose both him and his family, and earnestly pray that the Divine blessing may rest upon them in their new home, and that they may find a sphere of comfort and spiritual usefulness.

 

Signed on behalf of the church-

 

H Beresford Robinson, Pastor

William Meadows Snr

William Stafford Jenkinson

John Bryan

Charles Pollard

David F Gotch

 

Deacons"

Beresford Robinson, their beloved Pastor, continued to write to the family for several years after they had settled in Auckland.

Here are some extracts from his letters:

 

"Fuller House

Kettering

31 Dec 1883

 

My dear little friend

 

Your kind little letter was very welcome, you may well suppose. I had thought so much of you on your voyage , and prayed that God would safely land you and continue to prosper you...."

 

(to be continued)