Obituary of Thomas Goodwin ~ 1872

Transcribed by Joan S Dunn

Source: Zion's Landmarks, Vol. VI, No. 2, Dec 15 1872

Elder THOMAS GOODWIN, was born Sept 1872, at Cedar Island, Carteret county,
N.C., of poor but respectable parents.
His father dying when he was about seven years old, left him in care of a 
mother of uncommon industry and economy, who afterwards was married to 
Josiah Daniels, an Old School Baptist for many years.
Elder Goodwin lived with Mr. Daniels, until he arrived at the age of 19 
years, when he conceived a liking for the sea, and went on board of a 
vessel, commanded by Capt. Brooks, bound to Philadelphia.
After an absence of several months he returned home, but like most young 
sailors of industrial habits was soon ready to visit Neptune’s dominions 
again and went with the same Captain and sailed with him several voyages 
from Washington, N.C., to Philadelphia, New York, and Boston.
His Captain dying in Philadelphia, while he was with him, he entered in 
another vessel and returned to Washington, N.C.
Elder Goodwin, soon raised himself in the estimation of the merchant and 
mariner; he very soon became chief mate on board a vessel in the West 
India trade, in which he continued to sail for many years, having married 
in the time of his going to Sea, which was in the year 1833.
After being married he became more attached to home and finally quit the 
Sea and settled on Cedar Island, near the place of his birth, and followed 
the common occupation of the people of that place, which was fishing.
He once started on a voyage to Newbern in an open boat laden with fish 
having another man with him in a heavy blow, which filled the boat with 
water in the Neuse River, several miles from land, but being very expert,
 he managed to reach the shore, after being many hours in (water) exposed 
to the cold; He (had) often been heard to say he had faith to believe he 
should reach the shore, and he permitted to (offer/after) a relation of 
what he believed God had done for his immortal soul; which he soon did and
was baptized in December, 1842.
Elder Goodwin was soon convinced that he was called to the ministry, and 
was ordained by Elders B. J. Pollard and Asa Sidbury, in March, 1856.
He visited many churches in his native County and many other Counties.
He visited many Associations in his native State.
Elder Goodwin, became much attached to the people of Goose Creek Island in
Beaufort county, and he bought a farm on that place and settled there in 
February, 1858 and soon took the pastoral care of the church at that place,
and soon after he took the pastoral care of the church at Cedar Island, 
the place of his former residence.
After settling in Beaufort county, Elder Goodwin traveled and preached the 
gospel in most of the Counties in Eastern North Carolina.
But being poor he was compeled to labor very hard while at home, many days 
working until night, and many nights until 10 o’clock, if it was 
moonlight, which caused many bodily infirmities.
He continued strong in the faith of the Old School Baptists, up to the 
time of his death, which took place July 13th, 1872.
He has been universally lamented by all the churches of his faith and 
order, as well as by all good citizens of his acquaintance.
The Editor is requested to make some remarks on his character as a 
minister.  It has been to our profit to hear him preach a few times.
His gifts seemed to be various and of a high order, though all spiritual 
gifts are to profit and none are to be despised.
He excelled in a clear doctrinal and experimental exposition of the 
scriptures, while in a fervid, unc_uous (?) manner he gave to each his 
portion in due season.  His manner was very earnest and his life endorsed 
it, for he preached in his conduct as well as by his mouth.
Hence he was current wherever known, and warmly welcomed among the brethren
and friends of truth.
He leaves a large district of Country, and some churches, destitute of a 
preacher:  “Pray ye the Lord of the harvest that he would send forth 
laborers into his vineyard.”
Are the churches and ministers weighted in the scriptural sense with the 
importance of the gospel’s being preached in all the world to every 
creature.
It is to the Lord we must look for faithful laborers in his vineyard, and 
when he sends them let us minister to them of our carnal things.





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