15 Jany 1817: Mr Nathaniel Goddard late of this town [Petersham] having deceased on the nineteenth day of December last intestate, require Rev. Festus Foster of this town as administrator. Signed by widow Ruth Goddard, children Elisha Goddard, Calvin Goddard, Melinda Goddard. Bond of Festus Foster given 4 Feb 1817.
1 Apr 1817: Inventory of Nathaniel Goddard Late of Petersham Deceased: $2576.17, by Clapp Spooner, John Stearns, Cephus Willard.
9 Apr 1818: Appraisement of real estate of Nathaniel Goddard late of Petersham deceased and set off to Ruth Goddard the said deceased's Widow for her dower.
21 May 1818: Account of Rev'd Festus Foster allowed, balance paid to widow and nine children of deceased.
Undated: Petition of Elisha Goddard, Calvin Goddard, Lyman Goddard, Melinda Goddard, Levi Goddard who are of age and of Joel Goddard, Guardian of Hannah Goddard, John B. Goddard and Mary Goddard, all heirs of the estate that widow's allowance has given her $200 more than one third, that she "being in very easy and affluent circumstances", only one daughter to care for partly provided for by intestate, while under-age heirs were required to surrender earnings to intestate and so have nothing. Signed by Elisha Goddard, Calvin Goddard, Joel Goddard Gard'n, notes others not signing were absented at writing but requested to be included.
