"William Goodrich, the earliest ancestor to whom this family can be traced, was born probably in Suffolk, about 1545 and was buried in Hessett in that shire, 24 Oct. 1631, "Sepulti, Guglielmus Gotheridge vicesimo quarto Octobris.9' … It is stated that William was the son of an Adam Goodrich of Felsham whose will is dated, 1596-97. Other records are stated to exist which, if substantiated, would give William the pedigree, Adam, Robert, John, Robert but the documents are not quoted and have not been found again. …
William Goodrich is mentioned in some of the church accounts of the time, and left the following will.
'4 April 1631'
'In the Name of God Amen … I William Gooderich of Hegessett … yeoman beinge sicke of Bodie , , , doe ordaine this my last will and Testament …
First I Commend my sowle into the handes of Almightie God … Item I doe … bequeath unto John Gooderich my sonne his heires & assignes all my howses … and hereditaments … in Hegessett … free and copieholds … forevermore. Item I will that the said John my sonne … paie … unto my Children hereundernamed these several sommes … unto William Gooderiche my sonne £16 … in manner followinge £4 … within one year … after my decease and eight poundes Residue … within seaven yeres next after my decease Item I … bequeath unto Elizabeth Clarke my daughter wyfe of Phillipe Clarke £8 … £4 … within 2 yeres . . . after my decease & other £4 within five yeres after my decease Item I … bequeath unto Susan Beamond my daughter wyfe of John Beamondes £8 … viz £4 … within three yeres next after my decease and other £4 within six yeres after my decease
And further my will is that if the said John … shall not paie unto my said children their severall legacies … That then … suche of my Children as shall not be paid … maie enter into all the said howses … and hereditaments and the same to … occupie … Untill he or they … shalbe fully satisfied
And of this my last will and testament I make … my said sonne John Gooderich my sole Executor In wyttnes wherof I have hereunto sett my hand and seale …
Signed and delivered Willm Gooderich'
in the presence of us John White
ye mark of John Bateley
ye mark of John Tapley."
