[SunkenCiv]

Probably be in a museum collection but not on display. It’s not unlikely that the family had never heard of the man and at age 29 he had no children, so, a collateral line at best. And some people just have no interest in genealogy.

[fidelis]

Probably be in a museum collection but not on display. It’s not unlikely that the family had never heard of the man and at age 29 he had no children, so, a collateral line at best. And some people just have no interest in genealogy.

The story mentions Goodsell was married and had three children. Presuming they lived until adulthood, he probably does have some direct descendants out there. They just don't care about him. If it was my ancestor, even if I never knew or heard of the guy, I'd do all I could to ensure he had a decent burial no matter how humble. I would hope my descendants would do the same for me in a similar situation.

[alexander_busek]

[...] and at age 29 he had no children, so, a collateral line at best [...]

There you go, interpreting other times and older cultural mores through a modern lens!

In 1845, a 29-year-old schooner commander would probably have already sired multiple children - while a modern 29-year-old might still be living in his parents' basement!

Regards,

[mass55th]

"It’s not unlikely that the family had never heard of the man and at age 29 he had no children..."

Article says they matched his DNA to his great-great-granddaughter.