[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.

[ConservativeMind]

I am with you.

Surprising outcome.

[SunkenCiv]

Good catch — looks like he had a page on Findagrave before this identification:

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/283203608/henry-goodsell

His wife remarried 1850, had another child.

[GingisK]

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.

Many people think the way you do; but, it does perplex me. The actual functional part of someone moves on after death, leaving dead meat behind. I actually do not understand the reverence over old bones and grave sites.