Historical Heidelberg figures: Edith Goodwin
A plaque in her honour is located at St Ninian's Anglican Church.
John Francis Goodwin, a true Heidelberger, was born on May 30, 1845, in Swellendam, Cape Colony. His ancestors were part of the 1820 Settlers.
Goodwin’s parents were Henry Samuel and Johanna Cornelia Goodwin (née Mol). His wife was Maria Sophia van Ryneveld.
The Goodwins moved to Heidelberg in 1881. They owned a large property situated on Van der Westhuizen Street.
John Goodwin was a trader and travelled a lot.
John and Maria’s daughter, Edith Louise, was born in an ox wagon close to Kimberley in 1876.
Edith lived in Heidelberg until she died in 1956. During the Boer War, she assisted Cassie O’Reilly as a nurse at the local hospital.
She was pro-Boer and helped them whenever she could.
Edith never married because her true love died during the war.
She was also involved in the Anglican Church in Heidelberg.
A plaque in honour of Edith is found at St Ninian’s Anglican Church in Heidelberg.
One person who knew Edith well was Sybrand van der Spuy. Goodwin was his godmother. Edith would not let Sybrand go to school alone, despite it being one block away. (Laer Volkskool). She thought it too dangerous for a child to walk alone.
Goodwin did not have any children.
Edith is buried in the Heidelberg Kloof Cemetery next to her brother, William (Bob) Goodwin (January 9, 1891 – February 26, 1934), in the family plot.
Reference/sources: Heidelberg Heritage Association, Wikitree.com
