March 2001
From my initial resarch (see below)I have traced my line of Godbeers back to the marriage of Samuel Godbear and Elizabeth Lithybee in 1750, in the village of Morchard Bishop, Devon, England. I received some help to extend a later branch from Margaret Hartley (nee Marshall). I have had several enquires from other Godbeers and have been able to help them to trace their families, some as far back as the early 1800's. If you are interested in expanding the "Godbeer Tree" I would like to hear from you.
About 1996
I am researching decendents of William Godbeer (my great great grandfather)and Mary Anna Cooper who married in the third quarter of 1843 in the Parish of St Thomas, Exeter, Devon, England.William Albion Godbeer (my great grandfather), was born in the Parish of St Thomas, Exeter on 21 January 1848, is one offspring and he married Laura Griffith Corin 16 January 1869. One of their sons, Ernest Charles Godbeer (my grandfather) was also born in Exeter on 5 October 1876. He had at least two brothers, William and Mark, and two sisters, Bessie and Edith. Based on the the information I have gathered so far there would appear to be several families of Godbeers in the Exeter area.There are also several Godbeers in the USA and Canada who I have yet to contact. Thanks for any help you can give me.
Barry Godbeer