Margaret Goodman’s life, spanning from 1612 to 1672, is a tale of resilience, family, and adaptation in the face of monumental historical changes. Born in England to John Goodman and Mary Backus, Margaret’s early years were set against the backdrop of the Pilgrims’ 1620 voyage on the Mayflower, a journey emblematic of the era’s quest for religious freedom and new beginnings.

In 1632, Margaret’s life took a pivotal turn when she married John Tompkins in Edlesborough, Buckinghamshire. This union not only marked the beginning of their shared life but also reflected the social and familial structures of 17th-century England. Together, they welcomed a large family, including Nathaniel, Elizabeth, Hannah, Sara, John Jr., Mary, Priscilla, and Deborah Tompkins, each a link in the chain of their growing lineage.

The call of the New World led Margaret and John to migrate to Salem, Essex County, Massachusetts, around 1638. Joining John’s parents, who had arrived on the Truelove three years earlier, they became part of the early colonial tapestry of America. This period was not without its challenges; as English immigrants, the Tompkins family navigated the complexities of establishing a new life in an undeveloped land, a testament to their determination and adaptability.

Margaret’s daily life in the New World revolved around managing her household and nurturing her children, a role central to women of her time. Meanwhile, John and their sons likely engaged in farming or trades, contributing to the family’s sustenance and the community’s growth. While the records do not explicitly detail Margaret facing racial discrimination, it’s crucial to acknowledge the broader context of social stratification and conflict that characterized the colonial era.

The English Civil War (1642-1651) back in their homeland indirectly influenced Margaret and her family, shaping the political and religious landscape they had left behind and impacting their new home in America. Margaret’s life, therefore, was not just a personal journey but also a reflection of the larger historical currents of exploration, migration, and settlement that were shaping the early years of what would become the United States.

Margaret Goodman Tompkins’ passing on July 18, 1672, in Salem, marked the end of a life that bridged two worlds. Her story, from her English birth to her final days in the Massachusetts Bay Colony, encapsulates a significant era in history. Her legacy, carried forward by her children and subsequent generations, stands as a testament to her resilience and her role in the early history of America. Her narrative is not merely a personal account but a piece of the broader tapestry of migration and settlement that played a crucial role in shaping early American society.