Identification of 180-Year-Old Skull Unveils Maritime Tragedy at Jersey Shore

Identification of 180-Year-Old Skull Unveils Maritime Tragedy at Jersey Shore

Recently identified bones that have washed up along the Jersey Shore over three decades tell the story of a maritime tragedy. Cutting-edge technology and the dedication of students at Ramapo College have led to this significant discovery.

On May 21, Ramapo College released the news of the skeletal remains, which belong to Henry Goodsell. This 29-year-old captain tragically perished in 1844 during a shipwreck off the coast of Brigantine Shoal, New Jersey.

A Tragic Voyage

The ill-fated vessel was transporting 60 tons of marble intended for Girard College, a well-known preparatory school, when it encountered difficulties that led to its sinking.

Skeletons from this incident did not wash ashore until more than 100 years later. Over the years, various bones surfaced on beaches in New Jersey. Specifically, a skull washed up in Longport in 1995, and more skeletal remains were found in Margate in 1999. Additional bones emerged in Ocean City in 2013.

An Unidentified John Doe

The remains, often referred to as Scattered Man John Doe, went unidentified for three decades, despite attempts by investigators using conventional methods. Cairenn Binder, the assistant director of the Ramapo College Investigative Genetic Genealogy Center, explained the challenges faced in identifying these remains.

Her team employed traditional DNA testing to search for a match within the Combined DNA Index System. Even though no missing person report matched the profiles derived from the bones, the DNA of the remains itself confirmed their connection, drawing the attention of the New Jersey State Police.

Discovering Henry Goodsell’s Life

In recent months, Ramapo students have uncovered crucial details about Goodsell’s life by delving into historical newspapers. They discovered that Goodell’s lineage traced back to some of Connecticut’s earliest settlers, with roots in Litchfield and Fairfield Counties.

Born in Bridgeport, Connecticut, he relocated to Boston in the late 1830s. Unfortunately, Goodsell’s family faced severe hardship following his death, leaving behind a widow and two children.

Financial Devastation Following the Tragedy

Accounts from the time indicate that his family endured significant financial strain after his untimely demise during the maritime disaster. Reports highlighted the desperate situation faced by Captain Goodsell’s wife, who was noted to be ‘very embarrassed’ in the wake of her husband’s tragic accident.

A fundraiser took place a year after his passing, aimed at supporting Goodsell’s widow, who struggled to make ends meet after the loss of her husband. It is believed that five or six crew members also perished in this disaster, with only one body recovered and buried ashore, while the others were lost to the depths.

Significance of the Discovery

The identification of Goodsell’s remains marks an extraordinary achievement in the field of forensic sciences. Binder conveyed the rarity of such cases, stating that there has been no previous instance identified where IGG was applied so effectively to identify remains from an era this far back.

While there have been a few other instances of remains over 100 years old being identified with IGG, this case stands out as one of the most significant to date.

The Future of Forensic Identification

Technological advancements continue to enhance the potential for solving cold cases. Experts believe that more identifications like Goodsell’s could emerge thanks to the evolution of forensic technology.

The collaborative effort of law enforcement agencies in New Jersey, including the Cold Case Unit, played a critical role in this investigation. Cape May County prosecutor Jeffrey Sutherland remarked on the importance of utilizing modern technology combined with traditional methods to shed light on long-standing mysteries.

The work of Ramapo College’s IGG Center exemplifies the power of modern forensic techniques. Such collaborations not only aim to achieve justice for victims but also provide closure to grieving families.

Historic Discoveries Bring Hope

This rediscovered chapter of maritime history highlights both the past suffering endured by families and the ongoing journey of identification. Authorities express hope that this case will encourage further investigations into unidentified remains, fueling the quest for truth and closure.

As forensic techniques continue to evolve, the integration of genetic genealogy into casework represents a revolutionary step forward. The impact of these advancements will likely resonate through the fields of archaeology and criminal justice for years to come.