Hello Jane and Anita, and others searching for information regarding the Goffinet's from Wayne County. Jane, your Grandfather (Arthur Goffinet) was my Great-Uncle. His oldest brother was my Grandfather (Alpheus Goffinet). Here's my understanding of the family history. This Goffinet line originated in Belgium (hence the connection for Anita). At some point, some of that family moved to Belfort, France, which is where our Great-Grandfather (August Charles/ or Charles August) was born. In 1880-81, August Goffinet relocated to Wayne County where other Goffinet's had moved previously (Possibly including Anita's Great Grandfather). August settled in the French Settlement on Route 604 near Rittman, near where the present St. Anne Cemetery is located. After being in Wayne County for a short while, he learned that his girlfriend/fiance (Mary Marie Lamblin) had a child (Alpheus). August returned to France and married Mary Marie Lamblin (our Great Grandmother)and then August (he was called Gus) returned to Wayne County with his wife and son. Within a few years after arriving in Wayne County, they had their second son, who was Arthur, your Grandfather. After Arthur came Augusta (our Great-Aunt Gustie), Armand, Alice, and Albert. August had a brother, Jules, who later moved from Wayne County to Washington. (He may have had other siblings, but Jules is the only one I remember). Jane, you're also correct about burials. Our Great-Grandparents, August and Marie, are buried at St. Anne Cemetery, along with three of their children (Arthur, your Grandfather), Aunt Gustie, and Aunt Alice. My Grandafather (Alpheus), and Uncle Armand are burried in Rittman Cemetery. I am not sure where Uncle Albert is buried). The original Goffinet Farmhouse is still standing about 1/4 mile south of St. Anne Cemetery on Rt. 604.
The person who probably has the most accurate geneological information is my cousin Barbara who lives in San Antonio, TX. She has done extensive searching and has traveled to France and has met current living cousins still residing in Belgium and France. I can get you in touch with her if you email me at [
jrrohrer@aol.com]. I now live in Indianapolis. By the way, I'm pretty sure that I have some pictures of the Goffinet siblings, including Uncle Arthur when he was young. Contact me and I'll send you copies.