William was a son of George Goodchild and his wife, Ursula Wilkinson. He married Eunice Lorraine Chase on February 22, 1885; they had eleven children.

OBITUARY NOTICE: Pocahontas Record March 6, 1919 (page 6)
William Albert Goodchild was born in Suffa county, Long Island. September 3, 1861, died at his home February 22, 1919. He came west with his parents and settled in Fort Dodge, Iowa in 1867, in 1869 they came to Pocahontas county, and have since resided. He was married to Miss. Ursula Chase February 22, 1885. Eleven children were born to this union. With (unreadable) of Webb, Lizzie Hanson of Havelock, Mildred Hopkins of Laurens, Sons William, Lester ,Fred, Eldon, Clayton, Harland, at home, George Henry, who died at the age of nine years., He was taken sick about sixteen months ago and has been an intense sufferer ever since. Everything that skilled physicians and surgeons could do was done but to no avail. Brother Goodchild was a member in good standing of the I.O.O.F. He loved his family and was successful in keeping his children near him. In the last days he wanted all the children with him and practically all of them have been with him, I have thought how beautiful and impressive. But few fathers are able to keep such a large family together as Brother Goodchild has. His parents were Episcopalians. He was baptized in that church. In succeeding years he strayed away from his Lord and Master, neglected the training of his soul. This he repented very much and many times said he was sorry. On October 14th, last, he renewed his consecration to God and with his entire family received Holy Sacrament and was with his family received into full member ship in this church. Since that time he has enjoyed the presence of the Christ so that when his pain was most severe he would break out singing some of his favorite gospel songs. The choir was asked to sing some of his favorites today. The funeral services were conducted from the Methodist church. Tuesday at 2 p.m. Rev. F. E. Leazer, the pastor, had charge of the service, assisted by the Odd Fellows. The remains were interred in the Washington Cemetery.
Transcribed by; Kim Lowrey Murphy Haukoos