First Generation 1. Abel F. GOODNOW was born of Shelburne, Franklin, Massachusetts. The Rich Men of Massachusetts, by A. Forbes and J. W. Green, Published by W. V. Spencer, 16 State Street, Boston, Mass., 1851. p. 155. Goodnow, Abel F. Shelburne, Mass. $50,000 Started with small means. Formerly did business in New York. Now in company with the Lamsons.