Edward Godfrey, 1848 - 1937

GODFREY, HOUSER, MCGUIRE, HILL, BEASLEY, THRAP, STOVER, KELSEY

Posted By: Linda H Meyers (email)
Date: 5/30/2008 at 18:15:37

Edward Godfrey, one of the pioneers of this community, passed away Tuesday at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Drexel Kelsey, in Boone. He had been in ill health for a lengthy period, and his death was not unexpected.
Mr. Godfrey was the son of Servigna and Elizabeth Godfrey. He was born December 25, 1848, in Wapelo county, and was 78 years, 3 months and 4 days of age when death claimed him. He was the oldest of a family of six children, but was the last of the number to pass away.
When ten years of age his parents moved from Wapello county to Greene county, and from there the subject of this sketch moved to Boone county.
On November 3, 1866, he was united in marriage to Miss Martha Ellen Houser, a daughter of G. H. and E. J. Houser and they commemced housekeeping in a log cabin in what was then Swede Point, now Madrid. Later they moved to what became known as the Godfrey farm, a short distance from the Elk Rapids bridge, on the west side of the river. They resided there for many years, after which Mr. and Mrs. Godfrey sold their farm and moved to Madrid. They resided here until their health became such that they could live alone no longer, and they have since made their home with their children, the most of the time with their daughter, Mrs. Kelsey in Boone.
To Mr. and Mrs. Godfrey were born twelve children. Two of the number have preceded the father in death. Flora Bell died on July 11, 1888 and Servigna on July 20 1918. Those living are Mrs. James McGuire, Ashland, Nebr.; Mrs. Amos Hill, Ridgeway, Colo.; Mrs. D. Beasley, Boone; J. W. Godfrey, Manley, Iowa; J. E. Godfrey, Hampton, Minn.; Albert, at Storm Lake, Iowa; Mrs. Chas. Thrap, Boone; Mrs. J. R. Stover, Bricelyn, Minn.; Chad Godfrey, LeMars, Iowa; Mrs. Drexel D. Kelsey, Boone. There are also 36 grandchildren, 24 great grandchildren, and the aged life's companion remaining to revere the memory of the husband and father.
Mr. Godfrey united with the Christian church years ago, and was also a member of the Masonic lodge of this city.
The funeral services are being held this afternoon at 3 o'clock from the Christian church in charge of the pastor, Rev. J. M. Kauffman. The music is in charge of the choir, and pall bearers are F. R. Kenison, Chas. Yearnshaw, Lennie Miller, Dr. C. E. Anderson, Harry Graves and Dr. Shaw. The honorary pall bearers are Isaac Stover, C. S. Adams, George Kearby, J. S. Kenison, Amos Hamman, Josh Stumbo, W. H. Williams.
The Masonic lodge of this city will have charge of the committal exercises at the Mt. Hope cemetery.

- from the Madrid Register-News