Godard, Loyal 1848-1925

GODARD, CLARK, CREVLIN, HOOKER, ELWOOD, BATTLES

Posted By: Jo (email)
Date: 5/18/2007 at 23:42:49

LOYAL GODARD IS CALLED TO HIS REWARD
Death has again taken from the ranks of our old and highly honored citizens a man whose integrity, whose loyalty to home, friends and community had for years stood forth prominently and which vitrues had won the esteem and respect of all in this locality. Loyal Godard was a man, ever bent upon living the highest standard of manhood; a man devoted to his home and family ties, ever awaiting opportunity to do good unto others and endorsing every uplifting movement. Truly Christian was his life's work; a firm believer in the church and its priceless influences, and living up to the faith with a deoutness that was exemplary. We are glad to have known Loyal Godard and so are all who appreciate the acquaintance of men who are honest in their convictions, honest in their dealings with men and true to their advancement of high ideals. His life has been a vivid lesson of well doing, and now that his course has been finished, his race run and his life's book closed, the memory of his stay with us will be an inspiration and his splendid life one well worthy of emulation.
Loyal Godard son of Milton and Amoret Clark-Godard was born at the old Godard homestead in South Fork township in Jackson county September 29, 1848, and passed away at his home in this city November 18, 1925, death following an illness of several weeks. Mr. Godard's parents figured conspicuously in the early development of this vicinity and during the early days of local history, numerous notables of that day were extended the hospitality of the fine Godard home, including Governor Briggs, Messres. Fenn, Bradley and others who happened this way on government missions. Thru the efforts and untiring work and christian faith of the Godard family, the Elwood, Battles and other families of that day, the Godard church was built and which still stands as a monument to their Christian lives.
It was mid those environments that the boyhood days of the deceased were spent, and the early teachings received there clung near to him throughout life.
On December 12, 1869, Mr. Godard was untited in marriage to Miss Emma Crevlin of Jackson county and to this union eight children were born, Elmer, Martin, Milton, Lura, Harley, Walter, Perlia and Arthur, six of whom with the devoted wife and mother survivie. The six surviving children are Elmer of Ames, Martin of Sand Diego, Cal.; Milton of Chili, Wis.; Mrs. Perlia Hooker of Des Moines, Walter and Arthur at home. Thirteen granchildren and two great grandchildren are also left to mourn the loss of a devoted grandpa. Mr. Godard served his district for many years as township clerk, assessor and school treasurer. Since early manhood Mr. Godard had been an active member of the Methodist Episcopal church and during all the years was loyal to his faith. So are the early pioneers leaving us for that better country from whose bourne no traveler shall return.
Funeral services will be held from the late home this Friday afternoon. Rev. F. C. Worcester of the Methodist Episcopal church officiating. Interment will be made in the Godard church cemetery five miles southwest of the city.
DEATH DATE: November 18, 1925
SOURCE: Private collection of newspaper clippings