Clement Godby

GODBY, GRAHAM, NEWBY, WILSON

Posted By: Judy Wight Branson (email)
Date: 8/9/2004 at 22:22:01

Although a native of England, Clement Godby has thoroughly identified himself with the interests of his adopted land and there is no more public-spirited citizen in Madison county than he. He is operating a good farm on sections 1 and 2, Penn township, and derives a good income from his labors. He was born in Dover England, on the 30th of November, 1867, a son of Joseph and Jane (Graham) Godby, natives respectively of England and Scotland. While a young man the father resided in Canada for a number of years. He was an officer in the British army, remaining in the service until his demise, which occurred in January, 1904. He was survived for six years by his widow, who passed away in January, 1910.

Clement Godby was reared and educated in his native land but after leaving school he emigrated to the United States and for three or four years worked for others as a farm hand. He lived frugally and at the end of that time was in a position to rent land, which he operated for one year. He then bought eighty acres in Perm township, Madison county, Iowa, but seven years later sold that tract and purchased one hundred and forty-one acres on sections 1 and 2, Penn township. He immediately set about improving his place and has made it one of the well developed farms of his locality. His wife also owns ninety-six acres of land adjoining the town of Earlham. He is industrious and progressive and has the reputation of being a successful farmer.

Mr. Godby was married in September, 1893, to Miss Lilian L. Wilson, a daughter of Christopher and Martha (Newby) Wilson, more detailed mention of whose lives is given in the sketch of C. E. Wilson, which appears elsewhere in this work. Mr. and Mrs. Godby have four children, Dorothy, Robert, Marjorie and Graham, aged respectively seventeen, fifteen, eight and three years.

Mr. Godby is a prohibitionist and does all in his power to overthrow the liquor traffic, believing it to be one of the greatest evils that exists today. He is a consistent member of the Presbyterian church and contributes to the support of its work. His determination and sound judgment enable him to accomplish what he undertakes and his sterling integrity and willingness to do a kindness for another insure him of the respect and liking of his fellows.

Taken from the book, “The History of Madison County, Iowa, 1915”