Goddard, Clark N. 1835 - 1909

GODDARD, RICHARDSON, WILLETT

Posted By: Joy Moore (email)
Date: 3/1/2023 at 16:13:24

Source: Decorah Republican Nov, 25, 1909 P1 C6-7

PIONEER MERCHANT AT REST.
CLARK N. GODDARD DIED FRIDAY LAST AFTER SHORT ILLNESS.
Came to Decorah in 1856—Retired from Business Jan. 1907—Was Postmaster, Mayor and Public Spirited Citizen.
Clark N. Goddard, pioneer merchant and resident of Decorah since 1856, died at his home last Friday night at 11:15 o’clock, after an illness of ten weeks, which began with a carbuncle upon one of his knees, and terminated with an acute attach of Bright’s disease. About the middle of September he first felt the effects of the carbuncle and he became confined to his home. In time he recovered partially and was able to be out some, but his subsequent affliction soon manifested itself and he failed rapidly for three weeks preceding his death. When the final summons came it was as one passes into a quiet, peaceful sleep.
Mr. Goddard was born in Rutland, Vermont, May 3d, 1835, where he grew to budding manhood. At the age of nineteen he started for the west, coming to Clayton county in 1854, where he resided for two years, when he came to Decorah. During the intervening time, up to December, 1859, he was a clerk, first for Evans & Kimball, then for D. B. Ellsworth and for John D. Wheeler. During the months above referred to Mr. Goddard acquired a small tailoring establishment but it was not until April 13th 1860, that he became the real active merchant that gave him a wide reputation that made the Pioneer Store the leading dry goods establishment of the city. To be sure his first venture was men’s clothing but this led to other lines and gradually he drifted out of his original line. It is a coincidence that the above date was the date of the first issue of the Decorah Republic (afterwards REPUBLICAN), and it was also the beginning of a friendship between the heads of the two institutions that has been continued through all the intervening years, growing closer yearly until Death stepped in just two months prior to the passing of Mr. Goddard and claimed the senior editor of the REPUBLICAN. Little did we imagine at that time that their separation would be so brief. In 1862 Mr. Goddard allied himself with Charles Henry and Dr. E. B. Hutchinson in the firm of Goddard, Henry & Hutchinson, but Dr. Hutchinson withdrew after a short time and the firm continued as Goddard & Henry. In 1874 the firm became Goddard & Ellsworth, but in 1880 Mr. Goddard became the owner, and until Jan. 1, 1907, he remained as the sole proprietor. Prior to that time he had determined to retire from business and spend his remaining days in leisure. While he had not acquired a large competence as the world regards wealth to-day, he had enough to make his remaining days comfortable, and in a home where love had always been the guiding star and in daily association with acquaintances and friends of a life time the days have passed by quickly—happily.
In 1861, Mr. Goddard was married to Miss Jennie Richardson of Clayton county. To them were born four children—Harry G. Goddard now of Minneapolis, Mrs. Clara G. Willett of Decorah, Herbert Goddard of Abilene, Texas, and Fred R. Goddard of Nekoosa, Wis., all of whom, with their mother, survive. During the last illness of the deceased his sons Harry and Fred, also his only surviving brother, Mr. Charles Goddard of Des Moines, were able to be at his bedside, but his son Herbert, could not reach here in time because of the distance. He came Saturday noon.
As a citizen Mr. Goddard has always held a prominent place in all the affairs of the city. If there was any enterprise or public undertaking that required assistance he was one of the first to respond to an appeal with a generous contribution, and no worthy cause was ever turned away unaided. In the truest sense he was public spirited.
In politics he was an ardent Republican and not only contributed of his funds but of his time as well, often neglecting his more personal interests to assist the party or some friend. During the second term of President McKinley he was appointed postmaster of Decorah and served with thorough satisfaction to the patrons of the office. During his administration the efficiency of the office was materially increased and the business rose to a point it had never previously attained. He also served for one term as mayor of Decorah, and while his reign was brief it was marked by good business financiering, and the handling of the city’s affairs in a praiseworthy manner.
In his friendships Mr. Goddard knew no half way point. He might, and often did, entertain differences of opinion and as to policy with those he held in closest esteem, and they were made aware of it in his frankest manner but these differences never changed his steadfastness. It was characteristic of him to take the opposite side of an argument for argument’s sake, but let one of his friends be attacked and instantly he would come to the defense with a loyalty that knew no opposition.
His home relations were those of the true husband and father, and in all his dealings either public or private, he practiced strict integrity. Although he never allied himself with any church, he was during his earlier years a member of the Congregational church choir, and afterward a regular attendant and contributor to its support and benevolences. He leaves behind an honored name and the respect of a host of friends and acquaintances.
The funeral was half Sunday afternoon at 2:30 o’clock at the home on Maple avenue, Rev. Mahlon Willett, officiating, followed by interment in Phelps cemetery. A gathering that numbered all that the house would comfortably hold, with many standing on the outside, assembled to pay a last tribute to the deceased, and to join in a silent expression of sorrow and regret for the parting with one who had been in so many ways one of the mainstream in all that pertained to the up{portion missing} community.
Beside the family, relatives from out of town who were present were Mr. and Mrs. Will Davis of Hitchcock, S. D., and Mr. and Mrs. Ross Richardson of Elkader, Mr. Edgar Holt of Chicago, an old time business friend, hearing of Mr. Goddard’s illness, came in Sunday morning to visit him, only to learn that he was too late.

Source: Decorah Republican Nov, 25, 1909 P3 C5

HE REMEMBERED THE POOR.
An Incident that Came to Light Yesterday in the Life of C. N. Goddard.
Since the death of Clark N. Goddard a little incident has come to our knowledge that shows in strong light one of the manly characteristics of the deceased. The story has never been told and it was with reluctance it is given to us now. A few years ago when times were biting and the poor of Decorah were many, Chas. McMasters was passing the store when Mr. Goddard accosted him, saying:--
“Charley, it’s going to be a lonesome Thanksgiving to a good many Decorah families this year, ain’t it?”
“Yes,” responded Mr. McMasters, “it sure is, Clark.”
Mr. Goddard then asked Mr. McMasters if he would do him a favor and keep the matter secret. Mr. McMasters said he would.
Mr. Goddard then told him to make out a list of the poor people in town, especially the widows and fatherless, go to Charley Haas and get turkeys, chickens or anything else that was suitable, and distribute them and under no circumstances was he to divulge the name of the donor.
Two or more sleigh loads were made up of turkeys, groceries, etc., and delivered, and many a home had reason to thank God that there were some noble men left in the world. Mr. McMasters says that in many homes where he went tears of gratitude came to lonesome, sorrowful eyes as they took the eatables and asked for the name of the giver, and many were the prayers that were promised for him.
Mr. McMasters fulfilled his promise of secrecy faithfully until yesterday.
Those who knew Clark N. Goddard will not be surprised because they know that was characteristic of him.

Phelps Cemetery
 

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