Elvin Ellet Godfrey, senior member of the hardware firm
of Godfrey & George, a leading business house of Staunton, was born December
1, 1856, in what is now Dorchester township, Macoupin County, Illinois, and
is a son of Franklin and Mary Jane (Sawyer) Godfrey.
Franklin
Godfrey was born in North Carolina, where he lived until he was 13 years of
age. His father died when he was young, and the lad decided to come to
Illinois with his mother, his determination not being changed by the fact
that it would necessarily entail walking the whole distance. His subsequent
life displayed the same strength of character, and he became not only a
successful farmer, but also a man of prominence in the political affairs of
Macoupin County. In politics he was a Democrat, and, although a man of
little book education, was of such sound judgment and upright character,
that he was repeatedly elected to public office and served for a
considerable time as deputy sheriff. He gave his children the educational
opportunities that his youth had lacked, and was a strong advocate of the
public schools. His death took place at Staunton in 1880. He married Mary
Jane Sawyer, who was born in Dorchester township, Macoupin County, Illinois,
and is now a resident of Staunton. She is a daughter of Daniel B. and
Minerva Sawyer, the former of whom was born in North Carolina and the latter
in Tennessee, and came to this county in 1818. Mr. and Mrs. Godfrey reared
three children, viz. Cornelius, of Staunton, Macoupin County; Elvin Ellet,
of this sketch; and Mae G., the wife of William R. George, the junior member
of the hardware firm of Godfrey & George.
Elvin Ellet Godfrey lived
on his father's farm until he was 15 years of age and then accompanied his
parents to Staunton, where he has resided ever since. He was given excellent
educational advantages, attending the public schools until 1874, and then
entering Blackburn University at Carlinville, where he spent two years. His
business career began as traveling salesman for the Walter A. Wood Machine
Company, with which he was associated five years, subsequently entering into
the hardware business, as a silent partner with Williamson, George &
Company. In the fall of 1888 the present firm was formed, and the business
has grown into one of the important houses of the city.
Mr. Godfrey
has always been identified with the Democratic party. In the spring of 1891,
the village charter was changed to a city chai-ter. Mr. Godfrey was the last
village president, and was elected the first city mayor, an office to which
he was continuously re-elected for the succeeding 10 years, five times being
elected unanimously, and serving two terms with such general approbation
that no opposition ticket was in the field. That Mr. Godfrey had many things
to contend with during his long administration, may be imagined when it is
recalled that during this time the water works were built and the electric
light plant was installed. Both these improvements are owned by the city. In
addition to this civic prominence, Mr. Godfrey has capably served in many
local offices and has many times been sent a delegate to conventions. His
party services have been important and they have been appreciated.
In 1889, Mr. Godfrey married Calla Milton, who was born March 1, 1861, in
Bunker Hill, and is a daughter of Dr. E. S. Milton, a prominent physician of
Bunker Hill, Illinois.
Extracted 2018 May 08 by Norma Hass from Biographical Sketches of Leading Citizens of Macoupin County, Illinois, published in 1904, pages 517-518.
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