Arthur's parents were:
Gardner G. Godfrey, b. Aug. 29, 1827 in Somerset, Niagara County, NY. and d. Dec. 17, 1907 in Orange, Orange County, CA. &
Chloe (Darling) Godfrey, b. Sep. 4, 1824 in Hartland, Niagara County, NY. and d. Sep. 25, 1869 in Newfane, Niagara County, NY.
On Apr. 28/29, 1855, Gardner G. Godfrey and Chloe Darling were married, probably in NY.
Gardner & Chloe Godfrey's had two children:
1) Herbert Darling Godfrey, b. Feb. 10, 1855 and d. Aug. 26, 1897 of an appendicitis. Herbert, his wife, Mary Catherine Kissel and daughter are buried in Angelus Rosedale Cemetery in Los Angeles, L.A., CA.
2) Arthur Gardner Godfrey, b. Dec. 20, 1857, (marr. Cora Dunton on Aug. 5, 1883 in Los Angeles, CA.), d. Feb. 22, 1944 at the L.A. County General Hospital of a cerebral vascular hemmorhage. His remains were unclaimed, perhaps because there were frequent periods of time in his life when he was absent from his daughter's home and his family may not have known where to look for him. On Feb. 28, 1944, unbeknownst to his family, he was cremated at the Los Angeles County Crematory in Boyle Heights, Los Angeles, Co. His ashes were buried in an unmarked area (Potter's Field) of the northwest part of the cemetery.
According to the 1860 U.S. census, 3 yr. old A.G. (Arthur Gardner) Godfrey, b. abt. 1857 in WI., was living in Exeter, (Post Office: Exeter), Green, WI. with his
32 yr. old father, G.G. (Gardner G.) Godfrey, a farmer, b. in NY.
33 yr. old mother, C.D. (Chloe Darling) Godfrey, b. in NY.
5 yr. old brother, H.D. (Herbert Darling) Godfrey, b. in WI.
and 12 yr. old (cousin?), E.S. Darling, b. in NY.
On Sep. 25, 1869, when Arthur was almost 12 yrs. old, his mother, Chloe (Darling) Godfrey died while visiting her father in NY.
In the June 14, 1870 U.S. census, '13' yr. old A. G. (Arthur Gardner) Godfrey, b. abt. 1857 in WI., was living in Exeter, Green, WI. (Post Office: Albany) with his
42 yr. old (widowed) father, G.T. (Gardner G.) Godfrey, a farmer, b. in NY.
and 15 yr. old brother, H.D. (Herbert Darling) Godfrey, b. in WI.
On Jul. 13, 1870, 9 1/2 mths. after his mother's death, Arthur's father married a second time, to Eliza (Colton) Rice in Green Co., WI., who was also widowed.
The Sumner County Press (Wellington, Kansas), P. 3, Col. 1
Thu., Oct. 31, 1878
Item: Mr. Art. Godfrey, of the firm of G. G. Godfrey & Sons, who has lately been assisting his father in the Caldwell branch of that popular house, was in the city last Sunday.
Sumner County Press (Wellington, KS.), P. 3, Col. 5
Thu., Feb. 13, 1879
Advertisement re: the Close-Out of $5,000 worth of merchandise being sold out at wholesale prices by G. G. Godfrey & Sons (Herbert and Arthur) at their store on Godfrey's block (owned by Gardner's brother, Clark) - (in preparation for their move to California).
Before Arthur moved to California, he spent some time in Colorado as a young man, working as a miner.
In the Jul. 3, 1880 U.S. Census, 23 yr. old A. O. (A. G.) Godfrey, a miner, b. in WI., was single, and living at the So. Arkansas camp (established in 1868) on Middle Fork, in Chaffee Co., Colorado. He was unemployed for two months during the census year.
Both of his parents were b. in NY.
The Caldwell Advance (Caldwell, KS.), P. 4, Col. 3
Thu., Jan. 13, 1881
Item from: PERSONALS
Mr. A. G. Godfrey of Poncho Springs, Col. is visiting his parents in this city.
The Wellingtonian (Wellington, KS.), P. 3, Col. 1
The., Mar. 31, 1881
Mr. Arthur Godfrey accompanied by Mrs. Herbert Godfrey left this city on Tuesday for Los Angeles, Cal. They go to meet Herb., who has located in that country.
The Sumner County Press (Wellington, KS.), P. 3, Col. 1
Thu., Sep. 29, 1881
On the 21st inst., G. G. Godfrey and family, of Caldwell; E. Lister and Harry Kissel and families, of this city - twenty-six persons in all - took passage over the Santa Fe railroad for Los Angeles, California, where they propose to take up a permanent abode.
The Los Angeles Times (Los Angeles, CA.), P. 3, Col. 1
Wed., Mar. 8, 1882
A. G. Godfrey, of Godfrey Bros.’ drug store, is visiting his parents, Mr. and Mrs. G. G. Godfrey, in the Kansas Colony at Tustin.
By Aug. of 1882, (according to the California Voter's Register of that date), Arthur G. Godfrey, b. in WI. was living in Los Angeles and employed as a druggist (working with his brother, Herbert).
The Los Angeles Times (Los Angeles, CA.)
Sept. 5, 1882 (about a year before he married Cora Dunton).
SERIOUS ACCIDENT
Yesterday morning, about 11 o'clock, as Mr. A. G. Godfrey, one of the contractors for painting the Geary-street schoolhouse, was at work, standing on the top round of a 28-ft. ladder, the ladder broke about ten feet from the top, throwing Mr. Godfrey violently to the ground, breaking his right arm and dislocating the wrist. In the fall, Mr. Godfrey struck his side on a box, thereby receiving severe internal injuries. He was picked up, insensible, and taken to Dr. Hartley's office, where the broken bones were replaced. It is expected that with careful attendance, he will be out of danger in a few days.
The Los Angeles Times (Los Angeles, CA.), P. 4, Col. 1
Thu., Nov. 30, 1882
Mr. A. G. Godfrey returned from Tustin last Monday from a visit to his father, G. G. Godfrey. He reports that considerable building and other improvements are going on. The Kansas colonists who settled here a year ago are doing well and are highly pleased with their new homes.
Los Angeles Times Daily Times (L.A., CA.), P. 4, Col. 6
Wed., Apr. 25, 1883 (and May 2, 1883)
NEW TO-DAY, TWO GRAND ENTERTAINMENTS
To be given by the Eagle Dramatic and Minstrel Society!
Of Local Amateurs on TUESDAY and WEDNESDAY Ev’gs,
May 1 and 2, at Turnverein Hall.
FIRST EVENING for the benefit of the Eagle Corps Military Company; second evening for the benefit of the Dramatic and Minstrel Society.
GEORGE ATWOOD, Manager; M. L. STARIN, Treasurer; A. ADAMS, Stage Manager.
The performance to consist of
First Part, Olio and Farce!
Character sketches, Dialect Pieces, Humorous, Sentimental, Pathetic and Serious, by the following local talent:
Mr. Herbert Godfrey (Arthur’s brother), Mr. Arthur Godfrey (plus 9 other men and 3 women).
Four end men. Bones: H. McKee, Lon Whitaker. Tambo: Al Adams, Billy Rorick.
Excelled by none, equalled by few. Side-splitting comicalities, Humorous jokes. Olio to consist of Character acts, Song and Dance, Plantation sketches, etc. (Mr. J. M. French kindly volunteers to give a dialect recitation, to conclude with a roaring farce, entitled: A QUIET FAMILY!
Prices of Admission: First floor, 75 cents. Gallery, 50 cents. Tickets to be had at Day & Brown’s Music Emporium, Spring street, opposite Postoffice. No extra charge for Reserved Seats.
On Aug. 6, 1883, Arthur Gardner Godfrey and Cora Dunton were married in Los Angeles, L. A., CA. by Rev. F. D. Bovard.
Los Angeles Times, (Los Angeles, CA.)
Aug. 7, 1883
Wedding
Last evening, at the residence of Mr. L. K. Marshall, No. 20 Pine street, in this city, Rev. F. D. Bovard united in the bonds of matrimony Mr. A.G. (Arthur Gardner) Godfrey, of the drug firm of Godfrey Brothers, and Miss Cora Dunton. Mr. H. Christie acted as groomsman, and Miss Minnie Marshall as bridesmaid. About fifty invited guests were present, and the wedding was voted a happy affair. The table was an aesthetic display. In the center was a very fine wedding cake. The guests enjoyed themselves with music, song and toasts, till a late hour, when all took their departure, declaring it a very enjoyable affair. The presents were numerous and some of them very costly. The following is a list of presents and the names of the donors;
Silver cake basket, A.D. Godfrey; glass fruit dish, Mr. and Mrs. Vernon; pair porcelain vases, A.D. Christie and Miss Minnie Marshall; silver pickle stand, Mrs. A.D. Godfrey; majolica butter dishes, full set, Mrs. Nellie Snow; majolica plate and saucer, Mr. H.Seick; silver fruit basket, Mr. L.K. Marshall; paper holders, Mr. and Mrs. Allen; pair napkin rings, Mr. J. Hunter; pair of beautiful chromos, Miss Mary Hunter; beautiful bouquet, Miss H.M. Lowry; silver butter knife and sugar spoon, Mr. and Mrs. McNemar; cup and saucer, Mr. A.G. Godfrey; set of damask napkins, Miss Tena Steck; set of silver tea spoons, Mrs. J. Hunter; beautiful Tidy, Miss Laura Shafer; silver sugar spoon, Mrs. Forest; basket of flowers, Mr. and Mrs. Fredley; majolica tea pot and cake plate, unknown; Mr. and Mrs. Frank Willee and Mr. John Lister, glass set of seven pieces, very beautiful; one broom, entwined with the ivy and olive branch, M.A. Marshall.
The guests were; M.D. Brovard, A.D. Christie, Miss Minnie Marshall, J.T. Brown, Mrs. M.E. Forest, Mr. and Mrs. Fredley, Mr. and Mrs. Talbert, Mr. Vernon and wife, M.H. Sieck and sister, Mr. J. Hunter, wife and daughter, Mrs. Nellie Snow, Mr. and Mrs. H.A. Godfrey, R.T. Godfrey and wife, A.C. Done and wife, L.E. Manyard and wife, Mr. Haleman and daughter, Miss Jennie Carloss of San Francisco, Mr. and Mrs. M.A. Marshall, Frank Marshall.
The Sumner County Press (Wellington, KS.), P. 2, Col. 2
The., Aug. 23, 1883
A very pleasant affair took place at the residence of Mr. L. K. Marshall on Sunday evening, where some friends had been invited to witness the nuptials of Mr. A. G. Godfrey and miss Cora Dunton, of Lincoln Center, Kansas, a sister of Mrs. L. K. Marshall, Rev. F. D. Bovard, officiating. Mr. H. Christie acted as groomsman, and Miss Minnie Marshall, bridesmaid. About forty guests were present, and the affair was voted a happy one. An excellent supper was then spread, of which all partook with pleasure. Music and toasts followed to a late hour, when the guests took their departure. The presents were numerous and costly.
-Los Angeles, California, Herald.
Los Angeles Herald (Los Angeles, CA.), P. 3, Col. 3
Wed., Aug. 8, 1883
Excerpt from: Cupid’s Darts
A very pleasant fair took place at the residence of Mr. L. K. Marshall on Sunday evening, where some friends had been invited to witness the nuptials of Mr. A. G. Godfrey and Miss Cora Dunton, of Lincoln Center, Kansas, a sister of Mrs. L. K. Marshall, Rev. F. D. Bovard officiating. Mr. H. Christie acted as groomsman, and Miss Minnie Marshall, bridesmaid. About 40 guests were present, and the affair was voted a happy one. An excellent supper was then spread, of which all partook with pleasure. Music and toasts followed to a late hour, when the guests took their departure.
Arthur and Cora Godfrey had two children:
1) Ethel F. Godfrey, b. Sept. 21, 1885 and d. Dec. 24, 1965. She is buried in Rose Hills Cemetery, Whittier, CA.
She married first, E. Floyd Lewis. After their divorce, she married second, Homer Marion Harwood.
2) Earl Gardner Godfrey, b. April 2, 1886 and d. Oct. 5, 1959. On Jan. 21, 1908, Earl marr. Grace Lindstruth. At that time, he was 22 years old, living in Los Angeles, and working at a packing house. Grace was 26 years old, born in Michigan, the daughter of Frank Lindstruth of Vt. and Clara K. (Dillman) Lindstruth of Michigan.
Earl marr. second, Julia.
1883-84 Los Angeles City & County Directory: Arthur D. Godfrey, 'druggist' . Residence - Bunker Hill Av., betw. 2nd & 3rd, L. A..
Daily Herald (Los Angeles, CA.), P. 5, Col. 3
Tue., Oct. 16, 1883
Dissolution Notice
The partnership heretofore existing between H. D. Godfrey and A. G. Godfrey, under the firm name of Godfrey Bros. Drug Company, is this day dissolved by mutual consent, H. D. Godfrey collecting all debts due the late firm and paying all the liabilities.
H.D. Godfrey.
A. G. Godfrey. Los Angeles, October 9th, 1883
In the 1884-1885 L.A. City directory, A.G. Godfrey, listed as a druggist (his brother, Herbert, was a druggist), was living at 113 So. Bunker Hill ave. in Los Angeles, L.A., CA. The partnership had already been dissolved in Oct. of 1883.
In the July 14, 1886 California Voter Register, 27 yr. old Arthur G. Godfrey, b. in WI., was listed as a (house) painter.
Arthur & Cora's daughter, Ethel Godfrey, was born Sep. 21, 1885.
Their son, Earl Godfrey, was born Apr. 2, 1886, 6 1/2 mths. later.
1886 - 87 - Los Angeles City & County Directory: A. G. Godfrey, 'painter' . Residence - 113 S. Bunker Hill Av., L.A.
1887 - 88 -Los Angeles City & County Directory: Arthur G. Godfrey, 'painter'. Residence - North Hope, between 1st & Courthouse.
1890 - According to the Great Register of L.A. County, Arthur was living at 119 No. Bunker Hill. His daughter, Ethel, used to tell her grandchildren about Angel's Flight and riding her pony and bike down Main Street in Los Angeles. She would have been 5 or 6 yrs. old then.
Los Angeles Times (Los Angeles, CA.), P. 2, Col. 1
Wed., Jul. 2, 1890
FOR SALE - A CARRIAGE HORSE; weight, 1100 pounds; reasonable price. A. G. GODFREY, 119 N. Bunker Hill ave.
1891 - Los Angeles City & County Directory: A.G. Godfrey, painter, residence - 121 W. Bunker Hill Ave., L.A.
Los Angeles Times (Los Angeles, CA.), P. 2, Col. 2
Fri., May 22, 1891
FOR SALE - ON BUNKER HILL AVE., fine large residence lot at a great sacrifice if sold soon. Address A. G. Godfrey, 108 S. Spring st.
In the 1892 California Voter Register, 34 yr. old Arthur Gardner Godfrey, a house painter, b. in WI., was described as 5'7" tall, with a medium complexion, blue eyes and brown hair. He was living on Helena St. His 37 yr. old brother, Herbert D. Godfrey, a druggist was described as 5'10" tall, with a dark complexion, hazel eyes and black hair. Herbert was living at 15th & Pico, 147.
1893 - Los Angeles City & County Directory: Arthur G. Godfrey, house & sign painter, Residence - 119 N. Bunker Hill, L.A.
Los Angeles Times (Los Angeles, CA.), P. 10, Col. 2
Fri., Apr. 7, 1893
Petition in voluntary insolvency of A. G. Godfrey, a dealer in paints and wall paper, liabilities, $8600.
1894 - Los Angeles City & County Directory: Arthur G. Godfrey - painter & paper hanger. Residence - 119 N. Bunker Hill, L.A.
Los Angeles Times (Los Angeles, CA.), P. 3, Col. 4
Tue., Mar. 6, 1894
DEPARTMENT FIVE - Judge Webb; A. G. Godfrey vs His Creditors; citation.
1895 - Los Angeles City & County Directory: A.G. Godfrey, painter. Residence - 119 N. Bunker Hill Ave., L.A.
Los Angeles Herald (Los Angeles, California), P. 10, Fri., Nov. 1, 1895
A.G. Godfrey has instituted suit for divorce against his wife, Cora Godfrey, on the ground of willful desertion.
According to the 1896 California Voter Register, 38 yr. old Arthur Gardner Godfrey, a (house & sign) painter, b. in WI., was 5'6" tall, with a medium complexion, gray eyes and brown hair. His residence was the corner of Helena and Wallace
1898 - Los Angeles City & County Directory: A.G. Godfrey - painting contractor. Residence - NS Helen, near Wallace. Bus. - 311 1/2 W. 7th.
1899 - Los Angeles City & County Directory: A.G. Godfrey, house & sign painting & mfr. - Mait & Gold saver. Residence - 902 S. Main, Business - 311 1/2 W. 7th, L.A.
1900 - '01 - Los Angeles City & County Directory: Arthur G. Godfrey, painter, 206 S. Los Angeles, L.A.. Residence - 71 Downey Blk., L.A.
1902 - Los Angeles City & County Directory: Arthur G. Godfrey, painter, Business - 206 S. Los Angeles, L.A.. Residence - 409 E. 5th, L.A.
Los Angeles Times Daily Times (Los Angeles, CA.), P. 14, Col. 4
Thu., Nov. 13, 1902
Accused Partner Falsely
A. G. Godfrey paid a $15 fine yesterday for having sent officers through the home of G. W. Cook on a false scent of stolen property. Godfrey and Cook were formerly partners in the painting business, but incompatibility of nature led them to dissolve relations. In the split-up, Godfrey thought he had gotten the worst of it, and that Cook possessed some of his property. He swore to a complaint, and on his information officers went through Cook’s house looking for stolen goods. The search was in vain and Cook was quickly acquitted of wrong doing. Col smarted under the indignities he felt he had suffered and retaliated by swearing to a misdemeanor complaint against Godfrey. After a hearing yesterday, Justice Austin decided Godfrey had caused the issuance of the warrant without probable cause, and fined him $15.
1903 - Los Angeles City & County Directory: Arthur G. Godfrey, painter, Business - 206 S. Los Angeles, L.A.. Residence - NS. Helen, 1 W. of Douglas
1903 - Arthur's daughter, Ethel Godfrey, marries E. Floyd Lewis.
1904 - Los Angeles City & County Directory: Arthur G. Godfrey - Manufacturer & painter of signs & paper hanger. Business: 206 S. Los Angeles, L.A. Residence: 2846 Temple, L.A.
Los Angeles Herald (Los Angeles, CA.), P. 68
Sun., Sep. 3, 1905
A.G. GODFREY
For many years, A.G. Godfrey has been painting the town red - sometimes, but in all colors of the rainbow and in all tints of the flowers, and everywhere in the city he has left his sign. Mr. Godfrey is a professional and expert house and sign painter. He paints a house inside and outside, and he paints signs in every conceivable style, in all colors, in all sizes and for all purposes. He does plain house painting and fine ornamental work. He does plain sign painting or fine window gilt lettering, and artistic sign painting in colors. Mr. Godfrey has a well-equipped shop at 206 South Los Angeles street. No painter in the city is more widely known or better appreciated for his skillful work. He has painted many of the houses, old and new, in the city, and thousands of visible signs are the products of his skillful genius.
1907 - Los Angeles City & County Directory: Arthur G. Godfrey, painter. Business: 384 E. 2nd, L.A. Residence - 2846 Temple, L.A.
Earl L. (?) - conductor
Los Angeles Daily Times (Los Angeles, CA.), P. 16, Col. 1
Fri., May 17, 1907
Worry Causes Insanity
A. G. Godfrey, No. 384 East Second street, who was treated at the Receiving Hospital Wednesday for nervous breakdown, suffered a mental collapse yesterday morning and was strapped to a cot in the hospital. Godfrey recently launched into the business of sign painting. Fear that the newly-enacted ordinance against the maintenance of billboards would ruin him, financially, caused him to worry until his reason was dethroned and he became violent. He will be sent to a sanitarium.
Los Angeles Times (Los Angeles, CA.), P. 17, Col. 4
Fri. morning, Sep. 13, 1907
BAD SIGN BY PAINTER
Arthur G. Godfrey, a sign painter of this city, filed a petition in bankruptcy yesterday in the United States District Court. His liabilities are $8251; assets, $164.
Arthur and Cora divorced and he married a second time, on Saturday, Dec. 7, 1907, this time to Lillian Harriet Raye (Page - - previous husband's name), b. abt. 1864 in IL. According to his death certificate, he died a widower - but the 1920 census states that he was divorced.)
Santa Cruz Sentinel, P. 1 (Santa Cruz, CA.)
Wed. Dec. 11, 1907
ECONOMY
Special to “Sentinel”
LOS ANGELES, Dec. 10 - Driven to wedlock by financial stress, so she says, Mrs. Lillian Harriet Page, a writer and business woman, and Arthur Gardner Godfrey, a pioneer painting contractor, aged 46, and 50 years respectively, went to Santa Barbara and were secretly united by Justice Price.
In doing so Mrs. Page disregarded provisions of her former husband’s will, as he had decreed that she should not share in his property at hanford if she married before the estate was settled up.
This has kept them apart four years and the widow decided to take the chance. They tried to keep the fact of their marriage from relatives because of stipulated opposition. They finally decided to marry because they could live cheaper together than separately.
The San Francisco Call (San Francisco, CA.), P. 3, Dec. 11, 1907
WOMAN WRITER WEDS TO CUT DOWN ON EXPENSES
Third Husband Contractor, Whom She Helped When Bankrupt
MAY LOSE ESTATE
Property Left by Second Husband Subject to Conditions
SPECIAL DISPATCH TO THE CALL
LOS ANGELES, Dec. 10 - As a result of the recent financial flurry and because they realized that in the married state both would be able to save more than if they remained single, Mrs. Lillian Harriet Page, 44, writer and businesswoman and Arthur G. Godfrey, 50, painting contractor, slipped away to Santa Barbara last Sunday and were married.
The ceremony was decided upon despite the fact that by reason of her marriage the bride may be deprived of her share of her second husband’s estate, which consists of property at Hanford, and by the terms of whose will she is not to share in his property if she remarries. She is willing to take the chance, however, and will resort to the court to enforce her claims upon that estate. Mrs. Godfrey’s second husband has been dead seven years and the estate is not settled yet.
Notes held by the estate are outlawed and she can only hope to realize upon the real property. For four years, she and Godfrey had been engaged but had decided to wait until she came into her property. Meantime she made fortunate deals in real estate here and is now fairly wealthy. Godfrey, on the other hand, has been unfortunate. Worry over the fate of his business, which was threatened by an adverse bill board ordinance last summer, caused him to lose his reason and Mrs. Page nursed him through his illness.
He recovered and then went through bankruptcy, and in this she again assisted him. Recently, however, his financial condition became such that the two decided that they could live more cheaply as husband and wife. They kept the matter secret in the hope that it would not complicate the settlement of the Page estate, but the news leaked out.
Mrs. Page Godfrey is a member of the Los Angeles Woman’s Press Club. She has written many interesting stories of love and romance under the nom de plume of Lillian Lester Page, Page being the name of her first husband. She has been at work for several months on a story of love and romance and hopes to have it completed soon. She modestly declines to state whether it contains scenes from her own marital experiences.
1908 - Los Angeles City & County Directory: Arthur G. Godfrey, Residence: 2846 Temple, L.A.
Arthur's son, Earl, married Grace Lindstruth, Jan. 21, 1908 in L..A., working in a packing house.
Santa Ana Register (Santa Ana, CA.), P. 5, Col. 6
Wed., Jan. 26, 1910
ABSTRACT OF JUDGMENT RECORDED HERE
An abstract of a judgment docketed in Los Angeles county on Jan. 20 in favor of Lillian H. Godfrey and against Arthur G. Godfrey for $3375 was placed on record in this county yesterday. Judgment was by default.
In the 1910 U.S. census, 54 yr. old Arthur G. Godfrey, a sign & house painter, b. abt. 1856 in WI., was living at 2846 Temple St. in Los Angeles Assembly District 75, L.A., CA. (Rampart exit off the 101 fwy.) with his
46 yr. old second wife, Lillian H. Godfrey, a writer for a magazine, b. in IL.
Arthur's parents were both born in NY.
Lillian's father was b. in England and her mother in NY.
This was a second marriage for them both. They had been married for two years. Lillian was the mother of four children, none of whom were still alive by this census.
1910 - Los Angeles City & County Directory: Arthur G. Godfrey and 2nd wife, Lillian H. Godfrey. Residence: 2846 1/2 Temple, L.A., L.A.
Arthur's 24 yr. old son, Earl Godfrey, was living in San Francisco with Miles Schofield.
1913 - Los Angeles City & County Directory: Arthur G. Godfrey, painter. Residence: 2846 1/2 Temple, L.A.
1914 - Los Angeles City & County Directory: A.G. Godfrey, painting. Residence: 1124 Temple, L. A.
Business: 1122 Temple, L.A.
1916 - Los Angeles City & County Directory: A. G. Godfrey. Residence: 225 S. Beaudry Av., L. A.
Los Angeles Times (Los Angeles, CA.), P. 12, Col. 7
Sat., Jan. 25, 1919
PREFERS PEN NAME
Authoress Petitions to Use Signature not Her Husband’s
For reasons known to herself, Mrs. Lilian H. Godfrey, authoress, does not desire to use the name of her husband, Arthur G. Godfrey. Her pen name is Page, and in a petition to change her name to Lillian Harriet Pitt Page, filed yesterday, she says that Pitt is the name of a historical family in this country.
Mrs. Godfrey, who is an orphan, resides at No. 2913 Temple street.
By the 1920 U.S. census, 63 yr. old Arthur G. Godfry, a house painter, b. abt. 1857 in WI., was divorced from Lillian and lodging at 822 W. Third St. in Los Angeles Assembly District 64, L.A., CA. at the home of
52 yr. old John Ward, a shoemaker at a shoe shop, b. in England
Arthur's parents were both b. in NY.
At various times in the 1930's and 1940's, Arthur came to live with his daughter, Ethel, and her family at their home on 324 Las Tunas Drive in San Gabriel, across the street from the golf course - and later at 1702 So. Earle St. in Rosemead, L.A. Co., CA.
His granddaughter, Ruth, remembers that he had his own room where he set up equipment to develop his own photos. His grandchildren addressed him affectionally as 'Gramps' and enjoyed his stories.
On May 15, 1931, Arthur's divorced daughter, Ethel (Godfrey) Lewis, married Homer Miriam Harwood in Los Angeles, CA.
On May 11, 1932, Edna Boynton (sister-in-law of his daughter, Ethel Harwood), wrote:
"Dear Folks,
Looks like an interesting day before me tomorrow. The preacher called on Floydie (Arthur's eldest grandson) Tuesday afternoon (probably at Patton State Hospital in San Bernardino, CA.) and had a long visit with Floydie. Told him to plead guilty.
Floydie looks better, but is weak. His arms are free and he was asleep in the yard when I came in. Ethel came in and was surprised to find 'the interfering aunt' on deck. She came to see 'poor papa'. Grandpa (Arthur Godfrey) is now keeping Floydie company and they are comparing notes on the why and wherefor.
Ethel patted him on the back and when he told her I had given him the magazines she said she intended to bring him a cupcake and asked if I had been there before. I was not overjoyed to see her, so she decided to go out in the yard to see Papa and was told to sit down and he would be called.
After she came back to Floyd again I went over and talked to Grandpa. He said two officers came for him Monday evening and Harwood is responsible for his being there. I told him not to worry. I would ask a few questions and see him again.
I told the head nurse and the man at the door that I had been making some discoveries. They have her son and now her father and I would not be surprised if she wouldn't be next. He shook his head and said that there is nothing the matter with the old man. Next!
Thought you would be interested and that you might not have heard the news. Keep it dark and let's see the fireworks. Looks like things should be of more and more interest.
Mr. (Harwood) was pacing up and down out front when I came out. Lester is going with me in the morning. Love to you all, Edna"
The Los Angeles Times (L. A., CA.), P. 8, Col. 3 & 4
The., Aug. 13, 1936
Fifty-Year Southland Resident Sets Fast Pace
ALHAMBRA, Aug. 12 - Active at the age of 79 as a musician, singer, author, poet, woodworker and bicyclist!
That’s the record of versatility being set by Arthur G. Godfrey of 1906 Pepper street, who has lived in Southern California for more than fifty years.
“I didn’t start writing until I was 70 years of age,” says the prolific old gentleman. “Unfortunately, my scenarios hit the market just about the time the industry was upset by talking pictures.”
Besides his scenario work, however, Godfrey has written two books and more than seventy-five poems. One of the patriotic poems was published and widely circulated during the war and brought letters of commendation from many public officials.
Born in Wisconsin, Godfrey moved westward by easy stages, even riding an Indian pony part way. He arrived in Los Angeles in 1880 and once owned the city’s leading drug store, situated near the present site of The Times Building.
HE’S MUSICIAN TOO
As a young man, Godfrey played various brass instruments in the national Guard band in Los Angeles. He also sang baritone solos. Now he plays a player-piano, using a special technique. Often he sings or plays his violin to piano accompaniment.
“Few people really know how to manipulate the player-piano,” declares expert Godfrey. “I have what is probably the largest collection of player-piano rolls in Southern California - nearly 500 selections.
Godfrey says he can now “read music”: from the perforations on the rolls. He recently built a large mahogany cabinet in which to store his musical library.
TRAVELS BY BICYCLE
Indicative of the energy displayed by the 79-year-old jack-of-all-trades is the fact that he rides a bicycle daily, braving all kinds of traffic and going as far as downtown Los Angeles. He pedals to Monterey Park, several miles away, to get his fresh vegetables. Recently he rode daily to the General Hospital in Los Angeles for a series of treatments.
“It never took me more than thirty minutes. Usually less,” he says.
Godfrey has no intention of slowing down his pace of living and creating. Last week he acquired a new typewriter for his literary tasks and although recently knocked from his bicycle by a hit-run driver, he still looks forward to his daily cycling jaunts.
Arthur's son-in-law, Homer Harwood, died on Apr. 16, 1940 at the Sawtelle Veteran's hospital in Los Angeles, L.A., CA.
In the Apr. 22, 1940 U.S. census, 83 yr. old Arthur Godfrey, no occupation listed, b. abt. 1857 in WI., was 'widowed' and living at 1712 So. Earle St. (now 3906 No. Earle in Rosemead, an unincorporated place) in San Gabriel, L.A., CA. with his
54 yr. old (head of household) widowed daughter, Ethel Harwood, b. in CA.
Arthur and Ethel had lived in the same house, which Ethel owned, valued at $5,500, in 1935.
The census states (incorrectly) that Ethel's father was b. in MO. (he was b. in WI.), and her mother in KS.
Ethel had attended 8 yrs. of school. Arthur had completed four years of high school.
Ethel was 19 at the time of her first marriage and she was the mother of 7 children.
Every year, as soon as the weather turned warm, his daughter, Ethel, transported Arthur into the mountains near Big Bear where he set up his tent and remained for several months to enjoy hiking, fishing, outdoor cooking and shooting photos.
He had some definite political ideas and on a number of occasions, wrote to the President of the United States and members of Congress, each of whom wrote back to thank him for his thoughts.
According to his Los Angeles County, CA. death certificate, Arthur G. Godfrey died Feb. 22, 1944 at the L. A. County General Hospital in Los Angeles, L.A., CA. at 7:45 PM. His usual residence was: 1706 Earle St. (later the address was renumbered to 3906 N. Earle St.) in Rosemead, L.A., CA.
His length of stay in the hospital was 4 days, but he had been a resident of California for 62 years.
He was a widow. His wife's name was Lillian Godfrey.
Arthur's birthdate was Dec. 20, 1857 in Green County, WI. and he was 86 yrs., 2 mths. and 2 days old when he died. His usual occupation was: laborer.
His parents were: Gordner (Gardner G.) Godfrey, born in Somerset, NY. His mother was Claire (actually Chloe) Darling, born in Somerset, NY.
Arthur died of a cerebral vascular hemorrhage due to cerebral arteriosclerosis. Other condition: 'Buretyeremnia' (handwriting hard to read).
He died there probably unbeknownst to his family, as the informant was not a family member, but L.A. County General Hospital, 1200 No. State St., Los Angeles, L.A., CA.
Arthur's remains were not embalmed but sent to the County Crematory in Los Angeles.
*Note regarding unclaimed remains, such as Arthur's:
Unclaimed remains in Los Angeles County are cremated and ultimately buried in numbered plots in the Los Angeles County Cemetery and Crematory, adjacent to Evergreen Cemetery. They are buried in a common grave by year group. Cremation date is usually much later than date of death.
*Arthur's son, Earl G. Godfrey and grandson, Floyd A. Lewis, are buried in the same Potter's Field.
Gardner G. Godfrey, b. Aug. 29, 1827 in Somerset, Niagara County, NY. and d. Dec. 17, 1907 in Orange, Orange County, CA. &
Chloe (Darling) Godfrey, b. Sep. 4, 1824 in Hartland, Niagara County, NY. and d. Sep. 25, 1869 in Newfane, Niagara County, NY.
On Apr. 28/29, 1855, Gardner G. Godfrey and Chloe Darling were married, probably in NY.
Gardner & Chloe Godfrey's had two children:
1) Herbert Darling Godfrey, b. Feb. 10, 1855 and d. Aug. 26, 1897 of an appendicitis. Herbert, his wife, Mary Catherine Kissel and daughter are buried in Angelus Rosedale Cemetery in Los Angeles, L.A., CA.
2) Arthur Gardner Godfrey, b. Dec. 20, 1857, (marr. Cora Dunton on Aug. 5, 1883 in Los Angeles, CA.), d. Feb. 22, 1944 at the L.A. County General Hospital of a cerebral vascular hemmorhage. His remains were unclaimed, perhaps because there were frequent periods of time in his life when he was absent from his daughter's home and his family may not have known where to look for him. On Feb. 28, 1944, unbeknownst to his family, he was cremated at the Los Angeles County Crematory in Boyle Heights, Los Angeles, Co. His ashes were buried in an unmarked area (Potter's Field) of the northwest part of the cemetery.
According to the 1860 U.S. census, 3 yr. old A.G. (Arthur Gardner) Godfrey, b. abt. 1857 in WI., was living in Exeter, (Post Office: Exeter), Green, WI. with his
32 yr. old father, G.G. (Gardner G.) Godfrey, a farmer, b. in NY.
33 yr. old mother, C.D. (Chloe Darling) Godfrey, b. in NY.
5 yr. old brother, H.D. (Herbert Darling) Godfrey, b. in WI.
and 12 yr. old (cousin?), E.S. Darling, b. in NY.
On Sep. 25, 1869, when Arthur was almost 12 yrs. old, his mother, Chloe (Darling) Godfrey died while visiting her father in NY.
In the June 14, 1870 U.S. census, '13' yr. old A. G. (Arthur Gardner) Godfrey, b. abt. 1857 in WI., was living in Exeter, Green, WI. (Post Office: Albany) with his
42 yr. old (widowed) father, G.T. (Gardner G.) Godfrey, a farmer, b. in NY.
and 15 yr. old brother, H.D. (Herbert Darling) Godfrey, b. in WI.
On Jul. 13, 1870, 9 1/2 mths. after his mother's death, Arthur's father married a second time, to Eliza (Colton) Rice in Green Co., WI., who was also widowed.
The Sumner County Press (Wellington, Kansas), P. 3, Col. 1
Thu., Oct. 31, 1878
Item: Mr. Art. Godfrey, of the firm of G. G. Godfrey & Sons, who has lately been assisting his father in the Caldwell branch of that popular house, was in the city last Sunday.
Sumner County Press (Wellington, KS.), P. 3, Col. 5
Thu., Feb. 13, 1879
Advertisement re: the Close-Out of $5,000 worth of merchandise being sold out at wholesale prices by G. G. Godfrey & Sons (Herbert and Arthur) at their store on Godfrey's block (owned by Gardner's brother, Clark) - (in preparation for their move to California).
Before Arthur moved to California, he spent some time in Colorado as a young man, working as a miner.
In the Jul. 3, 1880 U.S. Census, 23 yr. old A. O. (A. G.) Godfrey, a miner, b. in WI., was single, and living at the So. Arkansas camp (established in 1868) on Middle Fork, in Chaffee Co., Colorado. He was unemployed for two months during the census year.
Both of his parents were b. in NY.
The Caldwell Advance (Caldwell, KS.), P. 4, Col. 3
Thu., Jan. 13, 1881
Item from: PERSONALS
Mr. A. G. Godfrey of Poncho Springs, Col. is visiting his parents in this city.
The Wellingtonian (Wellington, KS.), P. 3, Col. 1
The., Mar. 31, 1881
Mr. Arthur Godfrey accompanied by Mrs. Herbert Godfrey left this city on Tuesday for Los Angeles, Cal. They go to meet Herb., who has located in that country.
The Sumner County Press (Wellington, KS.), P. 3, Col. 1
Thu., Sep. 29, 1881
On the 21st inst., G. G. Godfrey and family, of Caldwell; E. Lister and Harry Kissel and families, of this city - twenty-six persons in all - took passage over the Santa Fe railroad for Los Angeles, California, where they propose to take up a permanent abode.
The Los Angeles Times (Los Angeles, CA.), P. 3, Col. 1
Wed., Mar. 8, 1882
A. G. Godfrey, of Godfrey Bros.’ drug store, is visiting his parents, Mr. and Mrs. G. G. Godfrey, in the Kansas Colony at Tustin.
By Aug. of 1882, (according to the California Voter's Register of that date), Arthur G. Godfrey, b. in WI. was living in Los Angeles and employed as a druggist (working with his brother, Herbert).
The Los Angeles Times (Los Angeles, CA.)
Sept. 5, 1882 (about a year before he married Cora Dunton).
SERIOUS ACCIDENT
Yesterday morning, about 11 o'clock, as Mr. A. G. Godfrey, one of the contractors for painting the Geary-street schoolhouse, was at work, standing on the top round of a 28-ft. ladder, the ladder broke about ten feet from the top, throwing Mr. Godfrey violently to the ground, breaking his right arm and dislocating the wrist. In the fall, Mr. Godfrey struck his side on a box, thereby receiving severe internal injuries. He was picked up, insensible, and taken to Dr. Hartley's office, where the broken bones were replaced. It is expected that with careful attendance, he will be out of danger in a few days.
The Los Angeles Times (Los Angeles, CA.), P. 4, Col. 1
Thu., Nov. 30, 1882
Mr. A. G. Godfrey returned from Tustin last Monday from a visit to his father, G. G. Godfrey. He reports that considerable building and other improvements are going on. The Kansas colonists who settled here a year ago are doing well and are highly pleased with their new homes.
Los Angeles Times Daily Times (L.A., CA.), P. 4, Col. 6
Wed., Apr. 25, 1883 (and May 2, 1883)
NEW TO-DAY, TWO GRAND ENTERTAINMENTS
To be given by the Eagle Dramatic and Minstrel Society!
Of Local Amateurs on TUESDAY and WEDNESDAY Ev’gs,
May 1 and 2, at Turnverein Hall.
FIRST EVENING for the benefit of the Eagle Corps Military Company; second evening for the benefit of the Dramatic and Minstrel Society.
GEORGE ATWOOD, Manager; M. L. STARIN, Treasurer; A. ADAMS, Stage Manager.
The performance to consist of
First Part, Olio and Farce!
Character sketches, Dialect Pieces, Humorous, Sentimental, Pathetic and Serious, by the following local talent:
Mr. Herbert Godfrey (Arthur’s brother), Mr. Arthur Godfrey (plus 9 other men and 3 women).
Four end men. Bones: H. McKee, Lon Whitaker. Tambo: Al Adams, Billy Rorick.
Excelled by none, equalled by few. Side-splitting comicalities, Humorous jokes. Olio to consist of Character acts, Song and Dance, Plantation sketches, etc. (Mr. J. M. French kindly volunteers to give a dialect recitation, to conclude with a roaring farce, entitled: A QUIET FAMILY!
Prices of Admission: First floor, 75 cents. Gallery, 50 cents. Tickets to be had at Day & Brown’s Music Emporium, Spring street, opposite Postoffice. No extra charge for Reserved Seats.
On Aug. 6, 1883, Arthur Gardner Godfrey and Cora Dunton were married in Los Angeles, L. A., CA. by Rev. F. D. Bovard.
Los Angeles Times, (Los Angeles, CA.)
Aug. 7, 1883
Wedding
Last evening, at the residence of Mr. L. K. Marshall, No. 20 Pine street, in this city, Rev. F. D. Bovard united in the bonds of matrimony Mr. A.G. (Arthur Gardner) Godfrey, of the drug firm of Godfrey Brothers, and Miss Cora Dunton. Mr. H. Christie acted as groomsman, and Miss Minnie Marshall as bridesmaid. About fifty invited guests were present, and the wedding was voted a happy affair. The table was an aesthetic display. In the center was a very fine wedding cake. The guests enjoyed themselves with music, song and toasts, till a late hour, when all took their departure, declaring it a very enjoyable affair. The presents were numerous and some of them very costly. The following is a list of presents and the names of the donors;
Silver cake basket, A.D. Godfrey; glass fruit dish, Mr. and Mrs. Vernon; pair porcelain vases, A.D. Christie and Miss Minnie Marshall; silver pickle stand, Mrs. A.D. Godfrey; majolica butter dishes, full set, Mrs. Nellie Snow; majolica plate and saucer, Mr. H.Seick; silver fruit basket, Mr. L.K. Marshall; paper holders, Mr. and Mrs. Allen; pair napkin rings, Mr. J. Hunter; pair of beautiful chromos, Miss Mary Hunter; beautiful bouquet, Miss H.M. Lowry; silver butter knife and sugar spoon, Mr. and Mrs. McNemar; cup and saucer, Mr. A.G. Godfrey; set of damask napkins, Miss Tena Steck; set of silver tea spoons, Mrs. J. Hunter; beautiful Tidy, Miss Laura Shafer; silver sugar spoon, Mrs. Forest; basket of flowers, Mr. and Mrs. Fredley; majolica tea pot and cake plate, unknown; Mr. and Mrs. Frank Willee and Mr. John Lister, glass set of seven pieces, very beautiful; one broom, entwined with the ivy and olive branch, M.A. Marshall.
The guests were; M.D. Brovard, A.D. Christie, Miss Minnie Marshall, J.T. Brown, Mrs. M.E. Forest, Mr. and Mrs. Fredley, Mr. and Mrs. Talbert, Mr. Vernon and wife, M.H. Sieck and sister, Mr. J. Hunter, wife and daughter, Mrs. Nellie Snow, Mr. and Mrs. H.A. Godfrey, R.T. Godfrey and wife, A.C. Done and wife, L.E. Manyard and wife, Mr. Haleman and daughter, Miss Jennie Carloss of San Francisco, Mr. and Mrs. M.A. Marshall, Frank Marshall.
The Sumner County Press (Wellington, KS.), P. 2, Col. 2
The., Aug. 23, 1883
A very pleasant affair took place at the residence of Mr. L. K. Marshall on Sunday evening, where some friends had been invited to witness the nuptials of Mr. A. G. Godfrey and miss Cora Dunton, of Lincoln Center, Kansas, a sister of Mrs. L. K. Marshall, Rev. F. D. Bovard, officiating. Mr. H. Christie acted as groomsman, and Miss Minnie Marshall, bridesmaid. About forty guests were present, and the affair was voted a happy one. An excellent supper was then spread, of which all partook with pleasure. Music and toasts followed to a late hour, when the guests took their departure. The presents were numerous and costly.
-Los Angeles, California, Herald.
Los Angeles Herald (Los Angeles, CA.), P. 3, Col. 3
Wed., Aug. 8, 1883
Excerpt from: Cupid’s Darts
A very pleasant fair took place at the residence of Mr. L. K. Marshall on Sunday evening, where some friends had been invited to witness the nuptials of Mr. A. G. Godfrey and Miss Cora Dunton, of Lincoln Center, Kansas, a sister of Mrs. L. K. Marshall, Rev. F. D. Bovard officiating. Mr. H. Christie acted as groomsman, and Miss Minnie Marshall, bridesmaid. About 40 guests were present, and the affair was voted a happy one. An excellent supper was then spread, of which all partook with pleasure. Music and toasts followed to a late hour, when the guests took their departure.
Arthur and Cora Godfrey had two children:
1) Ethel F. Godfrey, b. Sept. 21, 1885 and d. Dec. 24, 1965. She is buried in Rose Hills Cemetery, Whittier, CA.
She married first, E. Floyd Lewis. After their divorce, she married second, Homer Marion Harwood.
2) Earl Gardner Godfrey, b. April 2, 1886 and d. Oct. 5, 1959. On Jan. 21, 1908, Earl marr. Grace Lindstruth. At that time, he was 22 years old, living in Los Angeles, and working at a packing house. Grace was 26 years old, born in Michigan, the daughter of Frank Lindstruth of Vt. and Clara K. (Dillman) Lindstruth of Michigan.
Earl marr. second, Julia.
1883-84 Los Angeles City & County Directory: Arthur D. Godfrey, 'druggist' . Residence - Bunker Hill Av., betw. 2nd & 3rd, L. A..
Daily Herald (Los Angeles, CA.), P. 5, Col. 3
Tue., Oct. 16, 1883
Dissolution Notice
The partnership heretofore existing between H. D. Godfrey and A. G. Godfrey, under the firm name of Godfrey Bros. Drug Company, is this day dissolved by mutual consent, H. D. Godfrey collecting all debts due the late firm and paying all the liabilities.
H.D. Godfrey.
A. G. Godfrey. Los Angeles, October 9th, 1883
In the 1884-1885 L.A. City directory, A.G. Godfrey, listed as a druggist (his brother, Herbert, was a druggist), was living at 113 So. Bunker Hill ave. in Los Angeles, L.A., CA. The partnership had already been dissolved in Oct. of 1883.
In the July 14, 1886 California Voter Register, 27 yr. old Arthur G. Godfrey, b. in WI., was listed as a (house) painter.
Arthur & Cora's daughter, Ethel Godfrey, was born Sep. 21, 1885.
Their son, Earl Godfrey, was born Apr. 2, 1886, 6 1/2 mths. later.
1886 - 87 - Los Angeles City & County Directory: A. G. Godfrey, 'painter' . Residence - 113 S. Bunker Hill Av., L.A.
1887 - 88 -Los Angeles City & County Directory: Arthur G. Godfrey, 'painter'. Residence - North Hope, between 1st & Courthouse.
1890 - According to the Great Register of L.A. County, Arthur was living at 119 No. Bunker Hill. His daughter, Ethel, used to tell her grandchildren about Angel's Flight and riding her pony and bike down Main Street in Los Angeles. She would have been 5 or 6 yrs. old then.
Los Angeles Times (Los Angeles, CA.), P. 2, Col. 1
Wed., Jul. 2, 1890
FOR SALE - A CARRIAGE HORSE; weight, 1100 pounds; reasonable price. A. G. GODFREY, 119 N. Bunker Hill ave.
1891 - Los Angeles City & County Directory: A.G. Godfrey, painter, residence - 121 W. Bunker Hill Ave., L.A.
Los Angeles Times (Los Angeles, CA.), P. 2, Col. 2
Fri., May 22, 1891
FOR SALE - ON BUNKER HILL AVE., fine large residence lot at a great sacrifice if sold soon. Address A. G. Godfrey, 108 S. Spring st.
In the 1892 California Voter Register, 34 yr. old Arthur Gardner Godfrey, a house painter, b. in WI., was described as 5'7" tall, with a medium complexion, blue eyes and brown hair. He was living on Helena St. His 37 yr. old brother, Herbert D. Godfrey, a druggist was described as 5'10" tall, with a dark complexion, hazel eyes and black hair. Herbert was living at 15th & Pico, 147.
1893 - Los Angeles City & County Directory: Arthur G. Godfrey, house & sign painter, Residence - 119 N. Bunker Hill, L.A.
Los Angeles Times (Los Angeles, CA.), P. 10, Col. 2
Fri., Apr. 7, 1893
Petition in voluntary insolvency of A. G. Godfrey, a dealer in paints and wall paper, liabilities, $8600.
1894 - Los Angeles City & County Directory: Arthur G. Godfrey - painter & paper hanger. Residence - 119 N. Bunker Hill, L.A.
Los Angeles Times (Los Angeles, CA.), P. 3, Col. 4
Tue., Mar. 6, 1894
DEPARTMENT FIVE - Judge Webb; A. G. Godfrey vs His Creditors; citation.
1895 - Los Angeles City & County Directory: A.G. Godfrey, painter. Residence - 119 N. Bunker Hill Ave., L.A.
Los Angeles Herald (Los Angeles, California), P. 10, Fri., Nov. 1, 1895
A.G. Godfrey has instituted suit for divorce against his wife, Cora Godfrey, on the ground of willful desertion.
According to the 1896 California Voter Register, 38 yr. old Arthur Gardner Godfrey, a (house & sign) painter, b. in WI., was 5'6" tall, with a medium complexion, gray eyes and brown hair. His residence was the corner of Helena and Wallace
1898 - Los Angeles City & County Directory: A.G. Godfrey - painting contractor. Residence - NS Helen, near Wallace. Bus. - 311 1/2 W. 7th.
1899 - Los Angeles City & County Directory: A.G. Godfrey, house & sign painting & mfr. - Mait & Gold saver. Residence - 902 S. Main, Business - 311 1/2 W. 7th, L.A.
1900 - '01 - Los Angeles City & County Directory: Arthur G. Godfrey, painter, 206 S. Los Angeles, L.A.. Residence - 71 Downey Blk., L.A.
1902 - Los Angeles City & County Directory: Arthur G. Godfrey, painter, Business - 206 S. Los Angeles, L.A.. Residence - 409 E. 5th, L.A.
Los Angeles Times Daily Times (Los Angeles, CA.), P. 14, Col. 4
Thu., Nov. 13, 1902
Accused Partner Falsely
A. G. Godfrey paid a $15 fine yesterday for having sent officers through the home of G. W. Cook on a false scent of stolen property. Godfrey and Cook were formerly partners in the painting business, but incompatibility of nature led them to dissolve relations. In the split-up, Godfrey thought he had gotten the worst of it, and that Cook possessed some of his property. He swore to a complaint, and on his information officers went through Cook’s house looking for stolen goods. The search was in vain and Cook was quickly acquitted of wrong doing. Col smarted under the indignities he felt he had suffered and retaliated by swearing to a misdemeanor complaint against Godfrey. After a hearing yesterday, Justice Austin decided Godfrey had caused the issuance of the warrant without probable cause, and fined him $15.
1903 - Los Angeles City & County Directory: Arthur G. Godfrey, painter, Business - 206 S. Los Angeles, L.A.. Residence - NS. Helen, 1 W. of Douglas
1903 - Arthur's daughter, Ethel Godfrey, marries E. Floyd Lewis.
1904 - Los Angeles City & County Directory: Arthur G. Godfrey - Manufacturer & painter of signs & paper hanger. Business: 206 S. Los Angeles, L.A. Residence: 2846 Temple, L.A.
Los Angeles Herald (Los Angeles, CA.), P. 68
Sun., Sep. 3, 1905
A.G. GODFREY
For many years, A.G. Godfrey has been painting the town red - sometimes, but in all colors of the rainbow and in all tints of the flowers, and everywhere in the city he has left his sign. Mr. Godfrey is a professional and expert house and sign painter. He paints a house inside and outside, and he paints signs in every conceivable style, in all colors, in all sizes and for all purposes. He does plain house painting and fine ornamental work. He does plain sign painting or fine window gilt lettering, and artistic sign painting in colors. Mr. Godfrey has a well-equipped shop at 206 South Los Angeles street. No painter in the city is more widely known or better appreciated for his skillful work. He has painted many of the houses, old and new, in the city, and thousands of visible signs are the products of his skillful genius.
1907 - Los Angeles City & County Directory: Arthur G. Godfrey, painter. Business: 384 E. 2nd, L.A. Residence - 2846 Temple, L.A.
Earl L. (?) - conductor
Los Angeles Daily Times (Los Angeles, CA.), P. 16, Col. 1
Fri., May 17, 1907
Worry Causes Insanity
A. G. Godfrey, No. 384 East Second street, who was treated at the Receiving Hospital Wednesday for nervous breakdown, suffered a mental collapse yesterday morning and was strapped to a cot in the hospital. Godfrey recently launched into the business of sign painting. Fear that the newly-enacted ordinance against the maintenance of billboards would ruin him, financially, caused him to worry until his reason was dethroned and he became violent. He will be sent to a sanitarium.
Los Angeles Times (Los Angeles, CA.), P. 17, Col. 4
Fri. morning, Sep. 13, 1907
BAD SIGN BY PAINTER
Arthur G. Godfrey, a sign painter of this city, filed a petition in bankruptcy yesterday in the United States District Court. His liabilities are $8251; assets, $164.
Arthur and Cora divorced and he married a second time, on Saturday, Dec. 7, 1907, this time to Lillian Harriet Raye (Page - - previous husband's name), b. abt. 1864 in IL. According to his death certificate, he died a widower - but the 1920 census states that he was divorced.)
Santa Cruz Sentinel, P. 1 (Santa Cruz, CA.)
Wed. Dec. 11, 1907
ECONOMY
Special to “Sentinel”
LOS ANGELES, Dec. 10 - Driven to wedlock by financial stress, so she says, Mrs. Lillian Harriet Page, a writer and business woman, and Arthur Gardner Godfrey, a pioneer painting contractor, aged 46, and 50 years respectively, went to Santa Barbara and were secretly united by Justice Price.
In doing so Mrs. Page disregarded provisions of her former husband’s will, as he had decreed that she should not share in his property at hanford if she married before the estate was settled up.
This has kept them apart four years and the widow decided to take the chance. They tried to keep the fact of their marriage from relatives because of stipulated opposition. They finally decided to marry because they could live cheaper together than separately.
The San Francisco Call (San Francisco, CA.), P. 3, Dec. 11, 1907
WOMAN WRITER WEDS TO CUT DOWN ON EXPENSES
Third Husband Contractor, Whom She Helped When Bankrupt
MAY LOSE ESTATE
Property Left by Second Husband Subject to Conditions
SPECIAL DISPATCH TO THE CALL
LOS ANGELES, Dec. 10 - As a result of the recent financial flurry and because they realized that in the married state both would be able to save more than if they remained single, Mrs. Lillian Harriet Page, 44, writer and businesswoman and Arthur G. Godfrey, 50, painting contractor, slipped away to Santa Barbara last Sunday and were married.
The ceremony was decided upon despite the fact that by reason of her marriage the bride may be deprived of her share of her second husband’s estate, which consists of property at Hanford, and by the terms of whose will she is not to share in his property if she remarries. She is willing to take the chance, however, and will resort to the court to enforce her claims upon that estate. Mrs. Godfrey’s second husband has been dead seven years and the estate is not settled yet.
Notes held by the estate are outlawed and she can only hope to realize upon the real property. For four years, she and Godfrey had been engaged but had decided to wait until she came into her property. Meantime she made fortunate deals in real estate here and is now fairly wealthy. Godfrey, on the other hand, has been unfortunate. Worry over the fate of his business, which was threatened by an adverse bill board ordinance last summer, caused him to lose his reason and Mrs. Page nursed him through his illness.
He recovered and then went through bankruptcy, and in this she again assisted him. Recently, however, his financial condition became such that the two decided that they could live more cheaply as husband and wife. They kept the matter secret in the hope that it would not complicate the settlement of the Page estate, but the news leaked out.
Mrs. Page Godfrey is a member of the Los Angeles Woman’s Press Club. She has written many interesting stories of love and romance under the nom de plume of Lillian Lester Page, Page being the name of her first husband. She has been at work for several months on a story of love and romance and hopes to have it completed soon. She modestly declines to state whether it contains scenes from her own marital experiences.
1908 - Los Angeles City & County Directory: Arthur G. Godfrey, Residence: 2846 Temple, L.A.
Arthur's son, Earl, married Grace Lindstruth, Jan. 21, 1908 in L..A., working in a packing house.
Santa Ana Register (Santa Ana, CA.), P. 5, Col. 6
Wed., Jan. 26, 1910
ABSTRACT OF JUDGMENT RECORDED HERE
An abstract of a judgment docketed in Los Angeles county on Jan. 20 in favor of Lillian H. Godfrey and against Arthur G. Godfrey for $3375 was placed on record in this county yesterday. Judgment was by default.
In the 1910 U.S. census, 54 yr. old Arthur G. Godfrey, a sign & house painter, b. abt. 1856 in WI., was living at 2846 Temple St. in Los Angeles Assembly District 75, L.A., CA. (Rampart exit off the 101 fwy.) with his
46 yr. old second wife, Lillian H. Godfrey, a writer for a magazine, b. in IL.
Arthur's parents were both born in NY.
Lillian's father was b. in England and her mother in NY.
This was a second marriage for them both. They had been married for two years. Lillian was the mother of four children, none of whom were still alive by this census.
1910 - Los Angeles City & County Directory: Arthur G. Godfrey and 2nd wife, Lillian H. Godfrey. Residence: 2846 1/2 Temple, L.A., L.A.
Arthur's 24 yr. old son, Earl Godfrey, was living in San Francisco with Miles Schofield.
1913 - Los Angeles City & County Directory: Arthur G. Godfrey, painter. Residence: 2846 1/2 Temple, L.A.
1914 - Los Angeles City & County Directory: A.G. Godfrey, painting. Residence: 1124 Temple, L. A.
Business: 1122 Temple, L.A.
1916 - Los Angeles City & County Directory: A. G. Godfrey. Residence: 225 S. Beaudry Av., L. A.
Los Angeles Times (Los Angeles, CA.), P. 12, Col. 7
Sat., Jan. 25, 1919
PREFERS PEN NAME
Authoress Petitions to Use Signature not Her Husband’s
For reasons known to herself, Mrs. Lilian H. Godfrey, authoress, does not desire to use the name of her husband, Arthur G. Godfrey. Her pen name is Page, and in a petition to change her name to Lillian Harriet Pitt Page, filed yesterday, she says that Pitt is the name of a historical family in this country.
Mrs. Godfrey, who is an orphan, resides at No. 2913 Temple street.
By the 1920 U.S. census, 63 yr. old Arthur G. Godfry, a house painter, b. abt. 1857 in WI., was divorced from Lillian and lodging at 822 W. Third St. in Los Angeles Assembly District 64, L.A., CA. at the home of
52 yr. old John Ward, a shoemaker at a shoe shop, b. in England
Arthur's parents were both b. in NY.
At various times in the 1930's and 1940's, Arthur came to live with his daughter, Ethel, and her family at their home on 324 Las Tunas Drive in San Gabriel, across the street from the golf course - and later at 1702 So. Earle St. in Rosemead, L.A. Co., CA.
His granddaughter, Ruth, remembers that he had his own room where he set up equipment to develop his own photos. His grandchildren addressed him affectionally as 'Gramps' and enjoyed his stories.
On May 15, 1931, Arthur's divorced daughter, Ethel (Godfrey) Lewis, married Homer Miriam Harwood in Los Angeles, CA.
On May 11, 1932, Edna Boynton (sister-in-law of his daughter, Ethel Harwood), wrote:
"Dear Folks,
Looks like an interesting day before me tomorrow. The preacher called on Floydie (Arthur's eldest grandson) Tuesday afternoon (probably at Patton State Hospital in San Bernardino, CA.) and had a long visit with Floydie. Told him to plead guilty.
Floydie looks better, but is weak. His arms are free and he was asleep in the yard when I came in. Ethel came in and was surprised to find 'the interfering aunt' on deck. She came to see 'poor papa'. Grandpa (Arthur Godfrey) is now keeping Floydie company and they are comparing notes on the why and wherefor.
Ethel patted him on the back and when he told her I had given him the magazines she said she intended to bring him a cupcake and asked if I had been there before. I was not overjoyed to see her, so she decided to go out in the yard to see Papa and was told to sit down and he would be called.
After she came back to Floyd again I went over and talked to Grandpa. He said two officers came for him Monday evening and Harwood is responsible for his being there. I told him not to worry. I would ask a few questions and see him again.
I told the head nurse and the man at the door that I had been making some discoveries. They have her son and now her father and I would not be surprised if she wouldn't be next. He shook his head and said that there is nothing the matter with the old man. Next!
Thought you would be interested and that you might not have heard the news. Keep it dark and let's see the fireworks. Looks like things should be of more and more interest.
Mr. (Harwood) was pacing up and down out front when I came out. Lester is going with me in the morning. Love to you all, Edna"
The Los Angeles Times (L. A., CA.), P. 8, Col. 3 & 4
The., Aug. 13, 1936
Fifty-Year Southland Resident Sets Fast Pace
ALHAMBRA, Aug. 12 - Active at the age of 79 as a musician, singer, author, poet, woodworker and bicyclist!
That’s the record of versatility being set by Arthur G. Godfrey of 1906 Pepper street, who has lived in Southern California for more than fifty years.
“I didn’t start writing until I was 70 years of age,” says the prolific old gentleman. “Unfortunately, my scenarios hit the market just about the time the industry was upset by talking pictures.”
Besides his scenario work, however, Godfrey has written two books and more than seventy-five poems. One of the patriotic poems was published and widely circulated during the war and brought letters of commendation from many public officials.
Born in Wisconsin, Godfrey moved westward by easy stages, even riding an Indian pony part way. He arrived in Los Angeles in 1880 and once owned the city’s leading drug store, situated near the present site of The Times Building.
HE’S MUSICIAN TOO
As a young man, Godfrey played various brass instruments in the national Guard band in Los Angeles. He also sang baritone solos. Now he plays a player-piano, using a special technique. Often he sings or plays his violin to piano accompaniment.
“Few people really know how to manipulate the player-piano,” declares expert Godfrey. “I have what is probably the largest collection of player-piano rolls in Southern California - nearly 500 selections.
Godfrey says he can now “read music”: from the perforations on the rolls. He recently built a large mahogany cabinet in which to store his musical library.
TRAVELS BY BICYCLE
Indicative of the energy displayed by the 79-year-old jack-of-all-trades is the fact that he rides a bicycle daily, braving all kinds of traffic and going as far as downtown Los Angeles. He pedals to Monterey Park, several miles away, to get his fresh vegetables. Recently he rode daily to the General Hospital in Los Angeles for a series of treatments.
“It never took me more than thirty minutes. Usually less,” he says.
Godfrey has no intention of slowing down his pace of living and creating. Last week he acquired a new typewriter for his literary tasks and although recently knocked from his bicycle by a hit-run driver, he still looks forward to his daily cycling jaunts.
Arthur's son-in-law, Homer Harwood, died on Apr. 16, 1940 at the Sawtelle Veteran's hospital in Los Angeles, L.A., CA.
In the Apr. 22, 1940 U.S. census, 83 yr. old Arthur Godfrey, no occupation listed, b. abt. 1857 in WI., was 'widowed' and living at 1712 So. Earle St. (now 3906 No. Earle in Rosemead, an unincorporated place) in San Gabriel, L.A., CA. with his
54 yr. old (head of household) widowed daughter, Ethel Harwood, b. in CA.
Arthur and Ethel had lived in the same house, which Ethel owned, valued at $5,500, in 1935.
The census states (incorrectly) that Ethel's father was b. in MO. (he was b. in WI.), and her mother in KS.
Ethel had attended 8 yrs. of school. Arthur had completed four years of high school.
Ethel was 19 at the time of her first marriage and she was the mother of 7 children.
Every year, as soon as the weather turned warm, his daughter, Ethel, transported Arthur into the mountains near Big Bear where he set up his tent and remained for several months to enjoy hiking, fishing, outdoor cooking and shooting photos.
He had some definite political ideas and on a number of occasions, wrote to the President of the United States and members of Congress, each of whom wrote back to thank him for his thoughts.
According to his Los Angeles County, CA. death certificate, Arthur G. Godfrey died Feb. 22, 1944 at the L. A. County General Hospital in Los Angeles, L.A., CA. at 7:45 PM. His usual residence was: 1706 Earle St. (later the address was renumbered to 3906 N. Earle St.) in Rosemead, L.A., CA.
His length of stay in the hospital was 4 days, but he had been a resident of California for 62 years.
He was a widow. His wife's name was Lillian Godfrey.
Arthur's birthdate was Dec. 20, 1857 in Green County, WI. and he was 86 yrs., 2 mths. and 2 days old when he died. His usual occupation was: laborer.
His parents were: Gordner (Gardner G.) Godfrey, born in Somerset, NY. His mother was Claire (actually Chloe) Darling, born in Somerset, NY.
Arthur died of a cerebral vascular hemorrhage due to cerebral arteriosclerosis. Other condition: 'Buretyeremnia' (handwriting hard to read).
He died there probably unbeknownst to his family, as the informant was not a family member, but L.A. County General Hospital, 1200 No. State St., Los Angeles, L.A., CA.
Arthur's remains were not embalmed but sent to the County Crematory in Los Angeles.
*Note regarding unclaimed remains, such as Arthur's:
Unclaimed remains in Los Angeles County are cremated and ultimately buried in numbered plots in the Los Angeles County Cemetery and Crematory, adjacent to Evergreen Cemetery. They are buried in a common grave by year group. Cremation date is usually much later than date of death.
*Arthur's son, Earl G. Godfrey and grandson, Floyd A. Lewis, are buried in the same Potter's Field.
Arthur's parents were:
Gardner G. Godfrey, b. Aug. 29, 1827 in Somerset, Niagara County, NY. and d. Dec. 17, 1907 in Orange, Orange County, CA. &
Chloe (Darling) Godfrey, b. Sep. 4, 1824 in Hartland, Niagara County, NY. and d. Sep. 25, 1869 in Newfane, Niagara County, NY.
On Apr. 28/29, 1855, Gardner G. Godfrey and Chloe Darling were married, probably in NY.
Gardner & Chloe Godfrey's had two children:
1) Herbert Darling Godfrey, b. Feb. 10, 1855 and d. Aug. 26, 1897 of an appendicitis. Herbert, his wife, Mary Catherine Kissel and daughter are buried in Angelus Rosedale Cemetery in Los Angeles, L.A., CA.
2) Arthur Gardner Godfrey, b. Dec. 20, 1857, (marr. Cora Dunton on Aug. 5, 1883 in Los Angeles, CA.), d. Feb. 22, 1944 at the L.A. County General Hospital of a cerebral vascular hemmorhage. His remains were unclaimed, perhaps because there were frequent periods of time in his life when he was absent from his daughter's home and his family may not have known where to look for him. On Feb. 28, 1944, unbeknownst to his family, he was cremated at the Los Angeles County Crematory in Boyle Heights, Los Angeles, Co. His ashes were buried in an unmarked area (Potter's Field) of the northwest part of the cemetery.
According to the 1860 U.S. census, 3 yr. old A.G. (Arthur Gardner) Godfrey, b. abt. 1857 in WI., was living in Exeter, (Post Office: Exeter), Green, WI. with his
32 yr. old father, G.G. (Gardner G.) Godfrey, a farmer, b. in NY.
33 yr. old mother, C.D. (Chloe Darling) Godfrey, b. in NY.
5 yr. old brother, H.D. (Herbert Darling) Godfrey, b. in WI.
and 12 yr. old (cousin?), E.S. Darling, b. in NY.
On Sep. 25, 1869, when Arthur was almost 12 yrs. old, his mother, Chloe (Darling) Godfrey died while visiting her father in NY.
In the June 14, 1870 U.S. census, '13' yr. old A. G. (Arthur Gardner) Godfrey, b. abt. 1857 in WI., was living in Exeter, Green, WI. (Post Office: Albany) with his
42 yr. old (widowed) father, G.T. (Gardner G.) Godfrey, a farmer, b. in NY.
and 15 yr. old brother, H.D. (Herbert Darling) Godfrey, b. in WI.
On Jul. 13, 1870, 9 1/2 mths. after his mother's death, Arthur's father married a second time, to Eliza (Colton) Rice in Green Co., WI., who was also widowed.
The Sumner County Press (Wellington, Kansas), P. 3, Col. 1
Thu., Oct. 31, 1878
Item: Mr. Art. Godfrey, of the firm of G. G. Godfrey & Sons, who has lately been assisting his father in the Caldwell branch of that popular house, was in the city last Sunday.
Sumner County Press (Wellington, KS.), P. 3, Col. 5
Thu., Feb. 13, 1879
Advertisement re: the Close-Out of $5,000 worth of merchandise being sold out at wholesale prices by G. G. Godfrey & Sons (Herbert and Arthur) at their store on Godfrey's block (owned by Gardner's brother, Clark) - (in preparation for their move to California).
Before Arthur moved to California, he spent some time in Colorado as a young man, working as a miner.
In the Jul. 3, 1880 U.S. Census, 23 yr. old A. O. (A. G.) Godfrey, a miner, b. in WI., was single, and living at the So. Arkansas camp (established in 1868) on Middle Fork, in Chaffee Co., Colorado. He was unemployed for two months during the census year.
Both of his parents were b. in NY.
The Caldwell Advance (Caldwell, KS.), P. 4, Col. 3
Thu., Jan. 13, 1881
Item from: PERSONALS
Mr. A. G. Godfrey of Poncho Springs, Col. is visiting his parents in this city.
The Wellingtonian (Wellington, KS.), P. 3, Col. 1
The., Mar. 31, 1881
Mr. Arthur Godfrey accompanied by Mrs. Herbert Godfrey left this city on Tuesday for Los Angeles, Cal. They go to meet Herb., who has located in that country.
The Sumner County Press (Wellington, KS.), P. 3, Col. 1
Thu., Sep. 29, 1881
On the 21st inst., G. G. Godfrey and family, of Caldwell; E. Lister and Harry Kissel and families, of this city - twenty-six persons in all - took passage over the Santa Fe railroad for Los Angeles, California, where they propose to take up a permanent abode.
The Los Angeles Times (Los Angeles, CA.), P. 3, Col. 1
Wed., Mar. 8, 1882
A. G. Godfrey, of Godfrey Bros.’ drug store, is visiting his parents, Mr. and Mrs. G. G. Godfrey, in the Kansas Colony at Tustin.
By Aug. of 1882, (according to the California Voter's Register of that date), Arthur G. Godfrey, b. in WI. was living in Los Angeles and employed as a druggist (working with his brother, Herbert).
The Los Angeles Times (Los Angeles, CA.)
Sept. 5, 1882 (about a year before he married Cora Dunton).
SERIOUS ACCIDENT
Yesterday morning, about 11 o'clock, as Mr. A. G. Godfrey, one of the contractors for painting the Geary-street schoolhouse, was at work, standing on the top round of a 28-ft. ladder, the ladder broke about ten feet from the top, throwing Mr. Godfrey violently to the ground, breaking his right arm and dislocating the wrist. In the fall, Mr. Godfrey struck his side on a box, thereby receiving severe internal injuries. He was picked up, insensible, and taken to Dr. Hartley's office, where the broken bones were replaced. It is expected that with careful attendance, he will be out of danger in a few days.
The Los Angeles Times (Los Angeles, CA.), P. 4, Col. 1
Thu., Nov. 30, 1882
Mr. A. G. Godfrey returned from Tustin last Monday from a visit to his father, G. G. Godfrey. He reports that considerable building and other improvements are going on. The Kansas colonists who settled here a year ago are doing well and are highly pleased with their new homes.
Los Angeles Times Daily Times (L.A., CA.), P. 4, Col. 6
Wed., Apr. 25, 1883 (and May 2, 1883)
NEW TO-DAY, TWO GRAND ENTERTAINMENTS
To be given by the Eagle Dramatic and Minstrel Society!
Of Local Amateurs on TUESDAY and WEDNESDAY Ev’gs,
May 1 and 2, at Turnverein Hall.
FIRST EVENING for the benefit of the Eagle Corps Military Company; second evening for the benefit of the Dramatic and Minstrel Society.
GEORGE ATWOOD, Manager; M. L. STARIN, Treasurer; A. ADAMS, Stage Manager.
The performance to consist of
First Part, Olio and Farce!
Character sketches, Dialect Pieces, Humorous, Sentimental, Pathetic and Serious, by the following local talent:
Mr. Herbert Godfrey (Arthur’s brother), Mr. Arthur Godfrey (plus 9 other men and 3 women).
Four end men. Bones: H. McKee, Lon Whitaker. Tambo: Al Adams, Billy Rorick.
Excelled by none, equalled by few. Side-splitting comicalities, Humorous jokes. Olio to consist of Character acts, Song and Dance, Plantation sketches, etc. (Mr. J. M. French kindly volunteers to give a dialect recitation, to conclude with a roaring farce, entitled: A QUIET FAMILY!
Prices of Admission: First floor, 75 cents. Gallery, 50 cents. Tickets to be had at Day & Brown’s Music Emporium, Spring street, opposite Postoffice. No extra charge for Reserved Seats.
On Aug. 6, 1883, Arthur Gardner Godfrey and Cora Dunton were married in Los Angeles, L. A., CA. by Rev. F. D. Bovard.
Los Angeles Times, (Los Angeles, CA.)
Aug. 7, 1883
Wedding
Last evening, at the residence of Mr. L. K. Marshall, No. 20 Pine street, in this city, Rev. F. D. Bovard united in the bonds of matrimony Mr. A.G. (Arthur Gardner) Godfrey, of the drug firm of Godfrey Brothers, and Miss Cora Dunton. Mr. H. Christie acted as groomsman, and Miss Minnie Marshall as bridesmaid. About fifty invited guests were present, and the wedding was voted a happy affair. The table was an aesthetic display. In the center was a very fine wedding cake. The guests enjoyed themselves with music, song and toasts, till a late hour, when all took their departure, declaring it a very enjoyable affair. The presents were numerous and some of them very costly. The following is a list of presents and the names of the donors;
Silver cake basket, A.D. Godfrey; glass fruit dish, Mr. and Mrs. Vernon; pair porcelain vases, A.D. Christie and Miss Minnie Marshall; silver pickle stand, Mrs. A.D. Godfrey; majolica butter dishes, full set, Mrs. Nellie Snow; majolica plate and saucer, Mr. H.Seick; silver fruit basket, Mr. L.K. Marshall; paper holders, Mr. and Mrs. Allen; pair napkin rings, Mr. J. Hunter; pair of beautiful chromos, Miss Mary Hunter; beautiful bouquet, Miss H.M. Lowry; silver butter knife and sugar spoon, Mr. and Mrs. McNemar; cup and saucer, Mr. A.G. Godfrey; set of damask napkins, Miss Tena Steck; set of silver tea spoons, Mrs. J. Hunter; beautiful Tidy, Miss Laura Shafer; silver sugar spoon, Mrs. Forest; basket of flowers, Mr. and Mrs. Fredley; majolica tea pot and cake plate, unknown; Mr. and Mrs. Frank Willee and Mr. John Lister, glass set of seven pieces, very beautiful; one broom, entwined with the ivy and olive branch, M.A. Marshall.
The guests were; M.D. Brovard, A.D. Christie, Miss Minnie Marshall, J.T. Brown, Mrs. M.E. Forest, Mr. and Mrs. Fredley, Mr. and Mrs. Talbert, Mr. Vernon and wife, M.H. Sieck and sister, Mr. J. Hunter, wife and daughter, Mrs. Nellie Snow, Mr. and Mrs. H.A. Godfrey, R.T. Godfrey and wife, A.C. Done and wife, L.E. Manyard and wife, Mr. Haleman and daughter, Miss Jennie Carloss of San Francisco, Mr. and Mrs. M.A. Marshall, Frank Marshall.
The Sumner County Press (Wellington, KS.), P. 2, Col. 2
The., Aug. 23, 1883
A very pleasant affair took place at the residence of Mr. L. K. Marshall on Sunday evening, where some friends had been invited to witness the nuptials of Mr. A. G. Godfrey and miss Cora Dunton, of Lincoln Center, Kansas, a sister of Mrs. L. K. Marshall, Rev. F. D. Bovard, officiating. Mr. H. Christie acted as groomsman, and Miss Minnie Marshall, bridesmaid. About forty guests were present, and the affair was voted a happy one. An excellent supper was then spread, of which all partook with pleasure. Music and toasts followed to a late hour, when the guests took their departure. The presents were numerous and costly.
-Los Angeles, California, Herald.
Los Angeles Herald (Los Angeles, CA.), P. 3, Col. 3
Wed., Aug. 8, 1883
Excerpt from: Cupid’s Darts
A very pleasant fair took place at the residence of Mr. L. K. Marshall on Sunday evening, where some friends had been invited to witness the nuptials of Mr. A. G. Godfrey and Miss Cora Dunton, of Lincoln Center, Kansas, a sister of Mrs. L. K. Marshall, Rev. F. D. Bovard officiating. Mr. H. Christie acted as groomsman, and Miss Minnie Marshall, bridesmaid. About 40 guests were present, and the affair was voted a happy one. An excellent supper was then spread, of which all partook with pleasure. Music and toasts followed to a late hour, when the guests took their departure.
Arthur and Cora Godfrey had two children:
1) Ethel F. Godfrey, b. Sept. 21, 1885 and d. Dec. 24, 1965. She is buried in Rose Hills Cemetery, Whittier, CA.
She married first, E. Floyd Lewis. After their divorce, she married second, Homer Marion Harwood.
2) Earl Gardner Godfrey, b. April 2, 1886 and d. Oct. 5, 1959. On Jan. 21, 1908, Earl marr. Grace Lindstruth. At that time, he was 22 years old, living in Los Angeles, and working at a packing house. Grace was 26 years old, born in Michigan, the daughter of Frank Lindstruth of Vt. and Clara K. (Dillman) Lindstruth of Michigan.
Earl marr. second, Julia.
1883-84 Los Angeles City & County Directory: Arthur D. Godfrey, 'druggist' . Residence - Bunker Hill Av., betw. 2nd & 3rd, L. A..
Daily Herald (Los Angeles, CA.), P. 5, Col. 3
Tue., Oct. 16, 1883
Dissolution Notice
The partnership heretofore existing between H. D. Godfrey and A. G. Godfrey, under the firm name of Godfrey Bros. Drug Company, is this day dissolved by mutual consent, H. D. Godfrey collecting all debts due the late firm and paying all the liabilities.
H.D. Godfrey.
A. G. Godfrey. Los Angeles, October 9th, 1883
In the 1884-1885 L.A. City directory, A.G. Godfrey, listed as a druggist (his brother, Herbert, was a druggist), was living at 113 So. Bunker Hill ave. in Los Angeles, L.A., CA. The partnership had already been dissolved in Oct. of 1883.
In the July 14, 1886 California Voter Register, 27 yr. old Arthur G. Godfrey, b. in WI., was listed as a (house) painter.
Arthur & Cora's daughter, Ethel Godfrey, was born Sep. 21, 1885.
Their son, Earl Godfrey, was born Apr. 2, 1886, 6 1/2 mths. later.
1886 - 87 - Los Angeles City & County Directory: A. G. Godfrey, 'painter' . Residence - 113 S. Bunker Hill Av., L.A.
1887 - 88 -Los Angeles City & County Directory: Arthur G. Godfrey, 'painter'. Residence - North Hope, between 1st & Courthouse.
1890 - According to the Great Register of L.A. County, Arthur was living at 119 No. Bunker Hill. His daughter, Ethel, used to tell her grandchildren about Angel's Flight and riding her pony and bike down Main Street in Los Angeles. She would have been 5 or 6 yrs. old then.
Los Angeles Times (Los Angeles, CA.), P. 2, Col. 1
Wed., Jul. 2, 1890
FOR SALE - A CARRIAGE HORSE; weight, 1100 pounds; reasonable price. A. G. GODFREY, 119 N. Bunker Hill ave.
1891 - Los Angeles City & County Directory: A.G. Godfrey, painter, residence - 121 W. Bunker Hill Ave., L.A.
Los Angeles Times (Los Angeles, CA.), P. 2, Col. 2
Fri., May 22, 1891
FOR SALE - ON BUNKER HILL AVE., fine large residence lot at a great sacrifice if sold soon. Address A. G. Godfrey, 108 S. Spring st.
In the 1892 California Voter Register, 34 yr. old Arthur Gardner Godfrey, a house painter, b. in WI., was described as 5'7" tall, with a medium complexion, blue eyes and brown hair. He was living on Helena St. His 37 yr. old brother, Herbert D. Godfrey, a druggist was described as 5'10" tall, with a dark complexion, hazel eyes and black hair. Herbert was living at 15th & Pico, 147.
1893 - Los Angeles City & County Directory: Arthur G. Godfrey, house & sign painter, Residence - 119 N. Bunker Hill, L.A.
Los Angeles Times (Los Angeles, CA.), P. 10, Col. 2
Fri., Apr. 7, 1893
Petition in voluntary insolvency of A. G. Godfrey, a dealer in paints and wall paper, liabilities, $8600.
1894 - Los Angeles City & County Directory: Arthur G. Godfrey - painter & paper hanger. Residence - 119 N. Bunker Hill, L.A.
Los Angeles Times (Los Angeles, CA.), P. 3, Col. 4
Tue., Mar. 6, 1894
DEPARTMENT FIVE - Judge Webb; A. G. Godfrey vs His Creditors; citation.
1895 - Los Angeles City & County Directory: A.G. Godfrey, painter. Residence - 119 N. Bunker Hill Ave., L.A.
Los Angeles Herald (Los Angeles, California), P. 10, Fri., Nov. 1, 1895
A.G. Godfrey has instituted suit for divorce against his wife, Cora Godfrey, on the ground of willful desertion.
According to the 1896 California Voter Register, 38 yr. old Arthur Gardner Godfrey, a (house & sign) painter, b. in WI., was 5'6" tall, with a medium complexion, gray eyes and brown hair. His residence was the corner of Helena and Wallace
1898 - Los Angeles City & County Directory: A.G. Godfrey - painting contractor. Residence - NS Helen, near Wallace. Bus. - 311 1/2 W. 7th.
1899 - Los Angeles City & County Directory: A.G. Godfrey, house & sign painting & mfr. - Mait & Gold saver. Residence - 902 S. Main, Business - 311 1/2 W. 7th, L.A.
1900 - '01 - Los Angeles City & County Directory: Arthur G. Godfrey, painter, 206 S. Los Angeles, L.A.. Residence - 71 Downey Blk., L.A.
1902 - Los Angeles City & County Directory: Arthur G. Godfrey, painter, Business - 206 S. Los Angeles, L.A.. Residence - 409 E. 5th, L.A.
Los Angeles Times Daily Times (Los Angeles, CA.), P. 14, Col. 4
Thu., Nov. 13, 1902
Accused Partner Falsely
A. G. Godfrey paid a $15 fine yesterday for having sent officers through the home of G. W. Cook on a false scent of stolen property. Godfrey and Cook were formerly partners in the painting business, but incompatibility of nature led them to dissolve relations. In the split-up, Godfrey thought he had gotten the worst of it, and that Cook possessed some of his property. He swore to a complaint, and on his information officers went through Cook’s house looking for stolen goods. The search was in vain and Cook was quickly acquitted of wrong doing. Col smarted under the indignities he felt he had suffered and retaliated by swearing to a misdemeanor complaint against Godfrey. After a hearing yesterday, Justice Austin decided Godfrey had caused the issuance of the warrant without probable cause, and fined him $15.
1903 - Los Angeles City & County Directory: Arthur G. Godfrey, painter, Business - 206 S. Los Angeles, L.A.. Residence - NS. Helen, 1 W. of Douglas
1903 - Arthur's daughter, Ethel Godfrey, marries E. Floyd Lewis.
1904 - Los Angeles City & County Directory: Arthur G. Godfrey - Manufacturer & painter of signs & paper hanger. Business: 206 S. Los Angeles, L.A. Residence: 2846 Temple, L.A.
Los Angeles Herald (Los Angeles, CA.), P. 68
Sun., Sep. 3, 1905
A.G. GODFREY
For many years, A.G. Godfrey has been painting the town red - sometimes, but in all colors of the rainbow and in all tints of the flowers, and everywhere in the city he has left his sign. Mr. Godfrey is a professional and expert house and sign painter. He paints a house inside and outside, and he paints signs in every conceivable style, in all colors, in all sizes and for all purposes. He does plain house painting and fine ornamental work. He does plain sign painting or fine window gilt lettering, and artistic sign painting in colors. Mr. Godfrey has a well-equipped shop at 206 South Los Angeles street. No painter in the city is more widely known or better appreciated for his skillful work. He has painted many of the houses, old and new, in the city, and thousands of visible signs are the products of his skillful genius.
1907 - Los Angeles City & County Directory: Arthur G. Godfrey, painter. Business: 384 E. 2nd, L.A. Residence - 2846 Temple, L.A.
Earl L. (?) - conductor
Los Angeles Daily Times (Los Angeles, CA.), P. 16, Col. 1
Fri., May 17, 1907
Worry Causes Insanity
A. G. Godfrey, No. 384 East Second street, who was treated at the Receiving Hospital Wednesday for nervous breakdown, suffered a mental collapse yesterday morning and was strapped to a cot in the hospital. Godfrey recently launched into the business of sign painting. Fear that the newly-enacted ordinance against the maintenance of billboards would ruin him, financially, caused him to worry until his reason was dethroned and he became violent. He will be sent to a sanitarium.
Los Angeles Times (Los Angeles, CA.), P. 17, Col. 4
Fri. morning, Sep. 13, 1907
BAD SIGN BY PAINTER
Arthur G. Godfrey, a sign painter of this city, filed a petition in bankruptcy yesterday in the United States District Court. His liabilities are $8251; assets, $164.
Arthur and Cora divorced and he married a second time, on Saturday, Dec. 7, 1907, this time to Lillian Harriet Raye (Page - - previous husband's name), b. abt. 1864 in IL. According to his death certificate, he died a widower - but the 1920 census states that he was divorced.)
Santa Cruz Sentinel, P. 1 (Santa Cruz, CA.)
Wed. Dec. 11, 1907
ECONOMY
Special to “Sentinel”
LOS ANGELES, Dec. 10 - Driven to wedlock by financial stress, so she says, Mrs. Lillian Harriet Page, a writer and business woman, and Arthur Gardner Godfrey, a pioneer painting contractor, aged 46, and 50 years respectively, went to Santa Barbara and were secretly united by Justice Price.
In doing so Mrs. Page disregarded provisions of her former husband’s will, as he had decreed that she should not share in his property at hanford if she married before the estate was settled up.
This has kept them apart four years and the widow decided to take the chance. They tried to keep the fact of their marriage from relatives because of stipulated opposition. They finally decided to marry because they could live cheaper together than separately.
The San Francisco Call (San Francisco, CA.), P. 3, Dec. 11, 1907
WOMAN WRITER WEDS TO CUT DOWN ON EXPENSES
Third Husband Contractor, Whom She Helped When Bankrupt
MAY LOSE ESTATE
Property Left by Second Husband Subject to Conditions
SPECIAL DISPATCH TO THE CALL
LOS ANGELES, Dec. 10 - As a result of the recent financial flurry and because they realized that in the married state both would be able to save more than if they remained single, Mrs. Lillian Harriet Page, 44, writer and businesswoman and Arthur G. Godfrey, 50, painting contractor, slipped away to Santa Barbara last Sunday and were married.
The ceremony was decided upon despite the fact that by reason of her marriage the bride may be deprived of her share of her second husband’s estate, which consists of property at Hanford, and by the terms of whose will she is not to share in his property if she remarries. She is willing to take the chance, however, and will resort to the court to enforce her claims upon that estate. Mrs. Godfrey’s second husband has been dead seven years and the estate is not settled yet.
Notes held by the estate are outlawed and she can only hope to realize upon the real property. For four years, she and Godfrey had been engaged but had decided to wait until she came into her property. Meantime she made fortunate deals in real estate here and is now fairly wealthy. Godfrey, on the other hand, has been unfortunate. Worry over the fate of his business, which was threatened by an adverse bill board ordinance last summer, caused him to lose his reason and Mrs. Page nursed him through his illness.
He recovered and then went through bankruptcy, and in this she again assisted him. Recently, however, his financial condition became such that the two decided that they could live more cheaply as husband and wife. They kept the matter secret in the hope that it would not complicate the settlement of the Page estate, but the news leaked out.
Mrs. Page Godfrey is a member of the Los Angeles Woman’s Press Club. She has written many interesting stories of love and romance under the nom de plume of Lillian Lester Page, Page being the name of her first husband. She has been at work for several months on a story of love and romance and hopes to have it completed soon. She modestly declines to state whether it contains scenes from her own marital experiences.
1908 - Los Angeles City & County Directory: Arthur G. Godfrey, Residence: 2846 Temple, L.A.
Arthur's son, Earl, married Grace Lindstruth, Jan. 21, 1908 in L..A., working in a packing house.
Santa Ana Register (Santa Ana, CA.), P. 5, Col. 6
Wed., Jan. 26, 1910
ABSTRACT OF JUDGMENT RECORDED HERE
An abstract of a judgment docketed in Los Angeles county on Jan. 20 in favor of Lillian H. Godfrey and against Arthur G. Godfrey for $3375 was placed on record in this county yesterday. Judgment was by default.
In the 1910 U.S. census, 54 yr. old Arthur G. Godfrey, a sign & house painter, b. abt. 1856 in WI., was living at 2846 Temple St. in Los Angeles Assembly District 75, L.A., CA. (Rampart exit off the 101 fwy.) with his
46 yr. old second wife, Lillian H. Godfrey, a writer for a magazine, b. in IL.
Arthur's parents were both born in NY.
Lillian's father was b. in England and her mother in NY.
This was a second marriage for them both. They had been married for two years. Lillian was the mother of four children, none of whom were still alive by this census.
1910 - Los Angeles City & County Directory: Arthur G. Godfrey and 2nd wife, Lillian H. Godfrey. Residence: 2846 1/2 Temple, L.A., L.A.
Arthur's 24 yr. old son, Earl Godfrey, was living in San Francisco with Miles Schofield.
1913 - Los Angeles City & County Directory: Arthur G. Godfrey, painter. Residence: 2846 1/2 Temple, L.A.
1914 - Los Angeles City & County Directory: A.G. Godfrey, painting. Residence: 1124 Temple, L. A.
Business: 1122 Temple, L.A.
1916 - Los Angeles City & County Directory: A. G. Godfrey. Residence: 225 S. Beaudry Av., L. A.
Los Angeles Times (Los Angeles, CA.), P. 12, Col. 7
Sat., Jan. 25, 1919
PREFERS PEN NAME
Authoress Petitions to Use Signature not Her Husband’s
For reasons known to herself, Mrs. Lilian H. Godfrey, authoress, does not desire to use the name of her husband, Arthur G. Godfrey. Her pen name is Page, and in a petition to change her name to Lillian Harriet Pitt Page, filed yesterday, she says that Pitt is the name of a historical family in this country.
Mrs. Godfrey, who is an orphan, resides at No. 2913 Temple street.
By the 1920 U.S. census, 63 yr. old Arthur G. Godfry, a house painter, b. abt. 1857 in WI., was divorced from Lillian and lodging at 822 W. Third St. in Los Angeles Assembly District 64, L.A., CA. at the home of
52 yr. old John Ward, a shoemaker at a shoe shop, b. in England
Arthur's parents were both b. in NY.
At various times in the 1930's and 1940's, Arthur came to live with his daughter, Ethel, and her family at their home on 324 Las Tunas Drive in San Gabriel, across the street from the golf course - and later at 1702 So. Earle St. in Rosemead, L.A. Co., CA.
His granddaughter, Ruth, remembers that he had his own room where he set up equipment to develop his own photos. His grandchildren addressed him affectionally as 'Gramps' and enjoyed his stories.
On May 15, 1931, Arthur's divorced daughter, Ethel (Godfrey) Lewis, married Homer Miriam Harwood in Los Angeles, CA.
On May 11, 1932, Edna Boynton (sister-in-law of his daughter, Ethel Harwood), wrote:
"Dear Folks,
Looks like an interesting day before me tomorrow. The preacher called on Floydie (Arthur's eldest grandson) Tuesday afternoon (probably at Patton State Hospital in San Bernardino, CA.) and had a long visit with Floydie. Told him to plead guilty.
Floydie looks better, but is weak. His arms are free and he was asleep in the yard when I came in. Ethel came in and was surprised to find 'the interfering aunt' on deck. She came to see 'poor papa'. Grandpa (Arthur Godfrey) is now keeping Floydie company and they are comparing notes on the why and wherefor.
Ethel patted him on the back and when he told her I had given him the magazines she said she intended to bring him a cupcake and asked if I had been there before. I was not overjoyed to see her, so she decided to go out in the yard to see Papa and was told to sit down and he would be called.
After she came back to Floyd again I went over and talked to Grandpa. He said two officers came for him Monday evening and Harwood is responsible for his being there. I told him not to worry. I would ask a few questions and see him again.
I told the head nurse and the man at the door that I had been making some discoveries. They have her son and now her father and I would not be surprised if she wouldn't be next. He shook his head and said that there is nothing the matter with the old man. Next!
Thought you would be interested and that you might not have heard the news. Keep it dark and let's see the fireworks. Looks like things should be of more and more interest.
Mr. (Harwood) was pacing up and down out front when I came out. Lester is going with me in the morning. Love to you all, Edna"
The Los Angeles Times (L. A., CA.), P. 8, Col. 3 & 4
The., Aug. 13, 1936
Fifty-Year Southland Resident Sets Fast Pace
ALHAMBRA, Aug. 12 - Active at the age of 79 as a musician, singer, author, poet, woodworker and bicyclist!
That’s the record of versatility being set by Arthur G. Godfrey of 1906 Pepper street, who has lived in Southern California for more than fifty years.
“I didn’t start writing until I was 70 years of age,” says the prolific old gentleman. “Unfortunately, my scenarios hit the market just about the time the industry was upset by talking pictures.”
Besides his scenario work, however, Godfrey has written two books and more than seventy-five poems. One of the patriotic poems was published and widely circulated during the war and brought letters of commendation from many public officials.
Born in Wisconsin, Godfrey moved westward by easy stages, even riding an Indian pony part way. He arrived in Los Angeles in 1880 and once owned the city’s leading drug store, situated near the present site of The Times Building.
HE’S MUSICIAN TOO
As a young man, Godfrey played various brass instruments in the national Guard band in Los Angeles. He also sang baritone solos. Now he plays a player-piano, using a special technique. Often he sings or plays his violin to piano accompaniment.
“Few people really know how to manipulate the player-piano,” declares expert Godfrey. “I have what is probably the largest collection of player-piano rolls in Southern California - nearly 500 selections.
Godfrey says he can now “read music”: from the perforations on the rolls. He recently built a large mahogany cabinet in which to store his musical library.
TRAVELS BY BICYCLE
Indicative of the energy displayed by the 79-year-old jack-of-all-trades is the fact that he rides a bicycle daily, braving all kinds of traffic and going as far as downtown Los Angeles. He pedals to Monterey Park, several miles away, to get his fresh vegetables. Recently he rode daily to the General Hospital in Los Angeles for a series of treatments.
“It never took me more than thirty minutes. Usually less,” he says.
Godfrey has no intention of slowing down his pace of living and creating. Last week he acquired a new typewriter for his literary tasks and although recently knocked from his bicycle by a hit-run driver, he still looks forward to his daily cycling jaunts.
Arthur's son-in-law, Homer Harwood, died on Apr. 16, 1940 at the Sawtelle Veteran's hospital in Los Angeles, L.A., CA.
In the Apr. 22, 1940 U.S. census, 83 yr. old Arthur Godfrey, no occupation listed, b. abt. 1857 in WI., was 'widowed' and living at 1712 So. Earle St. (now 3906 No. Earle in Rosemead, an unincorporated place) in San Gabriel, L.A., CA. with his
54 yr. old (head of household) widowed daughter, Ethel Harwood, b. in CA.
Arthur and Ethel had lived in the same house, which Ethel owned, valued at $5,500, in 1935.
The census states (incorrectly) that Ethel's father was b. in MO. (he was b. in WI.), and her mother in KS.
Ethel had attended 8 yrs. of school. Arthur had completed four years of high school.
Ethel was 19 at the time of her first marriage and she was the mother of 7 children.
Every year, as soon as the weather turned warm, his daughter, Ethel, transported Arthur into the mountains near Big Bear where he set up his tent and remained for several months to enjoy hiking, fishing, outdoor cooking and shooting photos.
He had some definite political ideas and on a number of occasions, wrote to the President of the United States and members of Congress, each of whom wrote back to thank him for his thoughts.
According to his Los Angeles County, CA. death certificate, Arthur G. Godfrey died Feb. 22, 1944 at the L. A. County General Hospital in Los Angeles, L.A., CA. at 7:45 PM. His usual residence was: 1706 Earle St. (later the address was renumbered to 3906 N. Earle St.) in Rosemead, L.A., CA.
His length of stay in the hospital was 4 days, but he had been a resident of California for 62 years.
He was a widow. His wife's name was Lillian Godfrey.
Arthur's birthdate was Dec. 20, 1857 in Green County, WI. and he was 86 yrs., 2 mths. and 2 days old when he died. His usual occupation was: laborer.
His parents were: Gordner (Gardner G.) Godfrey, born in Somerset, NY. His mother was Claire (actually Chloe) Darling, born in Somerset, NY.
Arthur died of a cerebral vascular hemorrhage due to cerebral arteriosclerosis. Other condition: 'Buretyeremnia' (handwriting hard to read).
He died there probably unbeknownst to his family, as the informant was not a family member, but L.A. County General Hospital, 1200 No. State St., Los Angeles, L.A., CA.
Arthur's remains were not embalmed but sent to the County Crematory in Los Angeles.
*Note regarding unclaimed remains, such as Arthur's:
Unclaimed remains in Los Angeles County are cremated and ultimately buried in numbered plots in the Los Angeles County Cemetery and Crematory, adjacent to Evergreen Cemetery. They are buried in a common grave by year group. Cremation date is usually much later than date of death.
*Arthur's son, Earl G. Godfrey and grandson, Floyd A. Lewis, are buried in the same Potter's Field.
Gardner G. Godfrey, b. Aug. 29, 1827 in Somerset, Niagara County, NY. and d. Dec. 17, 1907 in Orange, Orange County, CA. &
Chloe (Darling) Godfrey, b. Sep. 4, 1824 in Hartland, Niagara County, NY. and d. Sep. 25, 1869 in Newfane, Niagara County, NY.
On Apr. 28/29, 1855, Gardner G. Godfrey and Chloe Darling were married, probably in NY.
Gardner & Chloe Godfrey's had two children:
1) Herbert Darling Godfrey, b. Feb. 10, 1855 and d. Aug. 26, 1897 of an appendicitis. Herbert, his wife, Mary Catherine Kissel and daughter are buried in Angelus Rosedale Cemetery in Los Angeles, L.A., CA.
2) Arthur Gardner Godfrey, b. Dec. 20, 1857, (marr. Cora Dunton on Aug. 5, 1883 in Los Angeles, CA.), d. Feb. 22, 1944 at the L.A. County General Hospital of a cerebral vascular hemmorhage. His remains were unclaimed, perhaps because there were frequent periods of time in his life when he was absent from his daughter's home and his family may not have known where to look for him. On Feb. 28, 1944, unbeknownst to his family, he was cremated at the Los Angeles County Crematory in Boyle Heights, Los Angeles, Co. His ashes were buried in an unmarked area (Potter's Field) of the northwest part of the cemetery.
According to the 1860 U.S. census, 3 yr. old A.G. (Arthur Gardner) Godfrey, b. abt. 1857 in WI., was living in Exeter, (Post Office: Exeter), Green, WI. with his
32 yr. old father, G.G. (Gardner G.) Godfrey, a farmer, b. in NY.
33 yr. old mother, C.D. (Chloe Darling) Godfrey, b. in NY.
5 yr. old brother, H.D. (Herbert Darling) Godfrey, b. in WI.
and 12 yr. old (cousin?), E.S. Darling, b. in NY.
On Sep. 25, 1869, when Arthur was almost 12 yrs. old, his mother, Chloe (Darling) Godfrey died while visiting her father in NY.
In the June 14, 1870 U.S. census, '13' yr. old A. G. (Arthur Gardner) Godfrey, b. abt. 1857 in WI., was living in Exeter, Green, WI. (Post Office: Albany) with his
42 yr. old (widowed) father, G.T. (Gardner G.) Godfrey, a farmer, b. in NY.
and 15 yr. old brother, H.D. (Herbert Darling) Godfrey, b. in WI.
On Jul. 13, 1870, 9 1/2 mths. after his mother's death, Arthur's father married a second time, to Eliza (Colton) Rice in Green Co., WI., who was also widowed.
The Sumner County Press (Wellington, Kansas), P. 3, Col. 1
Thu., Oct. 31, 1878
Item: Mr. Art. Godfrey, of the firm of G. G. Godfrey & Sons, who has lately been assisting his father in the Caldwell branch of that popular house, was in the city last Sunday.
Sumner County Press (Wellington, KS.), P. 3, Col. 5
Thu., Feb. 13, 1879
Advertisement re: the Close-Out of $5,000 worth of merchandise being sold out at wholesale prices by G. G. Godfrey & Sons (Herbert and Arthur) at their store on Godfrey's block (owned by Gardner's brother, Clark) - (in preparation for their move to California).
Before Arthur moved to California, he spent some time in Colorado as a young man, working as a miner.
In the Jul. 3, 1880 U.S. Census, 23 yr. old A. O. (A. G.) Godfrey, a miner, b. in WI., was single, and living at the So. Arkansas camp (established in 1868) on Middle Fork, in Chaffee Co., Colorado. He was unemployed for two months during the census year.
Both of his parents were b. in NY.
The Caldwell Advance (Caldwell, KS.), P. 4, Col. 3
Thu., Jan. 13, 1881
Item from: PERSONALS
Mr. A. G. Godfrey of Poncho Springs, Col. is visiting his parents in this city.
The Wellingtonian (Wellington, KS.), P. 3, Col. 1
The., Mar. 31, 1881
Mr. Arthur Godfrey accompanied by Mrs. Herbert Godfrey left this city on Tuesday for Los Angeles, Cal. They go to meet Herb., who has located in that country.
The Sumner County Press (Wellington, KS.), P. 3, Col. 1
Thu., Sep. 29, 1881
On the 21st inst., G. G. Godfrey and family, of Caldwell; E. Lister and Harry Kissel and families, of this city - twenty-six persons in all - took passage over the Santa Fe railroad for Los Angeles, California, where they propose to take up a permanent abode.
The Los Angeles Times (Los Angeles, CA.), P. 3, Col. 1
Wed., Mar. 8, 1882
A. G. Godfrey, of Godfrey Bros.’ drug store, is visiting his parents, Mr. and Mrs. G. G. Godfrey, in the Kansas Colony at Tustin.
By Aug. of 1882, (according to the California Voter's Register of that date), Arthur G. Godfrey, b. in WI. was living in Los Angeles and employed as a druggist (working with his brother, Herbert).
The Los Angeles Times (Los Angeles, CA.)
Sept. 5, 1882 (about a year before he married Cora Dunton).
SERIOUS ACCIDENT
Yesterday morning, about 11 o'clock, as Mr. A. G. Godfrey, one of the contractors for painting the Geary-street schoolhouse, was at work, standing on the top round of a 28-ft. ladder, the ladder broke about ten feet from the top, throwing Mr. Godfrey violently to the ground, breaking his right arm and dislocating the wrist. In the fall, Mr. Godfrey struck his side on a box, thereby receiving severe internal injuries. He was picked up, insensible, and taken to Dr. Hartley's office, where the broken bones were replaced. It is expected that with careful attendance, he will be out of danger in a few days.
The Los Angeles Times (Los Angeles, CA.), P. 4, Col. 1
Thu., Nov. 30, 1882
Mr. A. G. Godfrey returned from Tustin last Monday from a visit to his father, G. G. Godfrey. He reports that considerable building and other improvements are going on. The Kansas colonists who settled here a year ago are doing well and are highly pleased with their new homes.
Los Angeles Times Daily Times (L.A., CA.), P. 4, Col. 6
Wed., Apr. 25, 1883 (and May 2, 1883)
NEW TO-DAY, TWO GRAND ENTERTAINMENTS
To be given by the Eagle Dramatic and Minstrel Society!
Of Local Amateurs on TUESDAY and WEDNESDAY Ev’gs,
May 1 and 2, at Turnverein Hall.
FIRST EVENING for the benefit of the Eagle Corps Military Company; second evening for the benefit of the Dramatic and Minstrel Society.
GEORGE ATWOOD, Manager; M. L. STARIN, Treasurer; A. ADAMS, Stage Manager.
The performance to consist of
First Part, Olio and Farce!
Character sketches, Dialect Pieces, Humorous, Sentimental, Pathetic and Serious, by the following local talent:
Mr. Herbert Godfrey (Arthur’s brother), Mr. Arthur Godfrey (plus 9 other men and 3 women).
Four end men. Bones: H. McKee, Lon Whitaker. Tambo: Al Adams, Billy Rorick.
Excelled by none, equalled by few. Side-splitting comicalities, Humorous jokes. Olio to consist of Character acts, Song and Dance, Plantation sketches, etc. (Mr. J. M. French kindly volunteers to give a dialect recitation, to conclude with a roaring farce, entitled: A QUIET FAMILY!
Prices of Admission: First floor, 75 cents. Gallery, 50 cents. Tickets to be had at Day & Brown’s Music Emporium, Spring street, opposite Postoffice. No extra charge for Reserved Seats.
On Aug. 6, 1883, Arthur Gardner Godfrey and Cora Dunton were married in Los Angeles, L. A., CA. by Rev. F. D. Bovard.
Los Angeles Times, (Los Angeles, CA.)
Aug. 7, 1883
Wedding
Last evening, at the residence of Mr. L. K. Marshall, No. 20 Pine street, in this city, Rev. F. D. Bovard united in the bonds of matrimony Mr. A.G. (Arthur Gardner) Godfrey, of the drug firm of Godfrey Brothers, and Miss Cora Dunton. Mr. H. Christie acted as groomsman, and Miss Minnie Marshall as bridesmaid. About fifty invited guests were present, and the wedding was voted a happy affair. The table was an aesthetic display. In the center was a very fine wedding cake. The guests enjoyed themselves with music, song and toasts, till a late hour, when all took their departure, declaring it a very enjoyable affair. The presents were numerous and some of them very costly. The following is a list of presents and the names of the donors;
Silver cake basket, A.D. Godfrey; glass fruit dish, Mr. and Mrs. Vernon; pair porcelain vases, A.D. Christie and Miss Minnie Marshall; silver pickle stand, Mrs. A.D. Godfrey; majolica butter dishes, full set, Mrs. Nellie Snow; majolica plate and saucer, Mr. H.Seick; silver fruit basket, Mr. L.K. Marshall; paper holders, Mr. and Mrs. Allen; pair napkin rings, Mr. J. Hunter; pair of beautiful chromos, Miss Mary Hunter; beautiful bouquet, Miss H.M. Lowry; silver butter knife and sugar spoon, Mr. and Mrs. McNemar; cup and saucer, Mr. A.G. Godfrey; set of damask napkins, Miss Tena Steck; set of silver tea spoons, Mrs. J. Hunter; beautiful Tidy, Miss Laura Shafer; silver sugar spoon, Mrs. Forest; basket of flowers, Mr. and Mrs. Fredley; majolica tea pot and cake plate, unknown; Mr. and Mrs. Frank Willee and Mr. John Lister, glass set of seven pieces, very beautiful; one broom, entwined with the ivy and olive branch, M.A. Marshall.
The guests were; M.D. Brovard, A.D. Christie, Miss Minnie Marshall, J.T. Brown, Mrs. M.E. Forest, Mr. and Mrs. Fredley, Mr. and Mrs. Talbert, Mr. Vernon and wife, M.H. Sieck and sister, Mr. J. Hunter, wife and daughter, Mrs. Nellie Snow, Mr. and Mrs. H.A. Godfrey, R.T. Godfrey and wife, A.C. Done and wife, L.E. Manyard and wife, Mr. Haleman and daughter, Miss Jennie Carloss of San Francisco, Mr. and Mrs. M.A. Marshall, Frank Marshall.
The Sumner County Press (Wellington, KS.), P. 2, Col. 2
The., Aug. 23, 1883
A very pleasant affair took place at the residence of Mr. L. K. Marshall on Sunday evening, where some friends had been invited to witness the nuptials of Mr. A. G. Godfrey and miss Cora Dunton, of Lincoln Center, Kansas, a sister of Mrs. L. K. Marshall, Rev. F. D. Bovard, officiating. Mr. H. Christie acted as groomsman, and Miss Minnie Marshall, bridesmaid. About forty guests were present, and the affair was voted a happy one. An excellent supper was then spread, of which all partook with pleasure. Music and toasts followed to a late hour, when the guests took their departure. The presents were numerous and costly.
-Los Angeles, California, Herald.
Los Angeles Herald (Los Angeles, CA.), P. 3, Col. 3
Wed., Aug. 8, 1883
Excerpt from: Cupid’s Darts
A very pleasant fair took place at the residence of Mr. L. K. Marshall on Sunday evening, where some friends had been invited to witness the nuptials of Mr. A. G. Godfrey and Miss Cora Dunton, of Lincoln Center, Kansas, a sister of Mrs. L. K. Marshall, Rev. F. D. Bovard officiating. Mr. H. Christie acted as groomsman, and Miss Minnie Marshall, bridesmaid. About 40 guests were present, and the affair was voted a happy one. An excellent supper was then spread, of which all partook with pleasure. Music and toasts followed to a late hour, when the guests took their departure.
Arthur and Cora Godfrey had two children:
1) Ethel F. Godfrey, b. Sept. 21, 1885 and d. Dec. 24, 1965. She is buried in Rose Hills Cemetery, Whittier, CA.
She married first, E. Floyd Lewis. After their divorce, she married second, Homer Marion Harwood.
2) Earl Gardner Godfrey, b. April 2, 1886 and d. Oct. 5, 1959. On Jan. 21, 1908, Earl marr. Grace Lindstruth. At that time, he was 22 years old, living in Los Angeles, and working at a packing house. Grace was 26 years old, born in Michigan, the daughter of Frank Lindstruth of Vt. and Clara K. (Dillman) Lindstruth of Michigan.
Earl marr. second, Julia.
1883-84 Los Angeles City & County Directory: Arthur D. Godfrey, 'druggist' . Residence - Bunker Hill Av., betw. 2nd & 3rd, L. A..
Daily Herald (Los Angeles, CA.), P. 5, Col. 3
Tue., Oct. 16, 1883
Dissolution Notice
The partnership heretofore existing between H. D. Godfrey and A. G. Godfrey, under the firm name of Godfrey Bros. Drug Company, is this day dissolved by mutual consent, H. D. Godfrey collecting all debts due the late firm and paying all the liabilities.
H.D. Godfrey.
A. G. Godfrey. Los Angeles, October 9th, 1883
In the 1884-1885 L.A. City directory, A.G. Godfrey, listed as a druggist (his brother, Herbert, was a druggist), was living at 113 So. Bunker Hill ave. in Los Angeles, L.A., CA. The partnership had already been dissolved in Oct. of 1883.
In the July 14, 1886 California Voter Register, 27 yr. old Arthur G. Godfrey, b. in WI., was listed as a (house) painter.
Arthur & Cora's daughter, Ethel Godfrey, was born Sep. 21, 1885.
Their son, Earl Godfrey, was born Apr. 2, 1886, 6 1/2 mths. later.
1886 - 87 - Los Angeles City & County Directory: A. G. Godfrey, 'painter' . Residence - 113 S. Bunker Hill Av., L.A.
1887 - 88 -Los Angeles City & County Directory: Arthur G. Godfrey, 'painter'. Residence - North Hope, between 1st & Courthouse.
1890 - According to the Great Register of L.A. County, Arthur was living at 119 No. Bunker Hill. His daughter, Ethel, used to tell her grandchildren about Angel's Flight and riding her pony and bike down Main Street in Los Angeles. She would have been 5 or 6 yrs. old then.
Los Angeles Times (Los Angeles, CA.), P. 2, Col. 1
Wed., Jul. 2, 1890
FOR SALE - A CARRIAGE HORSE; weight, 1100 pounds; reasonable price. A. G. GODFREY, 119 N. Bunker Hill ave.
1891 - Los Angeles City & County Directory: A.G. Godfrey, painter, residence - 121 W. Bunker Hill Ave., L.A.
Los Angeles Times (Los Angeles, CA.), P. 2, Col. 2
Fri., May 22, 1891
FOR SALE - ON BUNKER HILL AVE., fine large residence lot at a great sacrifice if sold soon. Address A. G. Godfrey, 108 S. Spring st.
In the 1892 California Voter Register, 34 yr. old Arthur Gardner Godfrey, a house painter, b. in WI., was described as 5'7" tall, with a medium complexion, blue eyes and brown hair. He was living on Helena St. His 37 yr. old brother, Herbert D. Godfrey, a druggist was described as 5'10" tall, with a dark complexion, hazel eyes and black hair. Herbert was living at 15th & Pico, 147.
1893 - Los Angeles City & County Directory: Arthur G. Godfrey, house & sign painter, Residence - 119 N. Bunker Hill, L.A.
Los Angeles Times (Los Angeles, CA.), P. 10, Col. 2
Fri., Apr. 7, 1893
Petition in voluntary insolvency of A. G. Godfrey, a dealer in paints and wall paper, liabilities, $8600.
1894 - Los Angeles City & County Directory: Arthur G. Godfrey - painter & paper hanger. Residence - 119 N. Bunker Hill, L.A.
Los Angeles Times (Los Angeles, CA.), P. 3, Col. 4
Tue., Mar. 6, 1894
DEPARTMENT FIVE - Judge Webb; A. G. Godfrey vs His Creditors; citation.
1895 - Los Angeles City & County Directory: A.G. Godfrey, painter. Residence - 119 N. Bunker Hill Ave., L.A.
Los Angeles Herald (Los Angeles, California), P. 10, Fri., Nov. 1, 1895
A.G. Godfrey has instituted suit for divorce against his wife, Cora Godfrey, on the ground of willful desertion.
According to the 1896 California Voter Register, 38 yr. old Arthur Gardner Godfrey, a (house & sign) painter, b. in WI., was 5'6" tall, with a medium complexion, gray eyes and brown hair. His residence was the corner of Helena and Wallace
1898 - Los Angeles City & County Directory: A.G. Godfrey - painting contractor. Residence - NS Helen, near Wallace. Bus. - 311 1/2 W. 7th.
1899 - Los Angeles City & County Directory: A.G. Godfrey, house & sign painting & mfr. - Mait & Gold saver. Residence - 902 S. Main, Business - 311 1/2 W. 7th, L.A.
1900 - '01 - Los Angeles City & County Directory: Arthur G. Godfrey, painter, 206 S. Los Angeles, L.A.. Residence - 71 Downey Blk., L.A.
1902 - Los Angeles City & County Directory: Arthur G. Godfrey, painter, Business - 206 S. Los Angeles, L.A.. Residence - 409 E. 5th, L.A.
Los Angeles Times Daily Times (Los Angeles, CA.), P. 14, Col. 4
Thu., Nov. 13, 1902
Accused Partner Falsely
A. G. Godfrey paid a $15 fine yesterday for having sent officers through the home of G. W. Cook on a false scent of stolen property. Godfrey and Cook were formerly partners in the painting business, but incompatibility of nature led them to dissolve relations. In the split-up, Godfrey thought he had gotten the worst of it, and that Cook possessed some of his property. He swore to a complaint, and on his information officers went through Cook’s house looking for stolen goods. The search was in vain and Cook was quickly acquitted of wrong doing. Col smarted under the indignities he felt he had suffered and retaliated by swearing to a misdemeanor complaint against Godfrey. After a hearing yesterday, Justice Austin decided Godfrey had caused the issuance of the warrant without probable cause, and fined him $15.
1903 - Los Angeles City & County Directory: Arthur G. Godfrey, painter, Business - 206 S. Los Angeles, L.A.. Residence - NS. Helen, 1 W. of Douglas
1903 - Arthur's daughter, Ethel Godfrey, marries E. Floyd Lewis.
1904 - Los Angeles City & County Directory: Arthur G. Godfrey - Manufacturer & painter of signs & paper hanger. Business: 206 S. Los Angeles, L.A. Residence: 2846 Temple, L.A.
Los Angeles Herald (Los Angeles, CA.), P. 68
Sun., Sep. 3, 1905
A.G. GODFREY
For many years, A.G. Godfrey has been painting the town red - sometimes, but in all colors of the rainbow and in all tints of the flowers, and everywhere in the city he has left his sign. Mr. Godfrey is a professional and expert house and sign painter. He paints a house inside and outside, and he paints signs in every conceivable style, in all colors, in all sizes and for all purposes. He does plain house painting and fine ornamental work. He does plain sign painting or fine window gilt lettering, and artistic sign painting in colors. Mr. Godfrey has a well-equipped shop at 206 South Los Angeles street. No painter in the city is more widely known or better appreciated for his skillful work. He has painted many of the houses, old and new, in the city, and thousands of visible signs are the products of his skillful genius.
1907 - Los Angeles City & County Directory: Arthur G. Godfrey, painter. Business: 384 E. 2nd, L.A. Residence - 2846 Temple, L.A.
Earl L. (?) - conductor
Los Angeles Daily Times (Los Angeles, CA.), P. 16, Col. 1
Fri., May 17, 1907
Worry Causes Insanity
A. G. Godfrey, No. 384 East Second street, who was treated at the Receiving Hospital Wednesday for nervous breakdown, suffered a mental collapse yesterday morning and was strapped to a cot in the hospital. Godfrey recently launched into the business of sign painting. Fear that the newly-enacted ordinance against the maintenance of billboards would ruin him, financially, caused him to worry until his reason was dethroned and he became violent. He will be sent to a sanitarium.
Los Angeles Times (Los Angeles, CA.), P. 17, Col. 4
Fri. morning, Sep. 13, 1907
BAD SIGN BY PAINTER
Arthur G. Godfrey, a sign painter of this city, filed a petition in bankruptcy yesterday in the United States District Court. His liabilities are $8251; assets, $164.
Arthur and Cora divorced and he married a second time, on Saturday, Dec. 7, 1907, this time to Lillian Harriet Raye (Page - - previous husband's name), b. abt. 1864 in IL. According to his death certificate, he died a widower - but the 1920 census states that he was divorced.)
Santa Cruz Sentinel, P. 1 (Santa Cruz, CA.)
Wed. Dec. 11, 1907
ECONOMY
Special to “Sentinel”
LOS ANGELES, Dec. 10 - Driven to wedlock by financial stress, so she says, Mrs. Lillian Harriet Page, a writer and business woman, and Arthur Gardner Godfrey, a pioneer painting contractor, aged 46, and 50 years respectively, went to Santa Barbara and were secretly united by Justice Price.
In doing so Mrs. Page disregarded provisions of her former husband’s will, as he had decreed that she should not share in his property at hanford if she married before the estate was settled up.
This has kept them apart four years and the widow decided to take the chance. They tried to keep the fact of their marriage from relatives because of stipulated opposition. They finally decided to marry because they could live cheaper together than separately.
The San Francisco Call (San Francisco, CA.), P. 3, Dec. 11, 1907
WOMAN WRITER WEDS TO CUT DOWN ON EXPENSES
Third Husband Contractor, Whom She Helped When Bankrupt
MAY LOSE ESTATE
Property Left by Second Husband Subject to Conditions
SPECIAL DISPATCH TO THE CALL
LOS ANGELES, Dec. 10 - As a result of the recent financial flurry and because they realized that in the married state both would be able to save more than if they remained single, Mrs. Lillian Harriet Page, 44, writer and businesswoman and Arthur G. Godfrey, 50, painting contractor, slipped away to Santa Barbara last Sunday and were married.
The ceremony was decided upon despite the fact that by reason of her marriage the bride may be deprived of her share of her second husband’s estate, which consists of property at Hanford, and by the terms of whose will she is not to share in his property if she remarries. She is willing to take the chance, however, and will resort to the court to enforce her claims upon that estate. Mrs. Godfrey’s second husband has been dead seven years and the estate is not settled yet.
Notes held by the estate are outlawed and she can only hope to realize upon the real property. For four years, she and Godfrey had been engaged but had decided to wait until she came into her property. Meantime she made fortunate deals in real estate here and is now fairly wealthy. Godfrey, on the other hand, has been unfortunate. Worry over the fate of his business, which was threatened by an adverse bill board ordinance last summer, caused him to lose his reason and Mrs. Page nursed him through his illness.
He recovered and then went through bankruptcy, and in this she again assisted him. Recently, however, his financial condition became such that the two decided that they could live more cheaply as husband and wife. They kept the matter secret in the hope that it would not complicate the settlement of the Page estate, but the news leaked out.
Mrs. Page Godfrey is a member of the Los Angeles Woman’s Press Club. She has written many interesting stories of love and romance under the nom de plume of Lillian Lester Page, Page being the name of her first husband. She has been at work for several months on a story of love and romance and hopes to have it completed soon. She modestly declines to state whether it contains scenes from her own marital experiences.
1908 - Los Angeles City & County Directory: Arthur G. Godfrey, Residence: 2846 Temple, L.A.
Arthur's son, Earl, married Grace Lindstruth, Jan. 21, 1908 in L..A., working in a packing house.
Santa Ana Register (Santa Ana, CA.), P. 5, Col. 6
Wed., Jan. 26, 1910
ABSTRACT OF JUDGMENT RECORDED HERE
An abstract of a judgment docketed in Los Angeles county on Jan. 20 in favor of Lillian H. Godfrey and against Arthur G. Godfrey for $3375 was placed on record in this county yesterday. Judgment was by default.
In the 1910 U.S. census, 54 yr. old Arthur G. Godfrey, a sign & house painter, b. abt. 1856 in WI., was living at 2846 Temple St. in Los Angeles Assembly District 75, L.A., CA. (Rampart exit off the 101 fwy.) with his
46 yr. old second wife, Lillian H. Godfrey, a writer for a magazine, b. in IL.
Arthur's parents were both born in NY.
Lillian's father was b. in England and her mother in NY.
This was a second marriage for them both. They had been married for two years. Lillian was the mother of four children, none of whom were still alive by this census.
1910 - Los Angeles City & County Directory: Arthur G. Godfrey and 2nd wife, Lillian H. Godfrey. Residence: 2846 1/2 Temple, L.A., L.A.
Arthur's 24 yr. old son, Earl Godfrey, was living in San Francisco with Miles Schofield.
1913 - Los Angeles City & County Directory: Arthur G. Godfrey, painter. Residence: 2846 1/2 Temple, L.A.
1914 - Los Angeles City & County Directory: A.G. Godfrey, painting. Residence: 1124 Temple, L. A.
Business: 1122 Temple, L.A.
1916 - Los Angeles City & County Directory: A. G. Godfrey. Residence: 225 S. Beaudry Av., L. A.
Los Angeles Times (Los Angeles, CA.), P. 12, Col. 7
Sat., Jan. 25, 1919
PREFERS PEN NAME
Authoress Petitions to Use Signature not Her Husband’s
For reasons known to herself, Mrs. Lilian H. Godfrey, authoress, does not desire to use the name of her husband, Arthur G. Godfrey. Her pen name is Page, and in a petition to change her name to Lillian Harriet Pitt Page, filed yesterday, she says that Pitt is the name of a historical family in this country.
Mrs. Godfrey, who is an orphan, resides at No. 2913 Temple street.
By the 1920 U.S. census, 63 yr. old Arthur G. Godfry, a house painter, b. abt. 1857 in WI., was divorced from Lillian and lodging at 822 W. Third St. in Los Angeles Assembly District 64, L.A., CA. at the home of
52 yr. old John Ward, a shoemaker at a shoe shop, b. in England
Arthur's parents were both b. in NY.
At various times in the 1930's and 1940's, Arthur came to live with his daughter, Ethel, and her family at their home on 324 Las Tunas Drive in San Gabriel, across the street from the golf course - and later at 1702 So. Earle St. in Rosemead, L.A. Co., CA.
His granddaughter, Ruth, remembers that he had his own room where he set up equipment to develop his own photos. His grandchildren addressed him affectionally as 'Gramps' and enjoyed his stories.
On May 15, 1931, Arthur's divorced daughter, Ethel (Godfrey) Lewis, married Homer Miriam Harwood in Los Angeles, CA.
On May 11, 1932, Edna Boynton (sister-in-law of his daughter, Ethel Harwood), wrote:
"Dear Folks,
Looks like an interesting day before me tomorrow. The preacher called on Floydie (Arthur's eldest grandson) Tuesday afternoon (probably at Patton State Hospital in San Bernardino, CA.) and had a long visit with Floydie. Told him to plead guilty.
Floydie looks better, but is weak. His arms are free and he was asleep in the yard when I came in. Ethel came in and was surprised to find 'the interfering aunt' on deck. She came to see 'poor papa'. Grandpa (Arthur Godfrey) is now keeping Floydie company and they are comparing notes on the why and wherefor.
Ethel patted him on the back and when he told her I had given him the magazines she said she intended to bring him a cupcake and asked if I had been there before. I was not overjoyed to see her, so she decided to go out in the yard to see Papa and was told to sit down and he would be called.
After she came back to Floyd again I went over and talked to Grandpa. He said two officers came for him Monday evening and Harwood is responsible for his being there. I told him not to worry. I would ask a few questions and see him again.
I told the head nurse and the man at the door that I had been making some discoveries. They have her son and now her father and I would not be surprised if she wouldn't be next. He shook his head and said that there is nothing the matter with the old man. Next!
Thought you would be interested and that you might not have heard the news. Keep it dark and let's see the fireworks. Looks like things should be of more and more interest.
Mr. (Harwood) was pacing up and down out front when I came out. Lester is going with me in the morning. Love to you all, Edna"
The Los Angeles Times (L. A., CA.), P. 8, Col. 3 & 4
The., Aug. 13, 1936
Fifty-Year Southland Resident Sets Fast Pace
ALHAMBRA, Aug. 12 - Active at the age of 79 as a musician, singer, author, poet, woodworker and bicyclist!
That’s the record of versatility being set by Arthur G. Godfrey of 1906 Pepper street, who has lived in Southern California for more than fifty years.
“I didn’t start writing until I was 70 years of age,” says the prolific old gentleman. “Unfortunately, my scenarios hit the market just about the time the industry was upset by talking pictures.”
Besides his scenario work, however, Godfrey has written two books and more than seventy-five poems. One of the patriotic poems was published and widely circulated during the war and brought letters of commendation from many public officials.
Born in Wisconsin, Godfrey moved westward by easy stages, even riding an Indian pony part way. He arrived in Los Angeles in 1880 and once owned the city’s leading drug store, situated near the present site of The Times Building.
HE’S MUSICIAN TOO
As a young man, Godfrey played various brass instruments in the national Guard band in Los Angeles. He also sang baritone solos. Now he plays a player-piano, using a special technique. Often he sings or plays his violin to piano accompaniment.
“Few people really know how to manipulate the player-piano,” declares expert Godfrey. “I have what is probably the largest collection of player-piano rolls in Southern California - nearly 500 selections.
Godfrey says he can now “read music”: from the perforations on the rolls. He recently built a large mahogany cabinet in which to store his musical library.
TRAVELS BY BICYCLE
Indicative of the energy displayed by the 79-year-old jack-of-all-trades is the fact that he rides a bicycle daily, braving all kinds of traffic and going as far as downtown Los Angeles. He pedals to Monterey Park, several miles away, to get his fresh vegetables. Recently he rode daily to the General Hospital in Los Angeles for a series of treatments.
“It never took me more than thirty minutes. Usually less,” he says.
Godfrey has no intention of slowing down his pace of living and creating. Last week he acquired a new typewriter for his literary tasks and although recently knocked from his bicycle by a hit-run driver, he still looks forward to his daily cycling jaunts.
Arthur's son-in-law, Homer Harwood, died on Apr. 16, 1940 at the Sawtelle Veteran's hospital in Los Angeles, L.A., CA.
In the Apr. 22, 1940 U.S. census, 83 yr. old Arthur Godfrey, no occupation listed, b. abt. 1857 in WI., was 'widowed' and living at 1712 So. Earle St. (now 3906 No. Earle in Rosemead, an unincorporated place) in San Gabriel, L.A., CA. with his
54 yr. old (head of household) widowed daughter, Ethel Harwood, b. in CA.
Arthur and Ethel had lived in the same house, which Ethel owned, valued at $5,500, in 1935.
The census states (incorrectly) that Ethel's father was b. in MO. (he was b. in WI.), and her mother in KS.
Ethel had attended 8 yrs. of school. Arthur had completed four years of high school.
Ethel was 19 at the time of her first marriage and she was the mother of 7 children.
Every year, as soon as the weather turned warm, his daughter, Ethel, transported Arthur into the mountains near Big Bear where he set up his tent and remained for several months to enjoy hiking, fishing, outdoor cooking and shooting photos.
He had some definite political ideas and on a number of occasions, wrote to the President of the United States and members of Congress, each of whom wrote back to thank him for his thoughts.
According to his Los Angeles County, CA. death certificate, Arthur G. Godfrey died Feb. 22, 1944 at the L. A. County General Hospital in Los Angeles, L.A., CA. at 7:45 PM. His usual residence was: 1706 Earle St. (later the address was renumbered to 3906 N. Earle St.) in Rosemead, L.A., CA.
His length of stay in the hospital was 4 days, but he had been a resident of California for 62 years.
He was a widow. His wife's name was Lillian Godfrey.
Arthur's birthdate was Dec. 20, 1857 in Green County, WI. and he was 86 yrs., 2 mths. and 2 days old when he died. His usual occupation was: laborer.
His parents were: Gordner (Gardner G.) Godfrey, born in Somerset, NY. His mother was Claire (actually Chloe) Darling, born in Somerset, NY.
Arthur died of a cerebral vascular hemorrhage due to cerebral arteriosclerosis. Other condition: 'Buretyeremnia' (handwriting hard to read).
He died there probably unbeknownst to his family, as the informant was not a family member, but L.A. County General Hospital, 1200 No. State St., Los Angeles, L.A., CA.
Arthur's remains were not embalmed but sent to the County Crematory in Los Angeles.
*Note regarding unclaimed remains, such as Arthur's:
Unclaimed remains in Los Angeles County are cremated and ultimately buried in numbered plots in the Los Angeles County Cemetery and Crematory, adjacent to Evergreen Cemetery. They are buried in a common grave by year group. Cremation date is usually much later than date of death.
*Arthur's son, Earl G. Godfrey and grandson, Floyd A. Lewis, are buried in the same Potter's Field.
