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Picture of Ransom Godwin and Savannah Wann Godwin, date unknown.
Picture kindly provided by Frances Bates Fortune, from her book "Beginnings"
Ransom Godwin (son of William and Mary Godwin) was born 18 Jan. 1848. I am unable to prove his birth place but sources point to either Sampson County or the Winston-Salem area of North Carolina. He married Savannah Wann about 1873 in Logan County, Arkansas. Ransom Godwin was living in the home of Alonzo and Elizabeth (Wann) Methvin in Bird Township, Jackson County, Arkansas, in 1870. He is shown on the census as a farm worker. Elizabeth (Wann) Methvin was the sister of Savannah Wann. Savannah's brother, James Wann, and some members of the family migrated to Arkansas about 1871, and I believe that Ransom and Savannah left Jackson County at the same time.
Ransom and Savannah (Wann) Godwin had eight children, namely:
1. William Burrell Godwin, 1874 - 1957 (married to Nannie Mae King)
2. John Allege Godwin, 1878 - 1949 (married to Edna L. Cabe)
3. James Samuel Godwin, 1880 - 1959 (married to Rosa Elvira Ryles)
4. Emmett Newton Godwin, 1883 - 1964 (married Jimmie Foster)
5. Julious Leonidas (Leo) Godwin, 1886 - 1944 (married Bess Mae Ruble)
6. Maggie Ann Godwin, 1888 - 1960 (married Newton Lafayette "Fate" Carpenter)
7. Frank Bennett Godwin, 1891 - 1893
8. Artie Chester Godwin, 1894 - 1927Ransom Godwin and his family attended the Ione Baptist Church. Ransom was very active in the church and he served as clerk for many years, Sunday School superintendent, and messenger for the church at the associational meeetings from 1890 until his death in 1930.
The Godwin's were a very musical family. Taken from the Booneville Democrat 10 October 1907 (Carolan Calls)
"A large crowd of our young people attended the musical at Mr. R. Godwin's at Booneville Saturday night."
The "Wasp" newspaper, Scott County, Arkansas, reported:
THE WASP, Waldron, Scott County, AR 24 July, 1903 Belva, AR, July 13 1903
Editor of the Wasp:
"We neglected last week to say that the 4th at Ione was a glowing success, considering the rain. John Fox of Oklahoma, H. Swanson of Huntington and Mr. Warren of Carolan were the principal orators, while Long Ridge and Ione Singing classes furnished Vocal Music. The Chariot Parade was pulled off, and the String Band composed of John Goodwin [Godwin], Jim Goodwin [Godwin], Emmett Goodwin [Godwin], Omar Wann, Ben Wann and Charles Johnson furnished music that would be a credit to any band in our country. The stand and swing men came out in good shape and everybody most will be ready to celebrate with Ione again in 1904." Respectively, A.F. Smith
Taken from the Booneville Democrat May 1906 (French Prairie Crowd)
"The writer attended the decoration of graves at French Prairie school house on Sunday, May 13th. A large crowd was present and was called to order by Mr. Ransom Godwin, one of the leading citizens of the community. The music was furnished by the Belva and Ione singing class, one of the best in the county, under the leadership of Prof. L.H. Sewell. Prayer was offered by Rev. R. Marshall, followed by a welcome address by Mr. J.H. Fox, after more music, Rev. Mr. Marshall delivered a splendid sermon. Rev. Marshall is pastor of the Baptist church at Ione and is a fine preacher. Mr. W.T. Holland made a few closing remarks, in which he gave a short history of the building of old French Prairie school house. Away back in 1868, when people were few and badly scattered it was determined by the people living in what is now the Belva and Ione communities to build a house for schools and public worship. The ravages of war had left all poor but by determined effort they were successful. Mr. Holland was one of the men who helped erect the old building, and during his remarks asked that any others who assisted to stand up. Out of the vast crowd present, Mr. J.A. Sewell was the only one beside Mr. Holland who assisted in building the house. The others have either "passed over the river" or moved away. Messrs. Holland and Sewell also assisted in digging the first grave in the French Prairie Grave Yard. The old school house has been abandoned and is rapidly falling into decay. More pretentious and modern buildings have taken its place, but around its old logs many tender memories cling for those who in those trying days found religious solace under its hospitable clapboard roof.
At the close of the services Mr. W. J. Pennington was elected trustee for the next five years. It should be stated that R.L. Duncan, Milford Long and Calvin Robertson were the original trustees and superintended the erection of the building."
Ransom Godwin was also active with the Masonic Lodge #418 of Ione, Arkansas, and held the position of Master of the Lodge. Taken from the Booneville Democrat November 23, 1905 - "Dr. W.H. Turner and Mr. Ransom Godwin of Belva were in town Monday on their way to Little Rock to attend the Masonic Grand Lodge."
Ransom Godwin died 26 Jan. 1930 in Logan County Arkansas. Both he and Savannah Godwin are buried at the French Prairie Cemetery, Ione, Arkansas.
Picture kindly provided by Frances Bates Fortune, from her book "Beginnings"
GODWIN FAMILY
Top row: Nannie Godwin (wife of William B.), James S. Godwin and wife Rosa, Maggie Ann Godwin Carpenter, Leo Godwin, John Godwin, Emmett N. Godwin. Seated: William B. Godwin holding his son Herman, Martha Archa Wann (mother of Savannah Wann Godwin), Ransom Godwin holding Willa Mae Short, Savannah Wann Godwin holding Edgar Godwin (son of James and Rosa). Standing is Artie Chester Godwin.