James Samuel Godwin

James (Jim) Samuel Godwin was born 23 Sep. 1880 in Ione, Arkansas. He was the third son of Ransom and Savannah Godwin. He married Rosa "Rosie" Ryles on 31 Oct. 1901 in the Booneville District of Logan County, Arkansas. Rosie was the daughter of James M. Ryles and Mary Frances Smith, and she was 19 years old when they married. James was 21 years old, and they both lived in Belva, Scott County, Arkansas. It is said that James and Rosie were born in the same house in the Ione area just two years apart from one another. He in 1880 and she in 1882, but I have no documentation on this.

Jim and Rosie Godwin had eight children during their marriage, namely:

1. James Edgar Godwin 1904 AR - unknown (married Billy ?, Zela ?, and Beulah Lee Bonner
2. Hershel Franklin Godwin 1906-1964 (married Ruby I. Hamilton)
3. Dewell Albert Godwin 1908-?
4. William "Willie" E. Godwin 1910-1957 (married Vera ?, Blanche Stokes
5. Moniel E. Godwin 1917-1918
6. Iran "Doc" Foster Godwin 1919-unknown (married Hazel Law, Peggy ?)
7. Reva Nell Godwin (living - married Junior Skeets, Clifford Wright)
8. Linton "Bud" Arbie Godwin 1923-1991 (married Ruby Mock)

James liked to wrestle in his younger years and enjoyed playing the fiddle. He was a part of a string band, consisting of family members and they often played for special events in town. When James received his pay check, he went to town and he always bought something. He would go to the dime store and buy Rosa her reading glasses.
James Samuel Godwin (J.S.) was a mason in the Logan County area for many years. He rocked homes as well as chimneys. James kept his own records and his notes indicate that he rocked chimneys for $45.00. He charged an additional $5.00 for a flue. Many of the buildings he rocked are still standing in Logan County today.

James Godwin passed away 1 Feb. 1959. Rosie lived with her daughter, Reva Nell Wright, for many years after that. Rosie passed away in Nov. 1972. James and Rosie Godwin are both buried at the Caulksville Cemetery in Caulksville, Arkansas