Bio: Godding, Edward Robert (1859 - 1910)

Contact: crystal@wiclarkcountyhistory.org.

Surnames: Godding, Kelley, Thwing, Chickering, Carey, McGowan

----Source: History of Eau Claire County Wisconsin (1914) pages 718-719

Edward Robert Godding, deceased, who for many years was a well-known druggist of Eau Claire, was descended from a prominent New England family and was born in Gardiner, Me., June 14, 1859. His primary education was received in the common schools at Gardiner, and while yet a young man he went to Boston, where he was employed by a Mr. Kelley as clerk in the latter's drug store. Obtaining a fair knowledge of drugs while thus employed, he later entered the Massachusetts Pharmaceutical College, from which he was graduated when 22 years of age in 1881. He came to Eau Claire the same year, and soon after his arrival purchased the drug business of Mr. Thwing and from that time on until 1884, when his place of business was destroyed by the great flood, did a flourishing business. Undaunted by the losses he had sustained and being imbued with the thrift, sagacity and broad common sense inherited from his New England ancestors, he formed a partnership with Mr. Chickering and continued in business. He later became associated with Mr. Carey and thus continued the drug business under the firm name of Godding & Carey. This arrangement continued in existence until Mr. Carey moved to New Richmond, and ever after Mr. Godding was in business alone, his drug store being located for a number of years prior to his death at Grand avenue East and South River street.

In all public affairs he was no less active and influential than as a business man and a believer in higher and better educational advantages. He took the time from his business to represent the fifth ward of the city on the board of school commissioners, of which body he was president for two years. He was a member of the Eau Claire Lodge, No. 112, A. F & A. M., of Eau Claire Commandery, No. 8, Knights Templar, and Eau Claire Chapter, No. 36, R. A. M., and a devoted member of the Episcopal church. He was called from earth on September 25, 1910, and now that he has gone it only remains to pay him the poor tribute of words to say that his was a well spent life, that he was energetic, firm, reliable in all his dealings, revered by his family, respected and trusted by all who knew him. His character and his work were a blessing to the community in which he lived, and he left to his successor the best of all in heritages - an honest name.

In 1882 Mr. Godding married Miss Emma McGowan, to whom two sons were born, Edward L. Godding, employed by Wisconsin Telephone Company, and Frederick C. Godding, employed by the Branstad Drug Company at Eau Claire.