Godwin, John Arthur

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Godwin, John Arthur

Portrait of John Arthur Godwin Lord Mayor 1907

from John Sowden's notebooks:

"The only son of Mr John Venimore Godwin JP (a former Mayor of Bradford, 1865-1866), was born in 1852. He was educated privately and afterwards at Edinburgh University.

At the age of 18 he entered his father's business as a stuff merchant and after his father's death became principal partner.

Was early associated with liberal activities and has socialistic sympathies. He entered the Town Council by a bye-election in the North Ward in 1900 and in less than three years was made Alderman. He was elected mayor in 1906. In 1907 Bradford was made a city and consequently Alderman Godwin was the first Lord Mayor of the city. Alderman Godwin was the prime mover in obtaining £4000 for General Booth for the Salvation Army. He was a member of the Bradford School Board for some years. Was chairman of the Central Division Liberal Association when Sir George S Robertson was returned. Is a notable Freemason, an Oddfellow, was a member of Bradford Football Club. He was knighted. His hobbies are rod, gun and sea travel. He married Miss ME Geddis, daughter of Mr W Geddis of Liverpool and has issue one daughter.

Lady Godwin died January 19, 1931."

Newspaper cutting: “Alderman JA Godwin of Bradford has been appointed one of the jurors for textiles at the Franco-British Exhibition. Alderman Godwin is in London, and the jury will begin these labours today.” September 15, 1908

Year

1897

Creator

Sowden

Image filename

sowden-116