Yuma County, Colorado
Photographs |
|
Yuma County Pioneer Photographs:
Winfield S. and Margaret Godsey, 1N 45W
MARGARET'S FAMILY
In 1860 Durand, Illinois,
Horman L. Thorne is 38,
Mary Thorne
28,
Gertrude Thorne 8, and
Alice Thorne
5.
In 1870 Durand,
Herman L. Thorn is 47,
Louisa Thorn
32,
Estella Thorn
17,
Frances Thorn
7 , and
Gilbert J. Thorn
38.
WINFIELD'S FAMILY
In 1860 Putnam County, Missouri, A. J. Godsey is farming,
34,
Margaret T. Godsey
24,
Leonibus Godsey
9,
Lichergus Godsey
6,
Winfield S. Godsey 4, and
Daniel W. Godsey
2.
In 1870 Mills County, Iowa,
Abraham Godsey is 44,
Mary Godsey
44,
Leonard Godsey
18,
Winfield Godsey 14,
Samuel Godsey
12,
Stephen Godsey
9,
Sarah Godsey
7,
Jackson Godsey
5, and
Martha Godsey
3.
In 1900 Harrison County, Iowa,
W. A. Criswell is 32,
Sarrah Criswell
35 Wife,
Bert Criswell
5 Son,
A. I. Godsey 74 Father in Law,
Margaret Godsey
74 Mother in Law, and
Carrie Donaldson
16 Servant.
ALSO in 1900 Mills County, Iowa,
Stonewall Godsey is 54,
Sadie E. Godsey
35 Wife,
Anna M. Godsey
9 Daughter,
Nina I. Godsey
7 Daughter,
Abram I. Godsey
74 Father,
Margaret T. Godsey
74 Mother, and
James Bennett
21 Boarder.
In 1910 Omaha, Nebraska,
William Chriswell is 42,
Sarah Chriswell 46 Wife,
Bert Chriswell
15 Son, and
Margerett Godsey
84 Mother.
Mrs. Martha A. Coughlin, wife of C. C. Coughlin, and sister of W. S. Godsey,
died at the home of her brother near Eckley Monday June 18, 1901, of acute bronchitis
and heart trouble. She had only been here about two weeks. Came overland with her husband for her health.
The altitude here seemed unfavorable for her. The body was shipped to Pacific Junction, Ia., Wednesday,
and will be buried at Martin's Chapel, in s grave yard on her father’s farm.
She leaves s husband and two children, girls, one nine years old who returned to
Iowa with her father, the other eighteen months old left here for the present. It was very sad."
August 1901 "C. O. Coughlin, brother-in-law of W. S. Godsey, was here last week. He has
located over in Scotte Bluff county, Nebraska. W: 8. has half a notion to go over there too."
WINFIELD
Yuma, Colo., Nov. 10, 1890. "The canvassing board, consisting of County Clerk Williams
and two justices of the peace, met here to-day and canvassed the total vote of Yuma county,
which resulted in the following pluralities: Burr, 5; Routt, 5; Story, 3; Eaton, 7:
Carlile, 119; Henderson, 18; Jones, 1; Long, 8; Currier, 57.
The total votes cast for county commissioner are: Hendrie, Democratic, 161;
Godsey, Independent, 161; Hight, Republican, 113. The test was on the county commissioners.
J. S. Hendrie, Democrat, and W. S. Godsey, Independent, tied on the vote.
Hendrie was represented by August Munsing, and Godsey by Brown.
On the advice of the attorneys, lots were drawn, Hendrie being the winner,
whereupon Brown, like the chameleon of many colors, at once resolved himself
into a nineteenth century gladiator and threatened a contest and other troubles too numerous to mention."
Winfield proved up a quarter in 20, 1N 45W in 1895.
In 1910 Yuma County,
Winfield S. Godsey is 44,
Gertrude D. Godsey
46 Wife.
Margerte J. Godsey
16 Daughter,
Beryl J. Godsey
14 Son,
Lyn S. Godsey
13 Son,
Otto F. Godsey
10 Son,
Winfield C. Godsey
8 Son, and
Donald D. Godsey
4 Son.
March 1901 "W. S. Godsey was taking out lumber from Groves’ yesterday to build him a house.
O. P. Speirs will be boss carpenter. "
In 1903, Winfield was a witness for the claim of Oliver P. Speirs of Wray for land in section 8, 1N 45W.
July 1904 "Guy Godsey of Pacific Junction, Iowa, is visiting his uncle, W. S. Godsey."
December 1905 " Scott Godsey left Monday night for Pacific Junction, Iowa.
His father is not expected to live."
"W. S. Godsey, who lived ten miles west of town, died Tuesday after a month's
illness. Last March Mr. Godsey visited his old home in Iowa, and while there
contracted a cold. Shortly after his return home, this cold developed into quick
consumption and he took to his bed from which he never rose.
Comparatively few of his many friends over the county were aware of his iliness,
so patiently did he bear his suffering, never complaining and never burdening others
with his suffering. At times he was better, and it was hoped that he would improve,
but Tuesday he took a sudden turn tor the worst aud expired.
The funeral services were held in the M. E. church, this city, Wednesday afternoon,
conducted by Rev. McCulloch, and the remains followed by a large concourse of his friends
and neighbors, were laid to rest in Grand View cemetery.
Mr. Godsey was a splendid type of a citizen and man and numbered his friends almost
by his acquaintances. He had been long a resident of this cuuuty and was well known.
His taking away leaves a vacancy in the neighborhood of Eckley, where his many neighborly
traits and kind acts were best known. He was upwards of 60 years of age and leaves a wife and
several children, mostly grown,
to mourn his demise, and to them is extended the sympathy of the community."
Winfield Scott Godsey
BIRTH
Dec 1855
Putnam County, Missouri,
DEATH
Jul 1908
Wray, Yuma County, Colorado,
BURIAL
Grandview Cemetery
Wray, Yuma County, Colorado,
MEMORIAL ID
81619474.
May 1934 "Will Thorne and Bryl Godsey left Friday for Durand, I11.
Will Thorne and Bryl Godsey were dinner guests of Mr. and Mrs. Loren Truman Thursday."
June 1935 "Will Thorne, who has been visiting at the Godsey home, left Wednesday for his home in Durand, I11."
October 1936 "Mrs. Fannie Sandt, Mrs. Hall of Battle Creek, Mich.,
Will Thorne and Ralph Cole of Durand, I11., came last Tuesday for a week’s visit at the
Godsey home. Mrs. Sandt is a sister, and Will Thorne a brother of Mrs. Gertrude Godsey."
August 1937 "Miss Ida Brown, who has been visiting with her cousin, Gertrude Godsey, went to Denver Wednesday to visit relatives for a few days."
"Will Thorne and Ida Brown left Monday afternoon for their homes in Durand,
I11., after visiting at the Godsey home several weeks."
In 1940 Yuma County,
Donald D. Godsey is 44,
Lillie A. Godsey
43 Wife,
Dallas L. Godsey
18 Son, and
Gertude D. Godsey
86 Mother.
April 11, 1940 "Gertrude DeArelia Thorne, oldest daughter of Herman L. and Mary Louise West Thorne,
was born July 7, 1853 at Utica, New York, and passed away at her home west of Wray,
April 4, 1940, at the age of 86 years, 8 months, and 28 days.
At the age of three, she moved with her parents to Beloit, Wisc., later moving to
Durand, I11., where she grew to womanhood. She taught school several years at Whiting,
Iowa, where she met her husband. In the spring of 1880 she was united in marriage to
Winfield Scott Godsey. They moved to Colorado the twenty-third of April, 1887,
where she has since resided.
Her husband and six children preceded her in death.
Those left to mourn her passing are: one daughter, Mrs. Mayme Carter of Riddle, Oregon;
and four sons, L. S. of Chehalis, Wash., O. T. and W. C. of Eckley, and D. D. of Wray.
One sister, Mrs. Fannie Sandt of Battle Creek, Michigan, and one brother, Willard L. Thorne
of Durand, Illinois and 15 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren, a host of other relatives and friends. Funeral services were held Saturday morning at the Methodist church with Rev Brown in charge. Interment was made in Grandview cemetery."
October 1944 "W. T. (Uncle Bill) Thorne passed away at his home in Durand, I11.,
last Thursday. Uncle Bill, as he was affectionately known, was an uncle of W. C.,
O. T., and D. D. Godsey, and had spent the past several summers in Eckley visiting his
nephews and families. Mr. and Mrs. Jim Godsey left Thursday night for Durand to attend the funeral services held there on Saturday."
ZETTA
May 1904 "Miss Zetta, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. W. S. Godsey of Eckley,
died Monday morning of pneumonia. The funeral was held Wednesday from the Methodist church,
interment in the Wray cemetery."
MAMIE
January 6, 1900 "Mamie Godsey was married Monday afternoon to John Carter of Pacific
Junction, Ia. The wedding took place at the home of the bride's parents, twelve
miles west of Wray, but the details would not be learned.
The young couple departed on the night train for Pacific Junction.
Mr. Carter says he is pleased with the condition of this country and it is probable
that he will return in the fall."
"Mrs. James W. Carter, who has been visiting her parents, Mr. and Mrs. W. S. Godsey,
west of town, returned to her home at Pacific Junction, Iowa, Saturday last.
Mrs. Carter was a sister of Miss Zetta
Godsey, who died a short time ago, and she arrived here a day after her sister was burled."
March 1913 "James Godsey, of twelve miles west of Wray, and Miss Blanche Lincoln, of
Pacific Jct. Iowa, wero married at the latter place on March the fourth.
They will make their home on the John Tuomey place out near Vernon."
September 1944 " Mr. and Mrs. 0. T. (Jim) Godsey who have been looking after farming
interests in Pacific Junction, Ia., for the past two weeks, returned home on the bus Friday."
OTTO
O. T. Godsey
Age: 24
Birth Place: Wray, Colo.,
Marriage Place: Mills, Iowa,
Father:
Scott Godsey
Mother:
Gertrude Thorn
married
Blanch A. Lincoln in March 1913.
Zetta May Godsey
Birth Date: 19 Sep 1917
Birth Place: Plattville, Iowa
Father:
Otto G Godsey
Mother:
Blanche Lincoln.
In 1930 Eckley precinct,
James T. Godsey is 40,
Blanch A. Godsey
41 Wife,
Marlia B. Godsey
15 Daughter,
Zelta M. Godsey
13 Daughter,
Alma L. Godsey
11 Daughter,
Mary T. Godsey
8 Daughter,
Mar* L. Godsey
6 Son, and
Ralph Toneoln
21 Boarder.
Blanche A. Lincoln Godsey
BIRTH
Oct 1887
Iowa,
DEATH
1971
Eckley, Colorado,
BURIAL
Eckley Cemetery
Eckley, Colorado,
MEMORIAL ID
53005838.
Otto Thorne “Jim” Godsey
BIRTH
23 Jul 1889
Wray, Colorado,
DEATH
24 Nov 1984
Yuma, Colorado,
BURIAL
Eckley Cemetery
Eckley, Colorado,
MEMORIAL ID
53005840.
Marcia Blanche Godsey Schwehr
BIRTH
15 Jun 1914
Pacific Junction, Mills County, Iowa,
DEATH
6 Oct 2000
Yuma, Colorado,
BURIAL
Yuma Cemetery
Yuma, Yuma County, Colorado,
MEMORIAL ID
74263275.
Zelta Mae Godsey Riffle
BIRTH
19 Sep 1916
Pacific Junction, Mills County, Iowa,
DEATH
12 May 2000
Yuma County, Colorado,
BURIAL
Eckley Cemetery
Eckley, Yuma County, Colorado,
MEMORIAL ID
53151282.
Mary Louise “Betty” Godsey Robertson
BIRTH
3 Jul 1921
Eckley, Yuma County, Colorado,
DEATH
9 Oct 2007
Glenwood, Mills County, Iowa,
BURIAL
Glenwood Cemetery
Glenwood, Mills County, Iowa,
PLOT
Sec 16 new Row 16 south end
MEMORIAL ID
101533613.
"Mary L. (Betty) Robertson, 86, of Glenwood, Iowa, formerly of Pacific Junction, IA entered into eternal rest on Oct. 9, 2007 at Glen Haven Home in Glenwood. She was born July 3, 1921 in Eckley, CO to Otto Thorn & Blanch (Lincoln) Godsey.
Betty graduated from Eckley High School in Colorado. She was united in marriage to Jack Willard Robertson on Nov. 23, 1946 in Yuma, CO. To this union three children were born, Vicki, James and Tim. Betty and Jack moved to Pacific Junction in 1951. She was a member of Grace United Methodist Church in Glenwood and was employed with Glenwood Resource Center as a R.T.W. She also enjoyed being a Foster Grandparent for many years and dearly loved to be with her family.
Preceding Betty in death were her parents, husband Jack in 1976, two sisters and one brother. She is survived by her children, Vicki Godfroy of Malvern, IA, James & wife Becky Robertson of Pacific Junction, IA: Tim & wife Vicki Robertson of Ft. Wayne, Indiana, 9 grandchildren, Matt, Nathan, Jaclyn, Jason and wife Arden, Sarah and husband Alan, Brooklyn & fiance Luke and Breanna; 7 great-grandchildren, Bailey, Ashtyn, Ava, Archer, Austin, Brayden and Faylynn.
"
Alma Lucille Godsey Copley
BIRTH
23 Dec 1918
Pacific Junction, Mills County, Iowa,
DEATH
12 Aug 2016
Eckley, Yuma County, Colorado,
BURIAL
Eckley Cemetery
Eckley, Yuma County, Colorado,
MEMORIAL ID
168442025.
"Alma Lucille "Godsey" Copley born December 23, 1918 in Pacific Junction, Iowa. She was the third born to Otto "Jim" and Blanche Lucille "Lincoln" Godsey. She was six months old when the family moved to the farm north of Eckley, Colorado.
She attended Eckley schools through High School and graduated in 1935. Alma loved going to dances and she met the love of her life Morgan William Copley at a dance. They were married May 30, 1937 and to this union nine children were born. Her family was the most important part of her life and she enjoyed making a home for all of them. Their home was on a farm north of Eckley until 1973. They moved to Eckley where she resided until going to see her Heavenly Father on August 12, 2016. She was a very special lady and she will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.
She was proceeded in death by her husband Morgan, son Morgan Eugene, parents Otto and Blanche Godsey, parents-in-law Joseph and Lucy Copley, sisters Marcia (Harvey) Schwehr, Zeta (Nonnan) Riffle, Mary Lou (Jack) Robertson, and brother Marvin (Marge) Godsey.
She leaves to mourn one daughter of Eckley, seven sons and their wives of Lakewood, CO., Alamosa, CO., Weatherford, TX., Eckley Co., Sterling, CO., Loveland, CO., and Colorado Springs, CO.
There are 66 grandchildren; 67 great-grandchildren; nine great-great grandchildren; and numerous nephews and nieces.
A Funeral Service will be held at the Eckley Community Center in Eckley, Colorado, on Friday, August 19, 2016 at 10 a.m. Interment will follow in the Eckley Cemetery.
"
Marvin Lincoln Godsey
Birth Date: 6 Aug 1923
Birth Place: Eckley Yuma, Colorado
Death Date: 31 Aug 2007
BERYLE
"Beryle J. Godsey was born at Pacific
Junction, Iowa, on March 26, 1886, and passed away Wednesday, January 23, 1935,
at the Wray hospital. He was the oldest son of Mr. and Mrs. W. S. Godsey.
He came with his parents to Wray, Colo., at the age of one year,
and he had resided on a farm west of Wray since that early day.
He was a member of the Odd Fellow lodge of Wray.
He leaves to mourn his departure his aged mother,
one sister, Mrs. John E. Carter of Riddle, Ore., four brothers, Lynn S., O. E., Clyde, and Dee,
as well as many less near relatives and friends.
Funeral services were held last Friday at the Presbyterian church in Wray with the Odd
Fellows in charge of the service. Rev. Powell preached the funeral sermon.
The remains were laid to rest in Grandview cemetery. The Odd Fellows also had charge of the
burial service. Sincere sympathy is extended the bereaved mother, sister, and brothers.
JULIA
December 1922 Montrose, Colorado "Mrs. W. S. Godsey and daughter, Julia Ann,
who has been visiting her daughter and son-in-law, G. C. Sayr left on Saturday for their home in Pacific Junction, Iowa."
Gertrude D. Godsey proved up a quarter in section 29, 1N 45W in 1919.
LYNN
March 1914 "Word has reached Wray of the marriage of Lynn S. Godsey and
Miss Lola E. Ewing Saturday at Akron, Colorado. Rev. P. C. Norcross, pastor of the
Methodist church at Akron, performed the ceremony that united these two young people for
life. The groom is well and favorably known to nearly everyone in this community,
as he has spent most of his life on the farm ten miies west of Wray.
The bride is no stranger, as she will be remembered as living here with her mother
a year or two ago. These two young people planned to surprise their friends,
but the pranks of Cupid generally leave such an effect upon his victims that they
betray his work to their friends, and so in this case, the friends of this couple
were on the lookout for just what happened ..
We have not learned what the future plans of Mr. and Mrs. Godsey are, but we join with their many friends in extending congratulations and wishing them a long, happy life of prosperity."
DONALD
Donald Dee Godsey
Age: 24, married Lily A. Bowen on 24 Mar 1920 in Wray.
Lily had been in Osborne, Kansas in 1910,
Henry N. Bowen
47,
Fannie Bowen
45 Wife,
William A. Bowen
4 Son,
Lillie Bowen 13 Daughter,
Ralph H. Bowen
9 Son,
Cora Bowen
7 Daughter, and
Lloyd Bowen
2 Son.
January 12, 1928 "Donald Bowen of Eckley spent several days at the home of his aunt, Mrs. D. D. Godsey."
April 1928 "Mrs. Harold Hadley of Boulder, sister of Mrs. Dee Godsey, is visiting relatives in tis neighborhood and further west. Mr. and Mrs. Henry Bowen and Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Bowen and daughter Visited at the Dee Godsey home Sunday. "
In 1940 Yuma County,
Donald D. Godsey is 44,
Lillie A. Godsey
43 Wife,
Dallas L. Godsey
18 Son, and
Gertude D. Godsey
86 Mother.
August 1956 "Funeral services were held at the Howe Mortuary in Boulder on Monday afternoon, August 13, for Mrs. Fannie Bowen, mother of Mrs. Dee Godsey, who died at the Community hospital in Wray on August 11, at the age of 90 years, 3 months, and 9 days. Mrs. Boren, the former Fannie Emma Shellenberger, was bom April 2, 1866, at Elkhart, Ind., the daughter of Abraham and Elizabeth Doney Shellenberger. She was married to Henry Nelson at Osborne. Kan., on July 30, 1885, where they made their home until they moved to Eckley in 19ld. They moved to Boulder in 1929. After the husband’s death in 1936, Mrs. Bowen came to Wray to make her home with her daughter, Mrs. Dee Godsey. Five children survive her, William A. Bowen of Boulder, Mrs. Godsey of Wray, Ralph H. Bowen of Boulder, Mrs. Harold Headley of Leadville and Lloyd S. Bowen of Denver. There are also ten grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. Dr. Ralph Evans, Presbyterian minister, officiated at the Boulder service and burial was in Green Mountain cemetery at Boulder."
October 1958 "William A. Bowen, a retired Wray farmer, died at his home in Boulder
early Monday morning, October 6. He had been under the care of a physician for some time
but his death was unexpected.
Born at Osborn, Kan., on February 12, 1886, to Henry N. and Fannie Bowen,
his early life was spent in Kansas. In 1915 he located near Wray and later, in 1936,
moved to Boulder.
Surviving are his wife, Ida May (Lamm) Bowen; two daughters,
Mrs. Wilma Sutton of Riverton, Wyo., Mrs. Marjorie Erickson of Boulder;
two brothers, Ralph Bowen of Boulder and Lloyd Bowen of Denver;
two sisters, Mrs. Lilly Godsey of Wray and Mrs. Cora Headley of Leadville;
and seven grandchildren. A son, Donald W. Bowen, who entered World War II service
from Boulder in March 1944, was killed in action on January 19, 1945, in Belgium.
Funeral services were held Wednesday morning, October 8, from the Howe Mortuary
at Boulder with Dr. Ralph D. Evans, pastor of the First Uresbyterian Church,
officiating. Burial was in Gethsemane Gardens, Green Mountain Cemetery.
Attending from this community were Mr. and Mrs. Dee Godsey,
Mr. and Mrs. D. C. Neuschwanger, Mr. and Mrs. Marion Neuschwanger and Dallas Godsey. "
Lily A. Bowen Godsey
BIRTH
8 Aug 1896
Alton, Osborne County, Kansas,
DEATH
1 Oct 1970
Wray, Yuma County, Colorado,
BURIAL
Grandview Cemetery
Wray, Yuma County, Colorado,
MEMORIAL ID
81620001.
"Funeral services were held for Mrs. D. D. Godsey (Lily) October 3, from the Presbyterian Church in Eckley with Rev. Everett Erickson officiating.
Mrs. Godsey, a long time resident of the Wray community passed away in her sleep October 1,
at the age of 74 years, one month, and 23 days.
She was born August 8, 1896 to Henry N. and Fannie Bowen in Alton, Kansas. Her early life was spent in Kansas, moving to the Eckley community in 1916.
On March 24, 1920 she was united in marriage to D. D. Godsey. Their home was established on a farm west of Wray and they resided there until August, 1968 when they moved to Wray.
Surviving are her husband; son and his wife; grandson and wife; granddaughter; one sister Mrs. Cora Headley of Boulder; and two brothers, Ralph of Boulder and a brother of Denver.
Preceding her in death were her parents; brother, William, and granddaughter, Cheryl.
Interment was held in the Grandview Cemetery."
Donald Dee Godsey
BIRTH
6 Aug 1895
Iowa,
DEATH
Mar 1985
BURIAL
Grandview Cemetery
Wray, Yuma County, Colorado,
MEMORIAL ID
81619951.
Dallas LeRoy Godsey
BIRTH
22 Feb 1922
Wray, Yuma County, Colorado,
DEATH
17 Nov 2020
Wray, Yuma County, Colorado,
BURIAL
Grandview Cemetery
Wray, Yuma County, Colorado,
MEMORIAL ID
219093288.
In 1950 Eckley precinct,
Dallas Godsey is 28,
Maxine Godsey
26 Wife,
Cheryl A. Godsey
3 Daughter, and
Donald Arthur Godsey
1 Son.
Cheryl Annette Godsey
BIRTH
1946
DEATH
1952
BURIAL
Grandview Cemetery
Wray, Yuma County, Colorado,
MEMORIAL ID
81619818.
"Funeral services were held at the Presbyterian church in Wray Wednesday afternoon
for Cheryl Annette Godsey, 5-year old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Dallas Godsey,
who died Sunday in Children’s Hospital in Denver. Rev. S. F. Bullard and Rev. Moore G. Bell
conducted the rites and burial was in Grandview cemetery. The Lockwood Mortuary was in charge of
the arrangemnts.
Cheryl Annette was born August 23, 1946 and was 5 years, 7 months and 27 days old at
the time of her death. In December of 1950 she showed indications of her illness.
Her parents took her to Greeley for special observation, and later she was taken to
Children’s hospital where the illness was diagnosed as leukemia. This dreaded disease was
the factor that ended her young life after medical science had tried every means to gain
back her health.
Surviving Cheryl Annette are her devoted parents, Dallas and Maxine Godsey;
a brother, Deraid; her grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. D. D. Godsey of Wray and
Mr. and Mrs. A. W. Bagley of Pleasanton, Iowa; two great grandmothers,
Mrs. Fannie Bowen of Wray and Mrs. Susan Bagley of Pleasanton,
several aunts, uncles and cousins."
Annette Maxine Bagley Godsey
BIRTH
16 Sep 1923
Vernon, Yuma County, Colorado,
DEATH
16 Jul 2016
Wray, Yuma County, Colorado,
BURIAL
Grandview Cemetery
Wray, Yuma County, Colorado,
MEMORIAL ID
167136883.
"Dallas LeRoy Godsey was born as the only child February 20, 1922, to Donald Dee and Lily Ann (Bowen) Godsey. He was born in the farmhouse on the Godsey homestead southwest of Wray, Colorado. Dallas passed away Nov. 17, 2020 at his home in Wray, Colorado.
Being an only child, Dallas had many responsibilities on the farm. At an early age, he worked alongside his dad and Uncle Beryl Godsey hitching the horses for the day’s work in the field. There were cows to milk, cattle to check, and pigs and chickens to feed. When in the fourth grade Dallas’s father became ill with dust pneumonia so the young boy had to drive one of the teams to plant the spring crops. Life on the farm was made a little easier with the purchase of a John Deere GP tractor in 1935.
Dallas attended Sunnyside country school near the Godsey farm. To attend high school, he stayed in Eckley during the week returning home on weekends to help with farm work. He graduated from Eckley High School in 1940. Following graduation, he enlisted in the US Army and later volunteered for the Air Corps. He served from 1942 to 1945 in England, France, and central Europe. When he returned home, Dallas married his high school sweetheart, Annette Maxine Bagley. They began their married life near the Godsey homestead where he farmed and ranched with his parents. They were blessed with three children, Cheryl, Donald, and Berna. Cheryl died from leukemia at the age of five. Dallas and Maxine were both baptized into the RLDS Church in 1951 and continued as active members of the church all of their lives. They were married 70 years before Maxine passed away in 2016.
In addition to dryland farming and ranching, Dallas continued with the Grade A dairy started by his father. In 1974 Dallas suffered a serious heart attack and was forced to quit the dairy. After that, he assisted his son with the farm and ranch operation. In 1998 Dallas retired and the couple moved into Wray. He was a member of the Yuma County Sheriff’s Posse for several years. He and Maxine enjoyed camping with the family and traveled to Hawaii, Canada, Mexico, and Europe. One of his favorite hobbies was collecting antique stationary engines which he would start and run for the grandkids. In 1987 the Godsey family was designated a Colorado Centennial Farm. He also was especially proud that the family was chosen as the State Conservationists in Farming for the year of 2001.
He was preceded in death by his wife Maxine, his parents, and his daughter Cheryl, and his father-in-law and mother-in-law Arthur and Alice (Beach) Bagley.
Dallas was proud to see the sixth generation of his family live and work on the family farm homesteaded by his grandparents in 1887. He has been an inspiration to his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He will truly be missed.
Dallas never knew a stranger. To carry on a conversation with Dallas one need not say much; just be a good listener, because before he would finish, he usually had a story to tell you. He delighted in making a person laugh."
WINFIELD
Winfifld married Flora Rice, who was in Yuma County in 1910,
George E. Rice
36,
Esther M. Rice
31 Wife,
Florence G. Rice 14 Daughter ,
May R. Rice
12 Daughter,
Jethro W. Rice
10 Son,
Eugene K. Rice
8 Son,
Mettie C. Rice
5 Daughter, and
Ella C. Rice
1 Daughter.
In 1880 Nuckolls County, Nebraska, her grand father
George E. Rice was 34,
Nancy C. Rice
24 Wife, her father
George E. Rice 6 Son,
Florence E. Rice
1 Daughter.
Her grandfather George E. Rice
BIRTH
27 Mar 1846
DEATH
17 Mar 1916
BURIAL
Eckley Cemetery
Eckley, Yuma County, Colorado,
MEMORIAL ID
49774429.
John L. Martin
BIRTH
11 Apr 1852
DEATH
22 Dec 1933
BURIAL
Eckley Cemetery,
MEMORIAL ID
53005939 .
John's daughter Mary Elizabeth Martin married Clifford Whittenburg, lived in Yuma County, buried in Wheat Ridge, Colorado 1878-1964.
Her grandmother "Mrs. Nancy Martin of Eckley died December 27, 1933, at the home of her
son, George Rice. Nancy Caroline Baker was born in Polk county, Iowa, July 2, 1855.
She was united in marriage to George E. Rice Dec 21, 1871, and to this union
e children were born. All of the children except her son George Rice of Eckley,
preceded their mother in death, as did the husband who passed away in March 1916.
After the death of her first husband, Mrs. Rice was united in marriage to John Martin.
Mr. Martin passed away only a few years before the death of Mrs. Martin.
Surviving the deceased are her son George of Eckley, seven grand children:
Mrs. Pat Godsey of Eckley, Mrs. Delbert Sutter of Aurora, Jethro and
Eugene Rice of Eckley, Mrs. Jouette Branaum, Mrs. Harold Riffle, and Miss Loma Rice,
also of Eckley. She is also survived by eleven great grandchildren, many other relatives, and
a host of friends who will miss her friendly council. She devoted much of her time to
performing deeds of kindness for those with whom she came in contact. She had long been a
member of the United Brethren church, having become a member early in life.
The funeral service was held at the home of her son, George Rice, in Eckley.
Rev. liars of Eckley, and Rev. W. L. Breckenridge of Yuma conducted the service.
The remains were laid to rest in the Eckley cemetery."
Nancy Caroline Baker Martin
BIRTH
Jul 1855
Missouri,
DEATH
27 Dec 1933
Yuma County, Colorado,
BURIAL
Eckley Cemetery
Eckley, Yuma County, Colorado,
MEMORIAL ID
53005941.
In 1940 Eckley,
Winfield C. Godsey is manager of a grain elevator, 48,
Flora E. Godsey
44 Wife, and
Geraldine Mae Godsey
20 Daughter.
January 1957 "Godsey completes 41 years with Eckley firm before retiring to be county judge
W. C. (Pat) Godsey had been employed as manager of the Eckley Farmers Mercantile Co. for more than 41 years when he retired this month to prepare for his new duties as county judge of Yuma county. He started with the Eckley
firm as a young man on December first, 1915. He drove to work from his home several miles southeast of Eckley for a while and then stayed at the hotel in Eckley until he was married. Then he bought his home in Eckley where he is still residing.
Godsey probably knows the grain business as well as any man. A lot of changes have taken place in his career as manager. The machinery at the Eckley elevator was first powered by a gasoline motor. Grain was all hauled by team and wagon and loads of grain would be lined up to the east and south of the elevator waiting to be unloaded in the early days. Then came the trucks which could haul 50 to 100 bushels. Trucks continued to be made larger until 600 bushel loads became common occurrences. Power at the elevator was changed to electricity, which speeded up capacity and assured better service.
According to reliable information, Godsey’s 41 years as manager of the farmers cooperative at one
location is a record of continual service for the entire USA. In preparing the information for
this story on his record, Art Cain, who succeeds Pat Godsey as manager at Eckley, says,
“He is a good boss, as those who ever worked with him will verify. He would not ask his men to do
anything he would not do himself. If anything needed to be done, he would help do it.
He had one employee with him for 28 years. That man has said that in the 28 years they had never
had a disagteerrient. “He put in many long hours of overtime through wheat harvests and corn
shelling, never grumbling or complaining. The door was always open to anyone whether he had
business or just wanted to visit. He is always ready and willing to help anyone with any
kind of problem which might arise.”
Godsey has a long record of public service. He served on the school board,
county high school board and town council at Eckley for many years. He was mayor of Eckley
for several terms. His many years of association with the public earned him the well
deserved and honorable office to which the voters of Yuma county elected him last
November 6, the office of County Judge. Cain also added, “The Farmers Elevator won’t seem
quite the same without Pat’s knowledge and experience, but we know that he can and will,
in his new capacity, serve all the people of Yuma County.”
Florence Elizabeth “Flora” Rice Godsey
BIRTH
21 Nov 1895
Hardy, Nuckolls County, Nebraska,
DEATH
6 Dec 1979
Aurora, Colorado,
BURIAL
Eckley Cemetery
Eckley, Yuma County, Colorado,
MEMORIAL ID
53005839
Winfield Clyde “Pat” Godsey
BIRTH
23 Aug 1891
Yuma County, Colorado,
DEATH
15 Jun 1979
Aurora, , Colorado,
BURIAL
Eckley Cemetery
Eckley, Yuma County, Colorado,
MEMORIAL ID
53005841.
"Pat attended business school in Grand Island, NE. Beginning in 1914, he was employed by the Eckley Farmers Merchantile Company where he was manager until 1957.
He married Flora Elizabeth Rice May 27, 1917.
Pat served on the school board, town board, and was acting mayor for several years. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge and active in politics. He served as county judge from 1957-69.
Survivors include his wife, Flora; daughter, Geraldine; two granddaughters; and two great-granddaughters; two brothers, D.D. of Wray, and O.T. "Jim" of Yuma."
Geraldine May Godsey Cain
BIRTH
24 Oct 1919
Eckley, Yuma County, Colorado,
DEATH
17 Oct 2002
Aurora, Arapahoe County, Colorado,
BURIAL
Eckley Cemetery
Eckley, Yuma County, Colorado,
MEMORIAL ID
35477261.
GUY
March 1917 Craig, Colorado "Three emigrant cars arrived in Craig this week,
one for Guy Godsey, who shipped from Pacific Junction, Iowa... "
April 1917 " Guy Godsey, who recently brought in a carload of farm implements and household goods from Kansas, preparatory to taking up his residence on a homestead near Great Divide, lost a good horse Sunday morning. The animal was one of a team Mr. Godsey bought since his arrival here, and was valued at $135. "
September 5, 1918 " Friends of Mr and Mrs. Guy Godsey, who at one time lived on north Taylor
street, will be grieved to learn that they have recently lost their two younger children,
by cholera morbus. Mrs. Godeey is a niece of Clair L. Bonnett, who has a homestead near
Great Divide. Mr. Godsey is in the army, going out from Craig with the original Troop G.
He obtained a furlough and was at the death bed of the baby, but did not get to see the
other child before it died."
Back to Pioneer Photographs.
This page is maintained by M.D. Monk.