387. Albert Wallingford¹² Godown (Harrison Rounsaville¹¹, John Alexander¹⁰, Jacob⁹, John⁸, Evans⁷, Jacob⁶, Jacob⁵ Goedowne, Abraham⁴, Jacob³ Godon, Abraham², Main Family Line¹ Godown) was born Linvale, Hunterdon Co, NJ June 2, 1903. Albert died April 30, 1976 Fort Myers, Lee Co, FL, at 72 years of age.

He married twice. He married Gertrude Melvina Baldwin in New Jersey, June 25, 1930. Gertrude was born in Hopewell Twp, Mercer Co, NJ January 21, 1904. Gertrude⁽¹⁷²⁰⁾ was the daughter of Joseph R Baldwin and Victoria B unknown. Gertrude died September 12, 1972 Flemington, Hunterdon Co, NJ, at 68 years of age. She was buried September 15, 1972 at Highland Cemetery, Hopwell Township, Mercer County, New Jersey.

He married Marian B Bailey Frederick Co, MD, May 10, 1947. Marian was born Paterson, Passaic Co, NJ August 9, 1915. Marian was the daughter of James Bailey and Anna Pedersen. Marian died January 1, 2003 in Tallahassee, Leon Co, Florida, at 87 years of age. Marian Has published the following books dealing with Fort Myers, Fl. "Fort Myers yesterday and today" co-authored by Prudy Board, Anna Pack and Marion. "Yesterday's Fort Myers" co-authored by Alberta Rawchuck and Marian. In the 1930 census 112 Bark Street, Hamilton Twp, Mercer Co, NJ page 52, Albert (age 26) is recorded as a lodger with Alice Hobson (age 60 widow) and 3 children and one other lodger. Albert is a machinist.

Albert or "Al" as he was known by, should be credited with a lot of the research done here. A majority of the other researchers have referenced Al and his work. Below is a copy of his autobiography written June 2, 1969. The paper was sent to me by his wife Marian.

My Autobiography by Albert W. Godown (Sr)

I was born on June 2, 1903 at Linvale, East Amwell Township, Hunterdon County, New Jersey. I am a son of the late Harrison Rounsiville Godown and Lena Wyckoff Godown of Ringoes, New Jersey, and a great-great-grandson of John Godown Sr. of Amwell, Hunterdon County, New Jersey, who fought in the American Revolution. He was a "Minute Man" (a private) in Col. David Chamber's 3rd Regiment of foot associators. I attended Hunterdon County public schools and Rider College, Trenton, New Jersey, and graduated from Hamphill Diesel Engineering School in Long Island, New York. I was employed by the New Jersey Division of Motor Vehicles, Bureau of Vehicle Inspection as a Supervisor, district supervisor and assistant chief. I retired in 1966 after 28 1/2 year's of service, and moved in August of that year to Sarasota, Florida. After living almost five years in Sarasota, I moved in August, 1971 to Fort Myers, Florida. I served in the New Jersey National Guard for a total of 12 years between 1924 and 1948, retiring with the rank of warrent officer. I was inducted into active Federal Service with the 44th Division on September 16, 1940 and served in the Army of the United States during World War II for two and one-half years. I was honorably discharged with the rank of first sergeant. I am a member of the Florida and Caloose Chapters of the National Society, Sons of the American Revolution, a Former member and past commander of American Legion Post No. 159, of Flemington, New Jersey. During my term as post 159 commander, the Post had the largest membership in its history with 432 members. Also while I served as Commander, the Post's building program was started, which produced the Post home and community center in Flemington. A "glad" enthusiast, I grew prize-winning gladiolus in Hunterdon County for about seven years, and won many awards at local, state, and national shows. I am a member of the North American Gladiolus Council, and the New Jersey Gladiolus Society. Also, I am a member of the Hunterdon County, (NJ) Historical Society, the Southwest Florida Historical Society of Fort Myers Fl., the Florida Historical Society and the National Historical Society.

Albert Wallingford Godown and Gertrude Melvina Baldwin had the following child:

+ 555 i. Albert W¹³ Godown Jr was born August 29, 1941.

Albert Wallingford Godown and Marian B Bailey had the following children:

556 ii. Joanna Charlotte Godown (still alive).

557 iii. Jan Florence Godown (still alive).

Send email to preparer: RGodown@Rochester.rr.com

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