Abraham Godwin
| Abraham Godwin | |
|---|---|
| Born |
Abraham Godwin July 16, 1763 Totowa, New Jersey |
| Died |
October 5, 1835 (aged 72) Paterson, New Jersey |
| Nationality | American |
| Other names | Old General |
| Occupation | Fife Major, Brigadier General, Politician, Master Engraver, Inn Keeper, Musician, Poet, Artist. |
| Spouse(s) | Mary Maria Munson (m. 1783) |
| Children | 9 |
| Parents |
|
Abraham Godwin (July 16, 1763 – October 5, 1835) was a Fife Major in the American Revolution, Master Engraver, elected to the New Jersey General Assembly for the County of Essex from 1802-1806, Brigadier General in the War of 1812, and the only delegate in New Jersey to vote for Andrew Jackson in 1828. The area that Ridgewood and Midland Park reside in was formerly known as Godwinville, named in Abraham's honor in 1829. He has a monument in Van Naste Park, erected in 1951.
Abraham Godwin was born to Captain Abraham Godwin and Phebe Coole in Totowa, New Jersey. His father built up the area around Totowa, now known as Paterson, New Jersey, building the Godwin Hotel and creating the first stage coach line for tourists to travel to the Passaic Falls. Abraham Godwin married Mary Maria Munson on July 3, 1783 in the First Presbyterian Church in Morristown, New Jersey. They had nine children, Phebe, Henry, Caleb, Susanna, Abraham, Maria, Catharine, Elizabeth, and Margaret. His son Henry committed suicide after going bankrupt producing cotton in 1816. He has a famous grandson, author and journalist Parke Godwin.
Abraham’s father joined the cause in early 1776 and was Captain of Marines stationed on board the USS Lady Washington in New York City. Abraham’s older brother Henry became a Quartermaster in Fishkill, New York, and his younger brother David was a Drummer. Abraham and David were re-united with their father when they enlisted in New York City. Abraham’s father survived getting shot during the Siege of New York. Knowing the topography of New Jersey, they led George Washington’s army to Totowa where he stayed at the Godwin Hotel. After that they split ways, Washington to the Delaware River, and the Godwins to Fishkill. The Godwins had much debt to the Tories, and lost half their land as a result. The British raided the Godwin homestead, stripping Phebe and the daughters of everything. This sickened Abraham’s father even more, to the point where he died early in 1777. In the spring, Abraham, Henry, and David were ordered to Fort Montgomery to lay a chain across the North River. On October 7, 1777 the Battle of Forts Clinton and Montgomery took place. David was ordered to send for help, Henry was captured by the British, and Abraham jumped into the Hudson and swam to shore. Abraham was present at the Siege of Yorktown, witnessed the surrender of Charles Cornwallis to George Washington and received an honorable discharge signed by George Washington.
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