Clay Co., KS AHGP-Portrait and Biographical Album of Washington, Clay and Riley Counties-A. A. Godard
Portrait and Biographical Album of Washington, Clay and Riley Counties Chapman Brothers, Chicago, 1890
A. A. GODARD, junior member of the firm
of Harkness & Godard of Clay Center
came to this place with his partner in October,
1879, and they engaged in the law
practice, in which they are building up a lucrative
business, also a fine reputation. Mr. Godard like
his partner was born in Bradford County, Pa.,
Dec. 18, 1855, and remained there until a lad of
fifteen years when he left home for the purpose of
attending school at Waverly, N. Y. Subsequently
he pursued his studies in the University at Syracuse,
N. Y., three years, and from there came to
Kansas and prosecuted his law studies in the office
of Hayden & Hayden of Helton. He was admitted
to the bar in the fall of 1879, and at once commenced
practice with Mr. Harkness, since which
time they have been recognized as among the
ablest lawyers of this part of Kansas.
The father of our subject was E. A. Godard,
likewise a native of Bradford County, Pa., having
been born in 1819. He there grew to mature years
and married Miss Priscilla M. Sherwood. Then
settling on a farm near Burlington, Pa., he reared
his two sons and remained there until 1888 when
he took up his abode with his son, A. A., with
whom he still lives. The mother passed away
March 2, 1886, at the age of sixty-four years.
The firm of Harkness & Godard are accredited
with the possession of the best library west of Topeka
in this part of the State. Although never
having been a candidate for any office, Mr. Godard
keeps himself well posted upon political affairs and
is a live worker for the Republican party. Among
the societies he is a member of Blue Lodge, Chapter and
Commandery, occupying a leading position
in the Masonic fraternity.
The marriage of our subject with Miss Eva Valentine
of Topeka, was celebrated at the bride's
home in that city, Dec. 10, 1885. This lady was
born in Ottawa County, Kan., and is the daughter
of Judge D. M. Valentine, a member of the Supreme
Court. Of her union with Mr. Godard
there have born two children. Guenn Priscilla and
Daniel Valentine.