Obituary Dr. W. L. Goddard
At his home in Saulsbury, Tennessee, on Wednesday, December 6, 1916, Dr. W. L. Goddard answered the last summons.
The passing of this man deserves more than mere mention.
His life was devoted to the study and practice of medicine, in which he was as thorough and as successful, perhaps, as any physician in the state. He was an active practitioner until one month before the end, and he administered to thousands, never refusing to respond to a call, regardless of social or financial standing, his only object being to alleviate the pain and suffering of humanity. He kept in close touch with the advancement of his profession and was a constant reader of medical literature and journals. He always took an active interest in religious, charitable and all moral movements and was one of the leading and best beloved citizens of his community. No man ever lived in Saulsbury who will be more generally and truly missed His memory will be cherished so long as those who had the pleasure of his acquaintance live.
Dr. William Lidderdale Goddard was born in Kintbury, Bernshire County, England, March 27, 1848. When 15 years old he graduated from Oxford School, England, and began the (..missing tex..)
In August of the same year (1871) he came to America, landing at Quebec, thence to Chicago, to Hickory Valley, finally locating in Saulsbury.
Three children were the result of the wedlock Richard, Charles Thomas and Willie Scott, only one of whom survives, Richard, who is connected with the American Express Company at Memphis. His first wife and two elder sons are buried at Hickory Valley.
On January 5, 1882, he married Miss Melissa Jan Rosson. To this wedlock five children were born, Ruth, Ammie, William Lidderdale Jr., Henry Rosson, Edwin Linville and David Livingstone. Of these five children three are now living – William Lidderdale, agent for the Southen Railway at Saulsbury; Edwin Linville, bookkeeper for Bud Elliotte at Saulsbury, and David Livingstone, cashier of the Bank of Pocahontas.
He is survived by two brothers, Henry, of Saulsbury, and Charles of Oklahoma, two sisters and one brother in England and one sister in Australia, who is a nurse in the British Army.
He was a member of the Established Church of England until October, 1895, when he joined the M. E. Church at Saulsbury.
He was a Royal Arch Mason, Knight of Pythias, Knight of Honor, a member of the Knights and Ladies of Honor and honorary member of the Woodmen of the World.
The funeral services took place at Saulsbury in the presence of a large number of devoted friends, many coming from quite a distance to pay the last tribute of respect to the departed. The service was conducted by his pastor, Rev. S. B Love, after which the Masonic fraternity held their impressive ceremony.
RESOLUTION OF RESPECT
We your committee appointed to draft suitable resolutions upon the death of our beloved brother, (..missing text..) December 6th, 1916, aged 68 years, 8 months and 9 days.
He came from his native country in the year 1871 and his life work was administering to the sick and afflicted. He was a consecrated and consistent member of the M. E. Church South, coming from the Established Church of England. He served his church as steward, also as Sunday school superintendent for many years.
The funeral services were conducted by Rev. S. B. Love, his pastor, amid a large crowd of relatives and friends, after which the Masonic fraternity with becoming reverence paid the last sad tribute of respect to the memory of their departed friend and brother.
Therefore, death having again invaded our ranks and called from labor to refreshment our deceased brother, Dr. W. L. Goddard, be in there resolved –
First, That in his death this lodge and community has sustained a great loss, the family a devoted father and husband.
Second, That we earnestly strive to emulate his virtues, especially his devotions to his church and lodge.
Third, That while we keenly feel our loss and mourn his untimely death, that we meekly bow in humble submission to the Grand Master above, who ruleth and worketh for the good of all.
Fourth, That we extend to the sorrowing family of our deceased brother our sincere and heartfelt sympathy in this their hour of sad bereavement.
Fifth, That a copy of these resolutions be spread upon the minutes of the lodge, one furnished to each of the county papers for publication and one sent to the family.
Sixth, That the usual badge of mourning be worn by the members and used in the lodge room for 30 days.
Done by order of Berlin Lodge No. 107 F. and A. M.
- W. Sauls
- A. Richards
- T. Durden
Source: original newspaper clipping in scrapbook created by Ada Clark Stroup of Saulsbury
