Godwin, Hannibal Lafayette

3 Nov. 1873–9 June 1929

Hannibal Lafayette Godwin, congressman, was born on a farm near Dunn, the son of Archibald Bryant and Rebecca Eliza Reeves Godwin. He was educated in local schools, attended Trinity College, and studied law at The University of North Carolina (1895–96). Licensed to practice in 1896, he served as mayor of Dunn for the year 1897–98, in the state senate in 1903, as Democratic presidential elector in 1904, and as a member of the state Democratic executive committee in 1904–6. Between 1907 and 1921, he served seven successive terms in the U.S. House of Representatives. As a congressman Godwin demonstrated an interest in the reclamation of swamp land, river and harbor improvement, civil service reform, and Indian problems. He introduced numerous resolutions in favor of individual constituents and in support of public works in his district. As an attorney he practiced in all courts including the United States Supreme Court; he also was a farmer and dealt in real estate.

Godwin was a 32nd degree Mason, a member of the Scottish rite, and an active Methodist. In 1898 he married Mattie Block Barnes; they were the parents of Ruby, Mattie Belle (Mrs. Paul Jones), Marjorie Elizabeth (Mrs. J. O. Warren), Eloise Davis (Mrs. Murdock Dowd), Hannibal Lafayette, Jr., Hugh Archibald, and Robert Barnes. He was buried in Greenwood Cemetery, Dunn.