Charles & Mary Ann Godber

Residents of Abel Smith Street

Charles Godber was born in 1843 in Mansfield, England. His family emigrated to Australia in 1856 and then in 1872 he came to Wellington with his wife Mary Ann. His business partner was Edward Dixon, trading as Dixon’s Cordial Factory, No.3 Dixon Street (the street was named after Edward). Charles acted as accountant for the business.

Charles taught the young men’s Sunday School class at the Manners Street Wesleyan Chapel, which later burnt down. He was also conductor of the Sunday School choir. He became the superintendent of the Sunday School in Vivian Street, a roll he held for twenty-five years and on his retirement was elected Superintendent Emeritus.

Mary Ann Scotchmer was born in 1844 in St Pancras, London, England. Her family emigrated to Victoria in the 1850s. She married Charles Godber in 1866. The couple had three sons and three daughters. None of the daughters reached adulthood.

Mary Ann appears on the first Electoral Roll that included women in 1893, living at 73 Abel Smith Street. They remained at the same address until at least 1908. It would have been an easy stroll to work in Dixon Street for Charles.

In 1916 the couple celebrated their golden wedding anniversary, at Godber’s rooms Courtenay Place (run by his brother). Ann died in 1923 and was remembered as a founding member of the Vivian Street Baptist Church. Charles died in 1927, aged 83, at his son’s house in Ellice Avenue.

Charles and Mary Ann Godber outside their house at 73 Abel Smith Street, Wellington. Godber, Albert Percy, 1875-1949 :Collection of albums, prints and negatives. Ref: APG-0076-1/2-G. Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington, New Zealand. /records/22856071

Detail of above image Charles & Mary Ann Godber.