Godfrey, Benjamin, 1794-1862.

Merchant, financier, philanthropist; merchant marine, War of 1812; founded Monticello Female Seminary, Godfrey, Illinois, 1833; president, Alton and Sangamon Railroad, 1847.

Benjamin Godfrey served in the merchant marine during the War of 1812 and later became a commander of a merchant vessel until shipwrecked off the coast of Mexico. Later became head of a merchant house in Metamoras, Mexico and entered into a mercantile partnership with Winthrop S. Gilman while in New Orleans. Opened a storage and commission business in Alton, Illinois, in 1832.

Obtained control of the State Bank of Illinois and operated it from 1835 until the panic of 1837. Founded Monticello Female Seminary in 1833 and opened it in 1838. He helped build the Presbyterian Church of Alton and organized the church in Godfrey, Illinois. He planted the first orchard in that area and was one of the first manufacturers of the stationary threshing machine. Godfrey was an abolitionist and supported the temperance movement.