John Pliney Godfrey, Sr.
1889 - 1982
John P. Godfrey Sr., born in Oxford, was one of 12 children of former slaves Israel and Sallie Sims Godfrey. He attended elementary school and church at Rust Chapel Methodist Episcopal Church, the church his father helped to establish. He completed his high school studies in 1909 at Payne Academy in Augusta and began his undergraduate college work in 1913 at Clark University in Atlanta, where he became an outstanding football player. In 1913, financial troubles caused his studies to be interrupted. Unable to find work in Atlanta, Godfrey left for Philadelphia with his brother, Israel Jr., and his cousin, Nick Graves. They were successful in finding jobs at the main post office in Philadelphia, however their good fortune was short-lived as World War I broke out shortly thereafter. All three young men were called up in 1917 and served together in the 368th Infantry of the 92nd Division, known as the historic “Buffalos.”
They fought in North Africa and the European theater. During the earlier part of the war, African American soldiers were required to fight under the French flag and had French commanders; however, by the end of the war, the 92nd Division, commanded by United States General John Joseph (“Black Jack”) Pershing, became the first Negro unit to fight under the American flag.
After his tour of duty was over, Godfrey returned to Atlanta to continue his education at Morehouse College and earned his B.A. degree in education. By this time, he was fluent in both French and Latin. Godfrey took a position as a teacher in Fayetteville and while teaching there, met and married Sylvesta Floyd of Atlanta. They had three children: Carolyn Louise, Sallie Elaine, and John Pliny Jr. (“J.P.”). Godfrey later became principal of several county schools. In 1939, Godfrey went to Rockdale County to take the position of principal of Conyers Colored High School, a simple, one-story, wood-framed building located on Bryant Street. Following World War II, the faculty was expanded and in 1946 the school purchased several former military barracks that were relocated from Camp Gordon in Augusta. Godfrey instituted a school lunch program and also provided bus transportation for the students by purchasing and driving the school bus himself. (The county did not provide funds for school bus service for black children until 1950).
Godfrey was in the forefront in advocating state aid for the education of handicapped black children in Georgia. In 1948-49, he led an initiative to negotiate with the Rural Electric Association (now Snapping Shoals EMC) to provide electricity for Oxford residents living west of Wesley Street in Oxford and extending throughout the county.
In addition to being a Master Mason, Prince Hall affiliate, and Worshipful Master of his Masonic lodge, Godfrey served as lay-leader, trustee, and lifetime member of Rust Chapel.
Godfrey Street in Oxford is named after him; the only African American so honored.
After his tour of duty was over, Godfrey returned to Atlanta to continue his education at Morehouse College and earned his B.A. degree in education. By this time, he was fluent in both French and Latin. Godfrey took a position as a teacher in Fayetteville and while teaching there, met and married Sylvesta Floyd of Atlanta. They had three children: Carolyn Louise, Sallie Elaine, and John Pliny Jr. (“J.P.”). Godfrey later became principal of several county schools. In 1939, Godfrey went to Rockdale County to take the position of principal of Conyers Colored High School, a simple, one-story, wood-framed building located on Bryant Street. Following World War II, the faculty was expanded and in 1946 the school purchased several former military barracks that were relocated from Camp Gordon in Augusta. Godfrey instituted a school lunch program and also provided bus transportation for the students by purchasing and driving the school bus himself. (The county did not provide funds for school bus service for black children until 1950).
Godfrey was in the forefront in advocating state aid for the education of handicapped black children in Georgia. In 1948-49, he led an initiative to negotiate with the Rural Electric Association (now Snapping Shoals EMC) to provide electricity for Oxford residents living west of Wesley Street in Oxford and extending throughout the county.
In addition to being a Master Mason, Prince Hall affiliate, and Worshipful Master of his Masonic lodge, Godfrey served as lay-leader, trustee, and lifetime member of Rust Chapel.
Godfrey Street in Oxford is named after him; the only African American so honored.