Representative women of New England/Alice M. Goddard
ALICE MAE GODDARD, National Aide in the Woman s Relief Corps, is the wife of George B. Goddard, of Brockton, Mass., a veteran of the Civil War. Mrs. Goddard was born in Digby, N.S., June 4, 1854, daughter of Thomas W. and Jane (Morgan) Kurd. Her father was born in Wallace, N.S. His parents moving to Digby, N.S., when he was a boy, he was educated in that place, and there learned the machinist's trade, serving an apprenticeship of several years. On becoming of jige Mr. Hurd engaged in shipbuilding, taking contracts for iron work on ships, following that occupation until about sixty years old. He spent his remaining days on a farm in his native town, where he died September 19, 1881. He was interested in the community in which he lived, and was always ready to assist any movement for the betterment of his fellow-men. He was well versed in political and other questions of the day, being an extensive reader and a student of history. He had great respect for the government of the United States, and sympathized with the North in its struggle for the abolition of slavery.
Mrs. Goddard 's mother was a native of Digby. Devoted to her home and her family, she was ever ready to perform an act of kindness to others. The last six years of her life were spent with her children in Brockton, Mass. She died March 4, 1887, at the age of seventy- five years, beloved by all who knew her.
Alice Mae Hurd was about six years old when her father moved to Wallace. She attended the public schools, and received as good an education as a country town could give. Not being satisfied with the quiet farm life, and wishing to see something of the world, she came to Massachusetts, and spent about two years in Marlboro, where a sister resided. She then went to North Bridgewater (now the city of Brockton), which has since been her home. Her marriage took place September 9, 1873.
She became interested in the temperance movement at an early age, and for a long time has exerted her efforts and used her influence for the suppression of the liquor traffic. She is a member of the First Baptist Church of Brockton, of the Fearless Lodge, Daughters of Rebekah, connected with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and is specially interested in womens organizations. She served as president of the Woman's Veteran Relief Union, of Brockton, three years, having held for two years the office of senior vice-president.
Mrs. Goddard also has membership in the International S. S. S.; the Parliamentary Club; Myrtle Temple, No. 18, R. S.; Laurel Lodge, No. 21, Independent Order of Odd Ladies; the Woman's Christian Temperance Union; and Banner Lodge, No. 81, New England Order of Protection. The greater part of her time during the past thirteen years has been given to the Woman's Relief Corps, auxiliary to the Grand Army of the Republic. She believes that no class of citizens are so much entitled to the respect of the people as the men who served their country during the years 1861-65. In 1890 she joined Fletcher Webster Relief Corps of Brockton, auxiliary to the post in that city, named in honor of Colonel Webster of the Twelfth Massachusetts Regiment. She was elected to office seven years in succession. During her three years' service as president more than fifty members were added to the roll. She conducted all the work of the corps in an able manner, and endeared herself to the members by her courtesy, her unselfish spirit, and devotion to the cause. Although higher honors have been conferred upon her by the State Department, she still continues her work for the Ideal corps, serving on committees, aiding in Grand Army fairs and in all ways possibie for the welfare of the cause.
Fletcher Webster Post sincerely appreciates her efforts in its behalf. As a Department Aide on the staff of the Department President of Massachusetts for several years, she officially visited others corps in the State, serving as inspector, installing officer, and in various capacities. As a delegate to national conventions she has travelled extensively in the South and West, and was a participant in the late convention at San Francisco, as delegate at large from Massachusetts. At two successive State conventions she was elected a member of the Department Executive Board, and in 1892 was appointed Department Inspector. The exacting duties of this position, which required a thorough knowledge of the work, she performed in a pleasing manner.
In the conclusion of her report to the convention held in Boston she summarized her official work of the year as follows: "I have attended all council meetings; was present at sixteen social or county days; attended sixteen exemplifications; instructed four corps; inspected nineteen corps; was also present as a guest at the inspection of eight corps; have attended twenty-seven receptions and other social gatherings; installed ten corps; have written six hundred and nineteen letters and postals; have visited in all sixty-six different corps at their regular meeting; have represented the Department at three county days, also served as delegate at national convention held in Washington, and performed such other duties as pertained to my work. For the invitations that I was unable to accept owing to official work I tender my sincere thanks. To the assistant inspectors who have served the Department so faithfully I also express warmest thanks. To the many who not only gave their time and strength to the work but contributed their expenses I am deeply grateful. The many kind letters received front them will always be treasured as pleasant memories of our year's work together, and the friendships formed during the year will, I trust, never be broken."
In 1908 Mrs. Goddard was appointed a National Aide by Mrs. Lodusky J. Taylor, of Minnesota, National President. In this position, as in all others, she has rendered admirable service, and has been an earnest officer and a liberal contributor, never failing to assist the cause so near her heart. At the convention held in Boston last February she was elected Department Junior Vice-President.
George B. Goddard served five years with the Army of the Potomac. He is a member of Fletcher Webster Post, No. 13, and is deeply interested in the work of the Woman's Relief Corps, assisting his wife in advancing its objects. He is now a manufacturer of shoe supplies and rawhide goods in Brockton. Mr. and Mrs. Goddard have one daughter, Ida May, who was born in Brockton, October 21, 1875.