Godfrey, Benjamin
founder of Monticello seminary of Godfrey, Ill., was born Dec. 4, 1794, in Chatham, Mass. At the age of nine years he ran away to sea; went to Ireland, and there remained until the war of 1812 brought him home again.
After a brief service in the navy, he acquired an education; and subsequently again sailed the seas as a shipmaster. In 1826 he had acquired a fortune of nearly a quarter of a million of dollars in silver in Mexico, of which he was robbed by Mexican bandits. In 1832 he settled in Alton; and there became a successful wholesale merchant. Gradually the plans of an institution for religious and mental education of girls and young women took shape in his mind; and in 1838 Monticello seminary opened its doors, to which institution he gave over one hundred thousand dollars. He died Aug. 13, 1862, in Godfrey, Ill.