Benjamin Godfrey Memorial Chapel

It is a peculiarity of the institutions of the United States in contradistinction to the institutions of every other country, that they assimilate different and discordant nationalities. Every year hundreds of thousands of emigrants arrive from different countries, accustomed to other forms of government speaking other languages, observing different customs; yet are absorbed and assimilated into a nationality. In fact we are a nation of foreign elements. Italy has contributed many of her sons since Columbus discovered the islands along our eastern shores. John Castagnetta was born in Genoa, Italy, April 18, 1829. In 18.53, he reached New York to try his fortune in the new world. His first employment was as a railroad hand on the Charleston and Memphis railroad, then as a baker and confectioner, which he learned in Charleston In 1855, he made his way to St. Louis, thence in November to Alton. In 1856, he locited where he now resides, in Godfrey township, where he engaged in the manufacture of wines, brandies, etc., a business he has since prosecuted with great success. He married Julia Gro.«jean, July 4th, 18,58. She was a native of Paris, France, from whence she came to Highland when a child. They have three children living, Louis, James and Louisa. Mr. Castagnetta is prompt, energetic and awake to business.

Passage source: History of Madison County, Illinois ... With Biographical Sketches .., published 1882.

They roomed together, sleeping on a rude sapling bed under which the chickens roosted. As soon as the Bishop and family were comfortably housed, Mr. Merriman left for St. Louis. For nine years he remained here plying his trade, as carpenter and builder. In 1844 he commenced farming operations in St. Louis Co., Missouri. Here he carried with him his devotion and influence as a Christian man, and was the means of establi.*hing a mission at Bridgeton, a town near his home. In 1845 his wife Edith died, leaving to his care one son and one adopted daughter. In 1850 he, accompanied by his son Charles, then fifteen years of age, went to California, crossing the plains e/i route, here he remained two years, returning via the Isthmus and New Orleans, settling finally on the farm in Godfrey township, now occupied by hia son Charles. In 1873 he moved to property purchased by him in North Alton, near the chapel, and devoted much of his time to church labor. He was married to Lucinda Wells on the 15th of December, 1845. He died August 13, 1881. At the time he was Senior Warden in the church in whose success he took so great an interest. For nearly a half century, amid the ups and downs of a more or less wandering life beset by its strong temptations, he was found always faithful and true to his trust. His memory is held in dear esteem by hosts of his friends who knew him, as an honest, upright. Christian man.

Passage source: History of Madison County, Illinois ... With Biographical Sketches .., published 1882.

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