Story
Josiah was born in Ripley, Derbyshire in 1838. His parents were Josiah Godber (1804-1872), who worked on engines, and Sarah Fletcher (1810-1887). They had married in Duffield, Derbyshire on 17th June 1833.
Josiah was a coal miner from a young age, and married Harriet Gascoigne (1844-1895) in Delper, Derbyshire in 1863. They had six children, one of whom died in infancy, and after the birth of their last son Arthur (1880-1934) in Somercotes, Derbyshire, the family moved to Micklefield, and Josiah was working at Peckfield Colliery in 1881. By 1891, Josiah was living at 13 Blands Row, and shortly after became Post-Master, with his eldest son John William Godber (1864-1926) working as a clerk in the Post Office. In 1888, Josiah’s daughter Mary Matilda Godber (1867-1946) married John Shillito (1863-1946), whose father George was killed in the disaster.
Josiah was 58 years-old on the day of the disaster. His wife Sarah had died the year before, and Josiah was working both as the Post-Master and as a coal miner. He went down the lift at 7am, and had just started working at the East end of Beeston Bed in No. 49 with three other miners, when he was knocked over by a blast of wind produced by the explosion. After regaining his feet, Josiah met Samuel Grimbley, and told him the pit had fired. Josiah and Samuel met up with Charles Ball’s party of survivors. Josiah stated they made their way on the back return to bottom of No.1 pit, where thankfully they found a little fresh air blowing. He also assisted with helping George Hicks, who had been severely burnt in the explosion. Josiah escaped the pit at 11am, but he was severely ill with afterdamp poisoning. He was taken home, but was unable to sit up and had to be put to bed.
After the disaster, Josiah continued to work in the joint capacity as Post-Master and coal miner, until he retired to 7 Davidson Row. Josiah passed away in 1915 at the age of 77.
30th April 1896. The Peckfield Colliery Disaster at Micklefield 