A Naval Biographical Dictionary/Godden, Joseph Shaw
GODDEN. (Lieut., 1815. f-p., 33; h-p., 11.)
Joseph Shaw Godden, born about 1791, is brother of Lieut. G. H. Godden, R.N.
This officer entered the Navy, 24 Nov. 1803, as Fst.-cl. Vol., on board the Puissant 74, Capt. John Irwin, lying at Spithead; and, from July, 1804, until Feb. 1812, served, nearly the whole time as Midshipman and Master’s Mate, in the Avenger 18, Capts. Thos. White and Urry Johnson. During that period he assisted in sinking Le Hazard privateer of 14 guns and 70 men, and witnessed the capture, in May, 1809, of the island of Anholt. He was afterwards employed, as Acting-Master, Midshipman, and Master’s Mate, in the Wanderer 24, Capt. Eras. Newcombe, Gorgon 44, Capt. Alex. Milner, Rainbow 28, Capt. Geo. Henry Guion, Sparrowhawk 18, Capt. Jas. Pringle, Barfleur 98, Capts. Sir Edw. Berry and John Maitland, and Quebec, Lieut.-Commander Robt. Scallon. In the Barfleur Mr. Godden participated in Sir Edw. Pellew’s two actions with the French fleet off Toulon, 5 Nov. 1813, and 13 Feb. 1814. His promotion to the rank of Lieutenant taking place 3 Feb. 1815, wa next find him, while officiating, from 1824 to 1829, as Agent for Transports Afloat, supplying the squadron in the Pacific with provisions, then bringing home Mr. Ricketts, H.M. Consul at Peru, and altogether acquiring a very enviable reputation. On 8 June, 1831, he rejoined the Transport Service, but left it again in Jan. 1832. With the exception of a command, from 4 Sept. 1838 to Oct. 1843, of the Stag Revenue-cruizer, during which period he effected the capture of not fewer than 17 smuggling-vessels, Lieut. Godden has been employed in the Coast Guard ever since 24 Oct. 1834.
He married, 3 Sept. 1816, Harriet, daughter of Thos. Radcliffe, Esq., late Builder’s Assistant at Portsmouth Dockyard, by whom he has issue five children.