Celebrating the life of Nannie Ann Godwin Figgat (1835-1919) is a deep dive into 19th century culture. At that time written correspondence was the norm and she was the unwitting historian of the Godwin and Figgat families from 1835-1885. She saved the letters to and from her mother, Martha Mary Godwin (1814-1891), her father, Thomas G. Godwin (1809-1885), and her husband, Charlie Miles Figgat (1836-1899). The result is a book published in 2013 by the Botetourt County Historical Society, Inc., “Dear Nannie….yours devotedly, Charlie.”
This picture of her is on the cover. It was researched for three years and written by Dr. Gail McMillian and Dr. Jean C. Robbins. The tragic love story is included in letters along with local history, her diary and popular recipes from the 1800s. The book is available in the Museum bookstore. Nannie is buried in Godwin Cemetery next to the Fincastle United Methodist Church along with Godwin relatives for whom the cemetery is named. The Figgat house at 322 West Main Street, Fincastle, was just lovingly restored by Donald and Caroline Naysmith.
~ Botetourt County Museum of History & Culture
