Charles E. Godwin was born on Johnston County, North Carolina, on December 9, 1857. Godwin was a businessman and accountant in the Thomasville community of Davidson County. In 1906, he was elected to serve as clerk of the Davidson County superior court, which position he retained via election until 1918. He served as a town commissioner for Lexington from 1919 until his resignation in 1921. Godwin died in Smithville (Brunswick County) on September 22, 1929.