Harold Godsforth

## SaintHaroldthe Humble

**Harold Jonah Godsforth Sr.** (20 Aging Star 986CE/20 March 986 – 21 Old Earth 56FE/21 October 1056) was a Southambian republican political leader, and statesman who served as the 1st Magistrate of Southambia from 20FE to 30FE. Godsforth was the president of the 17FE Constitutional Convention, which saw the reformation of Southambia's antiquated tribal system of government to a modern republican system of government. Godsforth has been called the "Father of his Country" for his influence in the establishment of modern-day Southambia, and has been the source of inspiration for many republican movements throughout Southambia and Axrorough.

Born into an affluent and influential farming family as *Harold Jonah Gotsforth* on 20 Aging Star 986CE in Tabrad to Jonah Gotsforth, Godsforth received primary and secondary education. Godsforth would further receive tertiary education at the University of Tabrad earning a master's degree in both law and history. After receiving his education, Godsforth chose not to continue family tradition by working at the Gotsforth Foundation Plantation, rather instead choosing to become involved in politics. Godsforth first political endeavour would be in the Tabrad Tribal Council, which had still been administering the government and economic affairs of Tabrad following Southambian reunification. In 16FE, Godsforth was named as one of the members of the 17FE Constitutional Convention. Godsforth would be elected to serve as the convention's president. During his time as the convention's president, Godsforth swayed to vote in favour of a more republican government.

After the ratification of the federal constitution of Southambia, Godsforth announced his intentions to run for Magistrate of Southambia. Throughout the entire election period, Godsforth was the favoured candidate over Jonathan Kingsjerld. On 2 Ending Earth 19FE, Godsforth would be elected 65% of the total votes. Godsforth would be inaugurated on 20 Beginnings 20FE, becoming the first magistrate in Southambian history. Godsforth would be re-elected in 24FE. Godsforth would serve two terms as Magistrate, leaving office on 20 Beginnings 30FE when he was succeeded by Stephen Gofths. Godsforth's term is generally regarded as one of the most productive terms of any Southambian magistrate. During Godsforth's term, the economy was established, and economic growth occurred almost immediately, the Southambian Regune was adopted, a national education system that put emphasis on the teaching of science and mathematics was established, and many other landmark achievements. Godsforth is ranked as one of the three most successful and popular Magistrates in Southambian history.

After his term as Magistrate, Godsforth continued to serve in public office. Godsforth would serve in the Provincial Council of Tabrad. Godsforth would serve as the chairman of the Provincial Council until his permanent retirement in 46FE. Godsforth has been memorialised in monuments, art, geographical locations, and currency. In 1;3E, Godsforth was canonised as *Saint Harold the Humble* by the Church of Southambia.

## Personal life

### Early life and family

Harold was born as *Harold Jonah Gotsforth* on 20 Aging Star 986CE in Tabrad to Jonah Gotsforth. At the time of Harold's birth, the house of Godsforth wielded significant influence over the politics of the reunified Southambia. Harold would also be born into a comfortable lifestyle as the house of Godsforth was affluent.

Unlike previous members of the house of Godsforth, including his father, Harold did not work on the Gotsforth Foundation Plantation growing up as regulations set up by the early Southambian Tribal Communal Council prohibited child labour. Although the reunified Southambia was no longer a monarchy, it still permitted titles of nobility. Harold's father, Jonah, choose to grant Harold his title and style following his death. However, by the time that Jonah died, Harold rejected taking the title and style. Harold chose to not accept the title nor pass it down onto his children, effectively making the title go extinct.

Godsforth married Haydée Kingsjerld in 7FE, and had three children with her: Donovan Williams (b. 11FE), Harold Jonah Jr. (b. 12FE), and Leonard Harold Sr. (b. 20FE).

### Education

Godsforth received primary, secondary, and tertiary education. Godsforth would attend the University of Tabrad where he would become a master in both law and history.

## Magistrate of Southambia

*Main Article: Magistracy of Harold Godsforth*

### Inauguration

*Main Article: First inauguration of Harold Godsforth*

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## Post-Magistracy

### Tabrad Provincial Council

After serving as Magistrate of Southambia, Godsforth would serve as the chairman of the Provincial Council of Tabrad.

### Tabrad Militia

Godsforth was one of many militia commanders partaking in the Southambian skirmishes with nearby mountain tribes. Godsforth led a company of the Tabrad Militia during the skirmishes. Godsforth is credited with 7 victories over the mountain tribes. This would be the only time during Godsforth's life where he would command or be part of an armed force.

### Death

Godsforth died on the 21st of Old Earth 56FE at the age of 70 in Bambelister where he had retired. He was accompanied by his sons Donovan Godsforth and his children, Harold Godsforth Jr. and his children, Leonard Godsforth Sr., his wife Haydée Godsforth, and his closest political allies.

He was buried in Tabrad following a 10-day state funeral.

## Legacy

### Deification

*Main Article: Disciples of Harold Godsforth*

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## Notes

1. ↑ Harold Godsforth was born with the surname *Gotsforth*, but later changed it to *Godsforth*.
2. ↑ Godsforth was canonised by the Church of Southambia as *Saint Harold the Humble*.