His father built up the area around Totowa, now known as Paterson, New Jersey, building the Godwin Hotel and creating the first stage coach line for tourists to travel to the Passaic Falls.

Abraham Godwin married Mary Maria Munson on July 3, 1783, in the First Presbyterian Church in Morristown, New Jersey.

They had nine children, Phebe, Henry, Caleb, Susanna, Abraham, Maria, Catharine, Elizabeth, and Margaret.

Abraham's father joined the American cause in early 1776 and was captain of Marines stationed on board the USS Lady Washington in New York City.

Knowing the topography of New Jersey, they led George Washington's army to Totowa where he stayed at the Godwin Hotel.

In the spring, Abraham, Henry, and David were ordered to Fort Montgomery to lay a chain across the North River.

David was ordered to send for help, Henry was captured by the British, and Abraham jumped into the Hudson and swam to shore.

While he was Treasury Secretary he led the Society for Establishing Useful Manufactures and they decided on the newly named Paterson.

[9] Abraham quickly rose to the rank of brigadier general because of his time in the New Jersey State Legislature.

From Wyckoff through Midland Park and ending at Ridgewood another Godwin Avenue exists, formerly known as Godwinville Road.