City of Odum, GA

The General Assembly of the State of Georgia incorporated Odum as a town on August 22, 1907. At that time, the corporate limits extended three-fourths of a mile in every direction and the corporate authorities were given the authority to modify, alter, change and rectify the corporate limits. The municipal government of Odum consisted of a mayor and five aldermen. The first mayor was Dr. J.T. Colvin and F.C. Gurr, J.B. Clary, D.I. Carter, J.M. Bloodworth and J.A. Odum were appointed as aldermen. The mayor and aldermen had the power and authority to elect marshals, clerks, treasurer and other necessary officers to properly carry on the affairs of Odum; prescribe the duties and fix the compensation of such officials; make and pass ordinances, by-laws, rules and regulations which are deemed necessary for the good order, peace, health and government of Odum; have exclusive jurisdiction over the streets, alleys, sidewalks, drives, parks and other property of Odum; keeping the same in good order, removing all obstructions of the same at the expenses of the person obstructing; construct and maintain waterworks, drainage and sewage systems, and other modern improvements, issuing bonds to pay for such expenses; establish and regulate police, fire and sanitary protection for Odum; grant municipal franchises; raise revenue by taxation and grant licenses to defray the expense of government; regulate the sale and barter of merchandise within the limits of Odum, and the exhibition of shows. In addition, the mayor and the aldermen have the power to enforce its ordinances, rules and regulations by fines not exceeding fifty ($50.00) dollars, or by imprisonment not exceeding 30 days. Also, they have the authority to levy a special tax for educational purposes.

Godfrey Odum

Godfrey Odum B: 06/22/1832 D: 02/14/1904 On September 6, 1849, the Bulloch County court appointed James Rimes guardian for "Godfrey Odum, the minor orphan child of Mary Odum, deceased." Lived with Ezekiel & Sarah Clifton, in Emmanuel County, GA, per 1850 census.. M: 09/18/1856 Rebecca Moody B:   D: 1897.  Old church records show Mr. Odum, in 1881, deeded .27 acres of land in Odum for the Methodist Church. Odum, Georgia is named in honor of Godfrey Odum. M:2) Victoria Moody  1851-1940