John A. Goodwin Explained

John Abbot Goodwin
Term Start:1860
Term End:1861
Predecessor:Charles Hale
Successor:Alexander H. Bullock
Term Start2:1859
Term End2:1861
Term Start3:1859
Term End3:1861
Birth Date:May 21, 1824
Birth Place:Sterling, Massachusetts
Profession:Educator, journalist
Spouse:Martha Fisher
Children:William Bradford Goodwin

John Abbot Goodwin was an American educator,[1] journalist, author and politician who served as a member, and from 1860 to 1861, as the Speaker of the Massachusetts House of Representatives.

Family life

Goodwin was the brother of American writer Jane G. Austin.[2] Goodwin married Martha Fisher of Sudbury, Massachusetts,[3] they had a son, William Bradford Goodwin.[1]

Teaching career

Goodwin was a teacher for many years[1] and authored the book The Pilgrim Republic: An historical review of the colony of New Plymouth, which was well received upon its publication.[4] Goodwin was for a time the superintendent of schools of Lawrence, Massachusetts.[1]

Journalist career

Goodwin was involved in the management of the Lawrence Courier.[1] In 1854 Goodwin moved to Lowell to take over the running of the Lowell Courier.[1] After working for a year[1] at the Courier[1] Goodwin became the editor[1] [3] of the Lowell Daily Citizen and News.[5] Goodwin spent two tears as editor of the Daily Citizen and News.[1]

Public service career

Goodwin was a member of the Lowell Board of Aldermen for two years, and spent ten consecutive years as a member of the Lowell School Committee.[1] Goodwin was a member of the Massachusetts House of Representatives in 1857 and 1859 to 1861, serving as House Speaker for his last two years.[1]

Lowell Postmaster

On April 12, 1861 Goodwin received an appointment from President Lincoln to the position of postmaster of Lowell, a position that he held for thirteen years.[1]

Death and burial

Goodwin died on September 24, 1884, he was buried in the cemetery in south Sudbury, Massachusetts[6]

External links

Notes and References

  1. Book: Old Residents' Historical Association . January 1904. Contributions of the Old Residents' Historical Association, Lowell, Mass: Organized December 21, 1868, Volume VI. 204. Old Residents' Historical Association of Lowell. Lowell, Massachusetts.
  2. Book: Old Residents' Historical Association . January 1904. Contributions of the Old Residents' Historical Association, Lowell, Mass: Organized December 21, 1868, Volume VI. 205. Old Residents' Historical Association of Lowell. Lowell, Massachusetts.
  3. Book: Hudson, Alfred Sereno . 1889. The History of Sudbury, Massachusetts 1639 - 1889. 442 . Town of Sudbury. Sudbury, Massachusetts.
  4. https://books.google.com/books?id=sLU-AQAAIAAJ&pg=RA1-PA865 The Spectator, Volumes 62-63
  5. Book: Old Residents' Historical Association . January 1904. Contributions of the Old Residents' Historical Association, Lowell, Mass: Organized December 21, 1868, Volume VI. 332 . Old Residents' Historical Association of Lowell. Lowell, Massachusetts.
  6. https://books.google.com/books?id=QgcvAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA279 Epitaphs from Burial Hill, Plymouth, Massachusetts, from 1657 to 1892, With Biographical and Historical Notes