John A. Goodwin
John Abbot Goodwin was an American educator,[2] journalist, author and politician who served as a member, and from 1860 to 1861, as the Speaker of the Massachusetts House of Representatives.[1]
John Abbot Goodwin | |
|---|---|
| Speaker of the Massachusetts House of Representatives | |
| In office 1860–1861 | |
| Preceded by | Charles Hale |
| Succeeded by | Alexander H. Bullock |
| Member of the Massachusetts House of Representatives | |
| In office 1859–1861 | |
| Member of the Massachusetts House of Representatives | |
| In office 1859–1861 | |
| Personal details | |
| Born | May 21, 1824 Sterling, Massachusetts |
| Died | September 24, 1884 (aged 60) |
| Spouse | Martha Fisher[1] |
| Children | William Bradford Goodwin[2] |
| Profession | Educator, journalist[2] |
Family life edit
Goodwin was the brother of American writer Jane G. Austin.[3] Goodwin married Martha Fisher of Sudbury, Massachusetts,[1] they had a son, William Bradford Goodwin.[2]
Teaching career edit
Goodwin was a teacher for many years[2] 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.[2]
Journalist career edit
Goodwin was involved in the management of the Lawrence Courier.[2] In 1854 Goodwin moved to Lowell to take over the running of the Lowell Courier.[2] After working for a year[2] at the Courier[2] Goodwin became the editor[2][1] of the Lowell Daily Citizen and News.[5] Goodwin spent two tears as editor of the Daily Citizen and News.[2]
Public service career edit
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.[2] 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.[2]
Lowell Postmaster edit
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.[2]
Death and burial edit
Goodwin died on September 24, 1884, he was buried in the cemetery in south Sudbury, Massachusetts[6]
References edit
- ^ a b c d Hudson, Alfred Sereno (1889). The History of Sudbury, Massachusetts 1639 — 1889. Sudbury, Massachusetts: Town of Sudbury. p. 442.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o Old Residents' Historical Association (January 1904). Contributions of the Old Residents' Historical Association, Lowell, Mass: Organized December 21, 1868, Volume VI. Lowell, Massachusetts: Old Residents' Historical Association of Lowell. p. 204.
- ^ Old Residents' Historical Association (January 1904). Contributions of the Old Residents' Historical Association, Lowell, Mass: Organized December 21, 1868, Volume VI. Lowell, Massachusetts: Old Residents' Historical Association of Lowell. p. 205.
- ^ The Spectator, Volumes 62-63, 1889
- ^ Old Residents' Historical Association (January 1904). Contributions of the Old Residents' Historical Association, Lowell, Mass: Organized December 21, 1868, Volume VI. Lowell, Massachusetts: Old Residents' Historical Association of Lowell. p. 332.
- ^ Epitaphs from Burial Hill, Plymouth, Massachusetts, from 1657 to 1892, With Biographical and Historical Notes
External links edit
- The Pilgrim Republic: An historical review of the colony of New Plymouth