John A. Goodwin

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(1884-09-24) (aged 60)
Spouse	Martha Fisher[1]
Children	William Bradford Goodwin[2]
Profession	Educator, journalist[2]

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]

Family life

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

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

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

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

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

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

References

1. Hudson, Alfred Sereno (1889). The History of Sudbury, Massachusetts 1639 — 1889. Sudbury, Massachusetts: Town of Sudbury. p. 442.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. The Spectator, Volumes 62-63, 1889
5. 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.
6. Epitaphs from Burial Hill, Plymouth, Massachusetts, from 1657 to 1892, With Biographical and Historical Notes

Massachusetts House of Representatives
Preceded by Charles Hale	Speaker of the Massachusetts House of Representatives 1860 — 1861	Succeeded by Alexander H. Bullock

External links

• The Pilgrim Republic: An historical review of the colony of New Plymouth