Colonel William A. Phillips

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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. ^ a b c d Hudson, Alfred Sereno (1889). The History of Sudbury, Massachusetts 1639 — 1889. Sudbury, Massachusetts: Town of Sudbury. p. 442.
  2. ^ 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.
  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 Speaker of the Massachusetts House of Representatives
1860 — 1861
Succeeded by

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