Ichabod Goodwin

Ichabod Goodwin ( born October 10, 1794 in North Berwick, York County, Maine; † July 4, 1882 in Portsmouth, New Hampshire ) was an American politician and 1859-1861 Governor of the State of New Hampshire.

Early years and political rise

Goodwin attended the local schools of his home. After his move to Portsmouth in New Hampshire, he worked for a merchant. But he made ​​himself very soon independently and became a successful businessman. To 1832, he was the owner of two railroad companies, two banks and a textile factory. He was also involved in the construction of steamboats.

At the beginning of his political career Goodwin was a member of the Whig party. Between 1838 and 1856 he was several times delegate in the House of Representatives from New Hampshire. In 1850 he was a member of a committee to revise the constitution. In 1856 he ran as a candidate of the Whigs still unsuccessfully for the governorship. He was thus the last Whig who competed in New Hampshire at this office. His party broke up shortly thereafter, and Goodwin joined the new Republican Party.

Governor of New Hampshire

In 1859, Goodwin was elected governor of his state. He took up his new post on June 2, 1859 and was for a re-election in 1860 until June 6, 1861 remain in this office. During his tenure, the court system was reorganized. Among other things, the appellate courts were abolished and their functions to the Supreme Court of the State ( State Supreme Court ) incorporated. The railroad laws were also revised at that time. At the national level, the governor was against the expansion of slavery. The last months of his term were determined by the events of the civil war erupted in April 1861. He came the calls of the federal government to support the war effort in full measure by and vouched personally for loans that were needed for the installation of two regiments.

Further CV

After he had tried unsuccessfully in 1861 to be confirmed in his position, to Ichabod Goodwin retired from politics and devoted himself to his private affairs in Portsmouth. He is also passed in 1882. Governor Goodwin was married to Sarah Parker Rice, with whom he had seven children.