Joseph R. Bodwell

Joseph Robinson Bodwell ( born June 18, 1818 in Methuen, Essex County, Massachusetts, † December 15, 1887 in Hallowell, Maine ) was an American politician and in 1887 governor of the state of Maine.

Career

Joseph Bodwell attended the local schools of his home in Massachusetts. He earned his first money with his brother as a farm helper and shoemaker. Later he worked as a stonemason. Soon, he managed two companies in this industry to acquire and operate themselves. He became one of the largest manufacturers of granite stones in the entire United States.

Between 1869 and 1871 Bodwell was mayor of Hallowell. He also spent two terms in the city council of this place. In 1886 he was elected as a candidate of the Republican Party as the new governor of Maine.

Bodwell took up his new post on January 5, 1887. In his short tenure laws to improve working conditions have been adopted. Also a welfare program for children was launched. For further reforms Bodwell was no more time. He died on 15 December 1887, was therefore less than a year in office.