George B. Goodwin facts for kids
George Benjamin Goodwin (born December 18, 1834 – died May 1, 1886) was an American lawyer. He served one term in the Wisconsin State Assembly as a Republican representative for Menasha in 1860.
Early Life and Education
George Benjamin Goodwin was born in Livingston County, New York, on December 18, 1834. His father was a blacksmith who later built carriages. George went to a local school in Mount Morris, New York.
In 1851, he started college at Genesee College. After some time, he and other students moved to Williams College in Massachusetts. Later, they returned to Genesee College and he graduated in 1854.
After college, he taught at a school for a year. Then, he studied law at Albany Law School and became a lawyer. In 1856, he married Harriet C. Decker. They moved west and settled in Menasha, Wisconsin, in May 1856.
Public Service and Military Role
George Benjamin Goodwin was very active in politics. He helped start the first Republican club in Menasha. He also worked hard during the 1856 United States presidential election to support John C. Frémont.
In 1859, people elected him to represent northern Winnebago County in the Wisconsin State Assembly. He was in charge of the committee that handled printing for the Assembly.
When the American Civil War began in 1862, George Goodwin helped organize a group of soldiers. This group became the 41st Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry Regiment. He served as a colonel in this regiment.
After the war, he moved to Milwaukee. There, he worked for the United States government as an assessor for internal revenue. In 1882, he ran for Congress as a candidate for the Trades Assembly.
George Benjamin Goodwin passed away on May 1, 1886, in Milwaukee.
