Governor Icabod Goodwin

ICABOD GOODWIN, the thirty-fifth governor of New Hampshire, was born in North Berwick, Maine on October 10, 1794. His education was limited and attained in the common schools of his native state. After moving to Portsmouth, New Hampshire, Goodwin established a successful career as a businessman. He became the owner of several banks, railroads, boats, and a textile factory. Goodwin first entered politics as a member of the New Hampshire House of Representatives, a position he held in 1838, 1843, 1844, 1850, 1854 and 1856. He also served as a member of the 1850 state constitutional convention. Goodwin next secured the Republican gubernatorial nomination, and was elected governor by a popular vote in 1859. He was reelected to a second term in 1860. During his tenure, the common pleas court was disbanded; the state supreme court duties were strengthened; regulations in the railroad industry were promoted; the extension of slavery was contested; and troops and provisions were raised for service in the Civil War. After running unsuccessfully for reelection, Goodwin retired from political office. Governor Icabod Goodwin passed away on July 4, 1882, and was buried in the South Church Cemetery in Portsmouth, New Hampshire.