John A. Goodwin

John Abbot Goodwin
Speaker of the Massachusetts House of Representatives
In office 1860–1861
Preceded by	Charles Hale
Succeeded by	Alexander H. Bullock
Member of the Massachusetts House of Representatives
In office 1859–1861
Member of the Massachusetts House of Representatives
In office 1859–1861
Personal details
Born	May 21, 1824 Sterling, Massachusetts
Died	September 24, 1884
Spouse(s)	Martha Fisher
Children	William Bradford Goodwin
Profession	Educator, journalist

John Abbot Goodwin was a U.S. educator, journalist and politician who served as a member, and from 1860 to 1861, as the Speaker of the Massachusetts House of Representatives.

Goodwin was the brother of American writer Jane G. Austin. Goodwin married Martha Fisher of Sudbury, Massachusetts, they had a son, William Bradford Goodwin.

Goodwin was a teacher for many years. Goodwin was for a time the superintendent of schools of Lawrence, Massachusetts.

Goodwin was involved in the management of the Lawrence Courier. In 1854 Goodwin moved to Lowell to take over the running of the Lowell Courier. After working for a year at the Courier Goodwin became the editor of the Lowell Daily Citizen and News. Goodwin spent two tears as editor of the Daily Citizen and News.

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. 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.

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.

Goodwin died on September 24, 1884, he was buried in the cemetery in south Sudbury, Massachusetts

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