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John N. Goodwin

John Noble Goodwin
John Noble Goodwin.jpg
1st Governor of Arizona Territory
In office
December 29, 1863 – April 10, 1866
Nominated by Abraham Lincoln
Succeeded by Richard C. McCormick
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives
from Maine's 1st district
In office
March 4, 1861 – March 3, 1863
Preceded by Daniel E. Somes
Succeeded by Lorenzo De Medici Sweat
Delegate to the U.S. House of Representatives from Arizona Territory
In office
January 17, 1866 – March 3, 1867
Preceded by Charles Debrille Poston
Succeeded by Coles Bashford
Member of the Maine Senate
In office
1854
Personal details
Born (1824-10-18)October 18, 1824
South Berwick, Maine
Died April 29, 1887(1887-04-29) (aged 62)
Paraiso Springs, Monterey County, California
Nationality American
Political party Republican
Spouse(s) Susan Howard Robinson
Profession Attorney

John Noble Goodwin (October 18, 1824 – April 29, 1887) was a United States attorney and politician who served as the first Governor of Arizona Territory. He was also a Congressman from Maine and served as Arizona Territory's delegate to the United States House of Representatives.

Goodwin was born on October 18, 1824, in South Berwick, Maine, to John and Mary (Noble) Goodwin. He was educated at Berwick Academy and graduated from Dartmouth College in 1844. Following graduation, Goodwin studied law and was admitted to the bar in 1848. He then began a law practice in South Berwick. Goodwin married Susan Howard Robinson of Augusta, Maine, on October 27, 1857. The couple had three children, Susie Robinson, Richard Emery, and Howard Robinson, the youngest born on November 7, 1863.

Goodwin began his political career in 1854 with his election to the Maine Senate. This was followed in 1860 with a successful run for the U.S. House of Representatives. Though considered hard-working and likable with a moderate approach, Goodwin's single term as a Congressman was described as "undistinguished". He was defeated by 127 votes in his 1862 reelection bid.

Following his defeat, Goodwin began looking for another federal posting. He was supported in the effort by U.S. Senators William P. Fessenden and Lot M. Morrill, both of Maine, along with several former colleagues from the House of Representatives. On March 6, 1863, following passage of the Arizona Organic Act, President Lincoln appointed Goodwin as Chief Justice of Arizona Territory. When John A. Gurley, Lincoln's initial appointee for Governor of Arizona Territory, died on August 19, 1863, Goodwin was selected to fill the open position.


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