The Portland daily press., 1885-02-24
Gel. YYiIIinm 1snn.Imin-


Col William Goodwin, a soldier of the war
Of 1872, and for several years before its disso-
luton secretary of the society of Vetesan sur
vivors OF that war, died at his home in Chel-
sea, Mass, Sunday, at the advanced age of SS
years and days. He was born at Buxton
Feb. 10, 1884, and was educated there, quite
thoroughly for th5 times, at the public school
and academy. During the war the State
militia we're called out to guard the coast
against threatened British invasions when he
joined the force as a drummer boy, and con-
tiuued in the service until safety was assured
and the force disbanded. At the age of II he
left Buxton for Calais, where for two years he
taught school and then embarked ia business
as q surveyor Of lumber, combining this en-
ployment with mercantile pursuits. When
quite young man he represented Calais in
the Legislature. He associated himself with
the military organizations of this State and
won the title of Lieutenant Colonel. He was
made postmaster during Van Buren's admins
tration, holding the Office until the election of
Harrison in 1S4O, filling the Office to the accept
ance OF his opponents, with whom he was right
in everything but his politics. In all his pub.
lie business and social relations his conduct
was upright and exemplary. He became when
quite young man much interested in Free
masonry, and was initiated into the order at
st. Stephen, N. B., in 1913, becoming w. M.
offs Croix Lodge in 1926, and was subse-
quently Deputy Grand Master of the fraternity
In Maine, filling all the offices to which he
was called with great ability. He likewise
took the capitular degrees in the st. Stephen
Il. A. Chapter in 1888. Leaving mercantile
business he became concerned in the express
| business then commencing, and started the
Goodwin Express between Boston and Calais,
extending to the Provinces via the Boston and
st. John boats, and afterwards became agent
OF the International Steamboat Company run
ming between Boston and the Provinces. This
business called him to Boston between 1850
and 1855, when he located in Chelsea, continu-
ing In their service during the existence of the
company, and in the general Eastern express
business with efficiency and integrity. On GO
ing to Chelsea he commenced affiliation with
the Masons. Joining the Star OF Bethlehem
Lodge IN lo06, ,and was one OF the charter men,
bers Of r. A. Chapter of the Sheknah, then
about to be constituted Upon its formation
| ne Joined Palestine COmmandery of Knights
| Iemplar, and was a Jealous worker in that
body, and also was member of the NapthuH
Council of Select Masters of Chelsea. A con-
| nection with the fraternity for 81 years may
| entitle him to the distinction Of being, at his
| death, the "oldest Mason in New England, or
| at least in Massachusetts. After his office OF
| steamboat agent had ceased he retired almost
| altogether from business but was appointed
assistant internal revenue officer under Collec-
| tor Sargent OF Boston, in which position he re-
malned until an accident, in discharge of his
| duties, Withdrew him for time, when on re-
turning hs found his Office filled by another
After this he did but little, and IS his life had
not 0een very prosperous financially he lived
| In close retirement. His habit was cheerful
| and sickness, loss and disappointment could
not subdue his spirit, and thus he continued
until the last, visited by his brethren and