M.W. James M. Goodwin 1828-1830

JAMES M. GOODWIN.

The previous leader of the Grand Lodge had belonged to Hiram Lodge, No. 1. Now the turn of St. John's, No.4, of Hartford came. James M. Goodwin was born in Hartford, August 24, 1785. His name appears on the Church records as having married Roxana Buckland of East Hartford in 1809, and on the city records as having paid taxes in 1811. He was a merchant from 1810 to 1827, his place of business being on Exchange or Goodwin's Corner. Later he was secretary of the Aetna Fire Insurance Company and also of the Protection Fire Insurance Company.

He was always an active member of Christ Church, a decided Church man, and usually very positive in any views which he entertained. "Plain spoken", has been used as applicable to him, though not indicating ill nature. He was an exceedingly useful man, admirably fitted for certain duties which would be executed with promptness and efficiency. As the first Superintendent of the Sunday School he occupied that position for many years. Mr. Goodwin was one of those who left Christ Church to organize St. John's Church.

The affairs of the city interested him and he was Chief of the Fire Department. The picture we have of him was obtained from the First Company Governor's Foot Guard, of which he was Major in 1819. For a short period he was secretary of the Society for Savings. It is also stated that. the old north building of Washington College (now Trinity) was erected under his supervision.

The records of St. John's Lodge, No.4, of Hartford, show that he affiliated January 24, 1810, but there is no mention as to when he was made. Besides serving as Treasurer for three years, he was Master in 1822 and 1823." In the Grand Lodge he started as Grand Junior Deacon in 1823, becoming Grand Master, May 15, 1829. The two years during which he held the office were the early ones of the Morgan excitement and for that reason the returns to the Grand Lodge were not published while he was Grand Master.

Full of years and accomplishments he passed into the Great Beyond at his home on College Street, March 30, 1870.