Windsor

GOODWIN, Elam Marsh

Men of Vermont: Illustrated Biographical History of Vermonters & Sons of 
Vermont. Ullery. Brattleboro: Transcript Publishing Company, 1894, p 161

Elam Marsh GOODWIN, late of Hartland [Windsor County, Vermont], was born in 
Plainfield [Washington County, Vermont], son of Israel and Betsey (MELENDY) 
GOODWIN. Educated [in Vermont] at the common schools of Plainfield, the 
People's Academy of Morrisville [Lamoille County]; and Green Mountain Perkins 
Institute of South Woodstock [Windsor County]. In early life he evinced a 
taste for the natural sciences, and was always a great reader and careful 
student in this field. He had collected a very choice and well-selected 
cabinet of minerals, shells, relics, and archaeological curiosities. When he 
was twenty-one he went to the West for a year, but returned well satisfied to 
make Vermont his home. In 1862 he purchased the farm on which he [Elam Marsh 
GOODWIN] resided until his death in 1890. He was a successful teacher both 
before and after he devoted himself to agricultural pursuits, and was a 
valuable member of the State Board of Agriculture. Republican; held many 
official positions; was town superintendent of schools in Hartland, and for 
many years town agent; represented Hartland several times in the House; was 
county commissioner; senator from Windsor County in 1882; was an able and 
fluent speaker. The duties of executor, trustee, guardian, referee, and 
auditor constantly devolved upon him with the increasing confidence of his 
associates. Universalist; maintained a high standard of rectitude among his 
friends and neighbors. Ex-Gov. PINGREE in his memorial address said: "He 
was ranked by all as a man conspicuous for his natural and acquired 
abilities, most of the time filling official positions in his town and county 
and constantly attaining a wider and more pronounced recognition for 
qualities of heart, head, and character as a public man." On 17 March 1869 
Mr. [Elam Marsh] GOODWIN was married to Ellen A., daughter of Seth and Eliza 
Densmore BREWSTER of Hartland [Windsor County, Vermont]. Their only child is 
Fred Marsh.

Submitted by Cathy Kubly