Joseph R. Bodwell
Encyclopedia
Joseph Robinson Bodwell was an American
politician who most notably served as the 40th Governor of Maine
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on June 18, 1818. He grew up as part of a poor family, and at only eight years old, was sent to live with his older sister's husband, where he worked as a farmhand and, later, shoemaker - a trade he learned during 1835. During the day he would attend school, but had to support himself with his trade at night.
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United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
politician who most notably served as the 40th Governor of Maine
Governor of Maine
The governor of Maine is the chief executive of the State of Maine. Before Maine was admitted to the Union in 1820, Maine was part of Massachusetts and the governor of Massachusetts was chief executive....
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Early life
Bodwell was born in Methuen, MassachusettsMethuen, Massachusetts
Methuen is a city in Essex County, Massachusetts, United States. The population was 43,789 at the 2000 census.-History:Methuen was first settled in 1642 and was officially incorporated in 1726; it is named for the British diplomat Sir Paul Methuen. Methuen was originally part of Haverhill,...
on June 18, 1818. He grew up as part of a poor family, and at only eight years old, was sent to live with his older sister's husband, where he worked as a farmhand and, later, shoemaker - a trade he learned during 1835. During the day he would attend school, but had to support himself with his trade at night.
Business career
In 1838, Bodwell and his father bought a farm in West Methuen. He and his father continued to till it together for ten years. While engaged in this work, Bodwell worked on the project to improve the Merrimack River at Lawrence. A large amount of stone was required for the project. Bodwell was employed to help haul the stone from Pelham, New Hampshire where it was quarried. He learned the stone cutting business. Bodwell eventually became the owner of two stone companies, becoming one of the largest granite producers in the United StatesUnited States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
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Politics
Bodwell became the mayor of Hallowell in 1869. He held that position for two years. He was nominated for the governorship of Maine in 1886 and he won the general election by a popular vote. He was sworn into governor's office on January 5, 1887. During his administration, child welfare programs were advocated and the improvement of labor conditions was endorsed. While still in office, he died on December 15, 1887.Sources
- Sobel, Robert and John Raimo. Biographical Directory of the Governors of the United States, 1789-1978. Greenwood Press, 1988. ISBN 0-313-28093-2