Joseph R. Bodwell

Joseph R. Bodwell

Joseph Robinson Bodwell (born June 18, 1818 in Methuen , Essex County , Massachusetts , †  December 15, 1887 in Hallowell , Maine ) was an American politician and in 1887 governor of the state of Maine.

Career

Joseph Bodwell attended local schools in his home in Massachusetts. He earned his first money with his brother-in-law as a farm helper and shoemaker. He later worked as a stonemason. He soon succeeded in acquiring two companies in this branch and running them himself. In doing so, he became one of the largest manufacturers of granite stones in the entire United States.

Between 1869 and 1871, Bodwell was Mayor of Hallowell Parish. He also spent two legislative terms in the local council of this place. In 1886 he was elected as the Republican Party candidate for the new governor of Maine.

Bodwell took up his new office on January 5, 1887. During his brief tenure, laws were passed to improve working conditions. A welfare program for children was also launched. There was no time for Bodwell for further reforms. He died on December 15, 1887 and was therefore less than a year in office.

Web links

• Joseph Bodwell in the National Governors Association (English)
• The governors of Maine (English)

• Joseph R. Bodwell in the database of Find a Grave (English)