Goodenow Family Genealogy & History

Bob Goodenow, born on October 29, 1952, in Dearborn, Michigan, is a prominent American lawyer known for his influential role as the executive director of the NHL Players Association from 1992 to 2005. A Harvard University graduate, Goodenow succeeded Alan Eagleson and was instrumental in leading significant labor negotiations, including a 10-day strike and a 103-day lockout. His tenure also saw the cancellation of the 2004–05 NHL season due to labor disputes. After stepping down in 2005, he contributed to the formation of the Kontinental Hockey League, rivaling the NHL, under the guidance of Russian businessman Alexander Medvedev.

John Milton Goodenow (1782 – 1838) was a distinguished American lawyer and politician, renowned for his brief yet impactful tenure as a U.S. Representative from Ohio (1829-1830) and his subsequent appointment as a judge of the Supreme Court of Ohio. A Jacksonian, Goodenow also served as a presidential elector for Andrew Jackson in 1832. His contributions to American jurisprudence include his seminal publication, "Historical Sketches of the Principles and Maxims of American Jurisprudence," which critically examined the English common law's influence on American legal principles.

Rufus King Goodenow was a prominent figure in 19th-century American politics, known for his service as a United States representative from Maine. Born on April 24, 1790, in Henniker, New Hampshire, Goodenow moved to Brownfield, Maine, where he engaged in agricultural pursuits. He made significant contributions as a captain in the Thirty-third Regiment during the War of 1812 and later served as a clerk of the Oxford County Courts. A dedicated Whig, he was elected to the Thirty-first Congress, serving from 1849 to 1851, and was a delegate at the Whig National Convention in 1839. Goodenow also practiced law in Maine, further solidifying his influence in the state.

Rufus K. Goodenow was part of a family that included his brother, Robert Goodenow. The family relocated from New Hampshire to Brownfield, Maine, in 1802, which marked the beginning of Goodenow's long-standing connection to the state. He eventually settled in Paris, Maine, in 1821, where he continued his professional and political endeavors until his death on March 24, 1863.

Robert Goodenow was a prominent U.S. Representative from Maine, serving in the Thirty-second Congress from 1851 to 1853 as a member of the Whig Party. His career highlights include his role as county attorney from 1828 to 1834 and his appointment as State Bank Commissioner in 1857. He also served as County Treasurer of Franklin County between 1866 and 1868, and again as County Attorney in 1869 and 1870, before becoming Treasurer of Franklin County Savings Bank until his death in 1874. Goodenow's extensive legal career and political contributions in Maine underscore his significance in 19th-century American politics.

Robert Goodenow was born on April 19, 1800, in Henniker, New Hampshire, and moved with his parents to Brownfield, Maine, in 1802. His brother, Rufus King Goodenow, also held notable positions. The family relocated early in his life, providing the foundation for Robert's education and eventual career in law and politics.