Edward E. Goodwyn

Edward Everard Goodwyn
Member of the Virginia Senate from the 6th district
In office 1945–1947
Preceded by	Garland Gray
Succeeded by	Garland Gray
Personal details
Born	September 26, 1874 Greensville, Virginia, U.S.
Died	April 29, 1961 Richmond, Virginia
Political party	Democratic
Spouse(s)	Lucille Grigg
Alma mater	Franklin Academy
Religion	Episcopalian
Military service
Allegiance	United States
Service/branch	United States Army
Years of service	1914-1919, 1936-1940
Rank	Brigadier General
Unit	Virginia Militia
Battles/wars	First World War

Edward Everard Goodwyn (September 26, 1902 – April 29, 1961) (nicknamed "E.E.") was a Southside Virginia militia leader and real estate and insurance executive who served as a Democratic short-term member of the Virginia Senate representing his native Greensville, Suffolk and Surry Counties.^[1] Goodwyn was appointed to the unexpired term of state senator Garland Gray when Gray announced his retirement to work with the family business. Two years later, Goodwyn announced his retirement and Gray resumed the seat.

Early life

Goodwyn was born in Greensville County, Virginia to Daniel Everard Goodwyn (who could trace his descent to the English nobleman Henry of Buckinghamshire as well as to Peter Goodwyn who served in the American Revolutionary War and U.S. Congress) and his wife, the former Fanny Hayes. Young Edward had two siblings and was educated in the local public schools and at Franklin Academy. He married Lucille Grigg, who died, and then in 1908 married Annabelle Powell. He had several children.^[2]

Military career

At age 19, Goodwyn enlisted as a private in the Fourth Virginia Volunteer Infantry in Franklin, Virginia, and established a similar organization when he moved to Emporia in 1895. He was elected second lieutenant of the Greenville Guards (Emporia being the County Seat) in 1900, successively rising in the militia ranks to become a Major of the Norfolk and Tidewater infantry companies in 1912. Goodwyn served in France during World War I, rising to colonel of the 29th Division.

After his discharge, he commanded the state American Legion (1922-1923) and served on its national executive committee 1923-1925.^[3] He was commissioned Brigadier General in the Virginia Militia in 1934. On December 1, 1940 Governor James Hubert Price designated Goodwyn to organize the Virginia Protective Force, a position he held throughout World War II.

Career

In civilian life, Goodwyn was a real estate and insurance agent, starting that business in Emporia in 1895. He became a cashier of the Greensville Bank in 1897, but gave that up to concentrate on his insurance business, which became one of the largest in Southside Virginia. In 1902 he became a vice president of the newly organized Farmers and Merchants Bank in Emporia, as well as led efforts to electrify the county seat. Goodwyn served on the local school board (as its chairman for 10 years) and chaired the Greenville County Democratic Committee. He also served on the vestry of his Episcopal Church, on the board of the Jackson-Field Episcopal Home for Girls and on the board of directors of the Emporia Federal Savings and Loan Association, Citizens National Bank, the Citizens Road League and as chairman of the Route 301 Highway Association. He was executive of the local chamber of commerce and on the board of the state organization, as well as active in the Masons, Odd Fellows, Sons of the American Revolution, Shriners and Kiwanis.

Political career

Goodwyn was appointed to fill the unexpired term of Garland Gray, who announced his retirement in 1945 in order to handle the family business. Goodwyn announced his retirement before the next election in 1947, and Garland Gray once again ran for the office and resumed what had been his seat.

Death and legacy

Goodwyn died on April 29, 1961 and was buried in Emporia.^[4] A historical marker was erected in his memory.^[5]

References