Thomas Aikin Goodwin papers

Young Goodwin was the first student from outside the town of Greencastle, and his appearance was an inspiration and incentive to those who were guiding the destinies of this new Methodist university, Indiana Asbury. Three years later, in June of 1840, Mr. Goodwin had the honor of being the first to receive a diploma and a degree; only four diplomas were granted in that first graduating class. Following graduation, Mr. Goodwin entered the Methodist ministry, serving in the Indiana Conference for eight years. He was then elected president of the Madison Female Seminary, a post he held four years. For two years he was president of Brookville College and then entered the field of journalism. Mr. Goodwin died in Indianapolis on June 19, 1906. The cane which he carried in his old age was presented to DePauw by members of the family and is now a part of DePauw tradition. The Goodwin Memorial Cane is passed in succession to the oldest living alumnus of the class of 1868.