Charles Goodyear (politician)

Goodyear was born in Buttsville, New York|Cobleskill, New York]] on April 26, 1804. He attended the Hartwick Academy in Otsego County and graduated from Union College, Schenectady, New York in 1824. He studied law with Henry Hamilton, was admitted to the bar in 1826 and commenced practice with Hamilton in Schoharie, New York.

A Democrat, he was appointed first judge of Schoharie County in February 1838 and served until July 1847. In 1840 he also served in the New York State Assembly.

Goodyear was elected to the United States House of Representatives and served in the 29th (March 4, 1845 – March 3, 1847). He resumed the practice of law in Schoharie, and in 1852 established the Schoharie County Bank, of which he was president.

In 1864 Goodyear was again elected to the U.S. House, and he served in the 39th Congress (March 4, 1865 – March 3, 1867). He was not a candidate for renomination in 1866 and resumed the practice of law.

Goodyear was a delegate to the National Union Convention in 1866 and to the 1868 Democratic National Convention.

In 1868 an investment bank in which Goodyear was a partner, Goodyear Brothers & Durand, became insolvent. After liquidating his New York assets and property to help pay the firm's debts, in 1869 Goodyear retired to Charlottesville, Virginia. He practiced law in Virginia and also served as judge of the Albemarle County Court.

Goodyear died in Charlottesville on April 9, 1876, and was interred in Maplewood Cemetery.

• United States Congress. "Charles Goodyear (id: G000307)". Biographical Directory of the United States Congress.
• Charles Goodyear at Find a Grave