George Jervis Goodhue 1799 - 1870	George Jervis Goodhue began as an American peddler and became one of London's wealthiest businessmen.  He owned a General Store but he also made money in land speculation and mortgages. Putney, Vermont was the birthplace of Goodhue, on August 1, 1799.  When he first came to Canada, he settled in the Byron area where he opened  a General Store.  However, as London at the Forks was being settled, he moved his store to the Courthouse square in 1830.  He was also the Postmaster for London until 1852.    In 1840, he was elected first president of London Village's Board of Police.  Later he became a member of the Legislative Council of the Province of Canada (like being a senator today) and he continued to exercise great control over politics and business in London.  He died January 11, 1870 as London was about to enter a progressive era of change.  St. Paul's Cathedral has a memorial stained glass window to this man whom some people call London's first millionaire.
Home  Timeline   Biocards  Buildings  Education  More Info  Teachers
More Information: The Forest City An Illustrated History of London, Canada by Frederick H. Armstrong

The London and Middlesex Historical Society