Fremont Goodwine collection

Fremont Goodwine was born in West Lebanon, Indiana in 1857. He enrolled at Purdue in 1874, being one of the thirteen members of the first freshman class at Purdue. Fremont’s decision to attend Purdue was influenced by his father, who was close personal friends with its founder, John Purdue.

After graduating from Purdue in 1878, Fremont worked in the public school system in Indiana. He spent six years as a teacher, before going on to spend another 8 years as a principal, and finally some time as the county superintendent of education.

After education, Fremont spent some time in politics, where he was elected to the Indiana State Senate in 1897 and served for twelve years. He served as President pro tem for one session, and chairman of the finance and budget committees for four sessions. Fremont also ran an unsuccessful race for Lt. Governor of Indiana in 1908.

In 1909, Fremont and his family moved to Natchez, Mississippi, and in the following year they moved again to a cotton plantation outside St. Joseph, Louisiana. Fremont served as postmaster in St. Joseph for some time, before retiring to his planation, where he lived out the rest of his days. Fremont passed away in his home on August 25, 1956.